In this article
- What is La Purito Andorra?
- Date, schedule, and start location 2026
- The three routes: distances and passes
- Route 4.1 — 115 km / 4,800 m of positive elevation gain (Expert level)
- Route 3.1 — 80 km / 3,500 m of positive elevation gain (Medium-high level)
- Route 0.9 — 30 km / 1,700 m of positive elevation gain (Beginner level)
- Altimetry of Els Cortals d'Encamp: the final pass
- How the climb is structured:
- Hydration and gearing tips for climbing Els Cortals
- Gearing: what chainring and cog to use
- Hydration: altitude changes everything
- Other common mistakes to avoid
- What the registration includes
- Bike-friendly accommodations in Andorra
- Road bike and e-bike rental in Andorra
- How to get to and around Andorra
- Frequently Asked Questions
La Purito Andorra 2026 is the most demanding cyclosportive in Europe: on August 2, 2026, more than 2,000 cyclists from all over the world depart from Sant Julià de Lòria to conquer up to six mountain passes and reach the finish line in els Cortals d'Encamp, at an altitude of 2,087 meters. Three distances (115 km, 80 km, and 30 km) allow everyone from expert cyclists to amateurs to find their challenge. In this guide, you will find a complete breakdown of the routes, the altimetry of the final pass, hydration and gearing tips for climbing els Cortals, and everything you need to book before traveling to Andorra.
What is La Purito Andorra?
La Purito Andorra is the cyclosportive created by Joaquim "Purito" Rodríguez Oliver, a former Spanish professional cyclist with 17 seasons in the pro peloton (Katusha, Caisse d'Epargne, Saunier Duval). The nickname comes from a training session with the ONCE team where, climbing a pass with Laurent Jalabert, he pretended to smoke a cigar to make it clear he had plenty of energy. That spirit of “suffering while enjoying” is exactly what defines the event.
The event has been held since 2018 in the Principality of Andorra, a territory of just 468 km² that concentrates 21 mountain passes and perfectly paved roads where professional cyclists from all over the world train daily. La Purito is not a race: it is a cyclosportive on roads open to traffic, with a finish line control until 5:00 PM and a Finisher medal for anyone who completes any of the three routes.
Date, schedule, and start location 2026
Detail | Description |
Date | Sunday, August 2, 2026 |
Start of routes 4.1 (115 km) and 3.1 (80 km) | 8:00 AM |
Start of route 0.9 (30 km) | 8:20 AM |
Start location | Centre Esportiu, Avda. Verge de Canòlich 50, Sant Julià de Lòria |
Finish line | Avinguda de Joan Martí, Encamp |
Finish line closing | 5:00 PM |
Bib number collection | Saturday, August 1 — Casa Comuna, Av. Verge Canòlich 42, Sant Julià de Lòria |
Maximum capacity | 2,000 participants |
Registrations open until | June 15, 2026 (or until full capacity) |
Single price (all distances) | €80 |
On the Saturday before the event, the organization sets up an exhibitor fair, raffles, and briefing that is worth not missing. In addition, in the morning, the Purito Kids, a scavenger hunt on a closed circuit for the little ones.
The three routes: distances and passes
Route 4.1 — 115 km / 4,800 m of positive elevation gain (Expert level)
Starting pass: Sant Julià de Lòria
The long route is the one Purito designed for those who want the maximum challenge. Six passes chained together with hardly any respite:
Itinerary: Sant Julià de Lòria → La Rabassa–La Peguera → Coll de la Gallina → Alt de la Comella → Engolasters Lake → Collada de Beixalís → Coll d'Ordino → Els Cortals d'Encamp (finish line)
The passes of La Gallina, Beixalís, and Ordino are Category 1 and special category in the Vuelta a España; riding them in a cyclosportive is a privilege that very few events in the world can offer.
For whom: Cyclists with a solid training base. Before registering, it is advisable to have completed several 100 km rides with more than 2,500 m of elevation gain.
Route 3.1 — 80 km / 3,500 m of positive elevation gain (Medium-high level)
Itinerary: Sant Julià de Lòria → La Rabassa–La Peguera → Coll de la Gallina → Alt de la Comella → Engolasters Lake → Els Cortals d'Encamp (finish line)
Four passes with the same finish as the long route. It removes Beixalís and Ordino, but it is still a demanding test that requires serious preparation.
For whom: Cyclists with climbing experience. If you do regular rides of 60-80 km, this is your challenge.
Route 0.9 — 30 km / 1,700 m of positive elevation gain (Beginner level)
Itinerary: Sant Julià de Lòria → Alt de la Comella → Els Cortals d'Encamp (finish line)
The short route doesn't deceive: 30 km in Andorra are 30 km with almost 1,700 m of elevation gain. Everyone reaches the finish line, but no one gets there without effort.
For whom: Amateurs who are starting out in mountain biking or who prefer to enjoy the scenery without time pressure.
Altimetry of Els Cortals d'Encamp: the final pass
Els Cortals d'Encamp is the summit where La Purito ends for all three routes. Knowing its altimetry before the day of the ride makes the difference between managing your effort well and reaching the wheel.
Arrival pass: Els Cortals d'Encamp
Parameter | Data |
Length from Encamp | 8.9 km |
Starting altitude (Encamp roundabout) | 1,329 m |
Summit altitude | 2,083–2,087 m |
Accumulated elevation gain | 754 m |
Average gradient | 8.5 % |
Maximum gradient | 12 % |
UCI Category | Category 1 / HC from Andorra la Vella |
How the climb is structured:
The first three kilometers from the Encamp roundabout are the toughest: the first one exceeds 10% on average and sets the pace for the rest. Between km 2 and km 6, the road narrows and the percentages remain between 9 and 10%, with occasional ramps of 12% on the hairpin bends at the height of Borda dels Cortals. In the last two kilometers, the gradient drops to an average of 7%, allowing you to regain some rhythm before crossing the finish line.
