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11-08-2024 | Herman Nekkers | 2 Comments

Volta als Ports d'Andorra: unique and irresistible

At the invitation of the organization, CycloWorld administrator Onno Oudewortel and I visited the Volta als Ports d'Andorra. We did not know beforehand what to expect, but in the end we were surprised in several ways.

Introducing... Volta als Ports d'Andorra

The Volta as Ports is a race with timekeeping on the climbs. The flat sections and the descents are not timed, so a semi-gran fondo. Not favorable for me, but what's against trying this? There are five routes with as many climbs. Route 5 has five climbs, route 1 has one. It's a mix of cols, which you descend on the other side, and dead gradual climbs, which are descended from the same side as the climb.

Andorra is a cycling mecca. The climbs are on a postage stamp, the cycling infrastructure is of a high standard and there is a favorable tax climbate. Not for nothing do 175 cycling pros live in this country. You run into them everywhere.

Perfect accommodation for the discerning cyclist

After a long journey on Thursday, we report to Hotel Nordic in El Tarter. Hostess Anneke settled down in Andorra a long time ago and works at the hotel. It turns out to be a perfect accommodation for the discerning cyclist. Spacious rooms, special bike garage boxes, a large garden with lounge chairs and a swimming pool, excellent breakfast and dinner and very friendly staff. Ex-pro Marcel Wüst also stays here with his team Casa Ciclista. These Germans also come for the Volta as Ports. Marcel is a spontaneous guy who speaks excellent Dutch.

Photo: Hotel Nordic

We are pampered

Friday morning we report to Jorma Bike, a fine bike store in La Vella. Organizer Maria has invited us for a gravel ride and a visit to the bike museum. In the evening it's time for Cirque du Soleil.

On Saturday we take it easy. First we move to Hotel Magic in start town La Massana, 100 meters from the start. We then ride the legs for an hour without significant exertion. Upon picking up the bibs we meet Maria again. The atmosphere on the expo grounds is relaxed, well organized and cozy.

Photo: Onno and I with organizer Maria.

The Volta als Ports d'Andorra

A little before 8:00 I report to the starting box where the participants of route 4 and route 5 are. Onno rides the route 3 which starts at 8:30. When the starting gun sounds, everyone rides off quietly. Timekeeping starts 3.5 kilometers away, so there is no need to rush.

The first climb goes to the Port de Cabús (2306m). A 15-kilometer dead-end climb with a tough middle section. After the start line, everyone rides at pace uphill. With a few kilometers to go, the first riders are already coming down. In just over an hour, I am at the top. This is where time stops and the feed station is. Remarkable: no one fusses. The participants take their time to eat well, fill water bottles and put on something warm. There is laughter and lots of talk.

Photo: Arcalis.

I descend much more quietly than if time were running. The second climb is also a dead-end: to Arcalis (2228 m). Known for Tom Dumoulin's stage victory in the 2016 Tour. At the top are twelve hairpin turns where the wind is alternately with and against. It makes it tough. At the summit, the same relaxed atmosphere again. The feed stations are well provided for. Cakes, fruit, candy and water. But also sports bars, gels and sports drinks.

Photo: the feed station is excellently supplied.

Then comes the Col d'Ordino, a wonderfully steady climb. The temperature rises to about 25 degrees. At the feed station just fresh raw ham is cut from a pig's leg. I like the relaxed atmosphere better and better. In the descent I whizz past beautiful rock faces and enjoy magnificent views. As soon as the road widens, speeds climb to 80 km/h. In no time I am at the foot of the Collada de Beixalis, the local version of the Mur de Huy. The first 2.5 kilometers average 11%, with outliers to 20%. While I sigh, support and just barely keep from falling over, a Belgian pro from Lotto Dstny is riding a training ride here. Why is this fun? The last 3 kilometers are thankfully more doable. There is also a feed station here at the top of the col.

Photo: Collada de Beixalis with outliers to 20%.

Now follows the descent to capital Andorra la Vella. This runs partly through the long Tunel de los dos Valires. This is fortunately wide, well lit and even has a bike path. Moreover, it runs downhill, so it only takes a few minutes. In Andorra la Vella it is busy, but all intersections are cordoned off by traffic controllers and one lane is kept clear. Perfectly organized. The route 5 cyclists still have the short climb to La Comella ahead of them. This one is doable, although the last 500 meters still hurt. Now it's only 6 kilometers downhill to the finish.

Photo: Great stories at the afterparty.

Onno and I meet at the afterparty. He, too, had a perfect day. The catering is excellent and there is great atmosphere among the hundreds of participants. The great stories do the rest. To top it all off, we were taken back to the starting point in La Massana by shuttle bus. What a service.

Conclusion

Beforehand, I was curious to see if I would enjoy riding a not completely timed event. And I have to say: it was great! I'm not competing for the ranking anyway. The perfect organization, beautiful route and super friendly people made it a top day. Definitely worth repeating.

Comments (2)

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Kevin Piessens 

  14 Aug, 2024     2 months ago     Reply


Leuk artikel! Hoe zit het met fietsverhuur lokaal? Is er ruime keuze wat racefietsen betreft?


Herman Nekkers 

  17 Aug, 2024     2 months ago
Hallo Kevin, van fietsverhuur weet ik niet zo veel. Ik zou die mensen van Jorma Bike eens contacten. Dat is een grote fietsenzaak in de hoofdstad. Denk dat ze wel verhuur hebben.

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