The summit marks the beginning of the Grandvalira ski area. The views over the Encamp valley and the Cortals lakes are the prize no one wants to miss once they've reached the top.
Hydration and gearing tips for climbing Els Cortals
Gearing: what chainring and cog to use
Els Cortals is not a climb for heroics. Even professional cyclists living in Andorra treat it with respect. The technical recommendation is clear:
Recommended gearing: Compact 34 teeth in front + cassette with 30, 32, or even 34 teeth in the back, depending on your level.
If you have a standard groupset (50/34 in front and cassette up to 28 in the back), you're going to suffer in the first few kilometers. Before the ride, talk to your mechanic or visit one of the workshops at bike-friendly hotels to ensure you have the right cassette.
Pacing tip: Don't sprint from the Encamp roundabout. The first kilometer at 10% burns out the legs of anyone who is too motivated. Establish a sustainable wattage or cadence from meter zero and maintain it until km 6; the last two kilometers at 7% are where you can push if you have energy left.
Hydration: altitude changes everything
Andorra exceeds 1,000 meters in practically its entire territory. At this altitude, dehydration is faster and less noticeable than at sea level:
- Before: Active hydration from 48 hours before. Drink water with mineral salts (sodium and potassium), not just plain water.
- During the long route (115 km): Plan for between 500 ml and 750 ml per hour of effort. The organization provides four aid stations with liquids and solids on the route, plus an aid station at the finish line.
- At Els Cortals: The climb lasts between 35 and 75 minutes depending on the level. Start the climb with at least one full bottle and carry gels or bars for the middle section.
- Electrolytes: Sweat at altitude carries more sodium. Gels without sodium are not enough for a ride of this caliber.
- Temperature: In August, the heat in the first kilometers of Sant Julià can be considerable (25-30 °C). At the top of Cortals, it can drop to 10-15 °C. Carry a compact gilet or rain jacket in your back pocket.
Other common mistakes to avoid
- Starting too fast from Sant Julià. The excitement of the atmosphere and the peloton will push you; control your pace from the first kilometer.
- Not recognizing the route. If you can, arrive in Andorra a day before and calmly climb Els Cortals to get to know the first kilometers.
- Ignoring nutrition. With 4,800 m of elevation gain, caloric expenditure exceeds 3,000-4,000 kcal. Eat before you get hungry.
- Not using worn-in tires. The asphalt on Andorran roads is in excellent condition, but it's not worth risking with worn-out tires.
What the registration includes
The €80 fee for any of the three distances includes:
- Commemorative edition jersey (mandatory to wear during the ride)
- Numbered plate (personal and non-transferable item)
- Welcome Pack Bag
- Four aid stations on route (liquids and solids)
- Mechanical service on route (MOTUL team)
- Medical service on route
- Pasta Party at the finish line
- Finisher medal and diploma
- Timing at the passes of La Gallina and Els Cortals d'Encamp
To participate, it is mandatory to present a cycling federation license or contract the sports insurance offered by the organization. Minors under 18 participating in the 0.9 route must present parental authorization.
Bike-friendly accommodations in Andorra
La Purito's logistics require arriving on Saturday to pick up the race bib. Andorra offers a wide range of hotels specialized for cyclists: secure bike storage with video surveillance, mechanical workshop, washing area, adapted menus, and flexible schedules. Check the complete selection of accommodations in Andorra and filter by area to find the option closest to the starting point in Sant Julià de Lòria or the finish line in Encamp.
What to look for in a bike-friendly accommodation for La Purito:
- Locked bike storage with keys and cameras (essential the night before the ride)
- Workshop with basic tools and air pump.
- Early breakfast option (the start is at 08:00, it's advisable to eat at 06:15-06:30)
- Transfer or shuttle information from the finish line in Encamp to the hotel (the organization does not provide this service; check with your accommodation)
Road bike and e-bike rental in Andorra
If you travel by plane or don't want to transport your bike, Andorra offers several options for high-end road bike rentals. Check the available experiences and activities to find road bike and e-bike rental services with size options and components adapted for high mountain routes.
Important note: La Purito Andorra is a cycling tour on roads open to traffic. The regulations require the bicycle to be in optimal mechanical condition. If you rent, confirm with the provider that the model has the appropriate gearing for climbs exceeding 8%.
How to get to and around Andorra
Andorra does not have its own airport. The most common access routes are:
- From Barcelona: ~3 h by car via the N-145 / C-16 (Cadí Tunnel) or the N-260.
- From Toulouse: ~2.5 h by car via the N-20 and the Envalira pass (or the Puymorens tunnel).
- Nearest airport: Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) or Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS).
If you travel without a car or need to move around the country during the days of the ride, check the transport and VTC options in Andorra.
La Purito Andorra 2026, on August 2, is the most demanding and spectacular cycling tour in the Pyrenees: three routes (115 km, 80 km, and 30 km) that finish in Els Cortals d'Encamp, a special category climb with 8.9 km at an average gradient of 8.5%. To tackle it successfully, the key is to have appropriate gearing (compact + 30-34 sprocket), manage hydration from the day before, and not start too fast from Sant Julià. Andorra is one of the most complete cycling destinations in Europe: during your stay, take advantage of its 21 mountain passes and its network of accommodations and services designed for cyclists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Joan
Article written and updated by the local team of Andorra.com
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