La Purito cycling march: discover and overcome the challenge
La Purito cycling march: overcome the challenge and remember it
View personalized map La Purito 115 km
The Purito Andorra: a high-altitude challenge in the heart of the Pyrenees
If you're passionate about cycle touring and looking for a new challenge, the La Purito cycling race is one you should have on your list. Created by former professional cyclist Joaquim "Purito" Rodríguez, this race takes place every August in Andorra and brings together cyclists from all over the world who share a passion for the mountains, self-improvement, and cycling.
See La Purito 30 km personalized poster
Andorra, known for its high mountain landscapes, winding roads, and ideal cycling climate, is the perfect setting for this adventure. The La Purito cycling tour is not a competition, but rather a gran fondo cyclotourism event in which each participant challenges themselves, enjoying a challenging and spectacular route.
In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know to participate: the different routes, the route itself, how to prepare, approximate times, and helpful tips. We'll also show you the personalized maps from laminame.studio , perfect for visualizing the route or preserving this memory if you decide to take on this great challenge one day.
What is the La Purito Cycling March?
The La Purito cycling race is a non-competitive gran fondo that recalls some of the most iconic stages Purito Rodríguez experienced during his professional career. Since its first edition in 2015, this event has established itself as one of the must-see events on the cycling calendar.
See personalized map La Purito 80 km
Features of the Purito
✅ It is held in Andorra , a small country ideal for mountain biking.
✅ It offers three different routes: 115km, 80km, and 28km. Designed for all levels.
✅ It includes some of the country's most iconic passes : Coll d'Ordino, Coll de la Gallina, Coll de Beixalis, among others.
✅ Organized by Joaquim “Purito” Rodríguez , a reference in world cycling.
Its toughness doesn't prevent the number of participants from growing each year. It's a red-letter date on the European cycling calendar. The La Purito cycling race isn't just a physical challenge; it's an emotional journey with every kilometer.
Routes and distances of La Purito
One of the strengths of the La Purito cycling race is the ability to choose from several routes depending on each participant's training and experience.
🔴 La Purito 115 km (Gran Fondo)
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5 mountain passes .
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Cumulative elevation gain: +4,800 m.
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It is the most demanding option, perfect for cyclists with good preparation and experience in high mountains.
🟡 La Purito 80 km (Medium Distance)
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Cumulative elevation: +3,500 m .
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Ideal for cyclists with a good physical level looking for a challenge without going to the extremes of a Gran Fondo.
✅ La Purito 30 km (Mini Fondo)
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Approximate elevation difference of +1,700 m.
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Accessible option for those new to mountain biking .
On any route, the views are spectacular and the challenge is guaranteed. Throughout the route, participants face challenging slopes, technical descents, and the variable mountain weather.
What is the profile of the La Purito route?
The La Purito cycling race is characterized by a completely mountainous terrain, with hardly any flat areas to recover. The accumulated elevation gain is the main factor, which requires intelligent effort management and specific preparation for the climb.
Each of the three distances has its own level of challenge, with very different altitudes:
1️⃣ Altimetry La Purito 115 km (Gran Fondo)
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Complete route with more than 4,800 meters of positive elevation gain .
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It includes five mountain passes: Coll d'Ordino , Coll de Beixalis , Alto de la Comella , Collada de la Gallina and Cortals d'Encamp .
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The Beixalis and Gallina slopes easily exceed 12%, and the succession of passes leaves little room for recovery.
2️⃣ Altimetry map of La Purito, 80 km (Medium Distance)
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With 3,500 meters of positive elevation gain , this intermediate option maintains much of the epic character of the hike.
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Some longer sections are removed from the full route, but it retains key passes such as Ordino , Beixalis and Gallina , making it an excellent choice for experienced cyclists.
3️⃣ La Purito altimetry map 28 km (Mini Background)
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Although it is the shortest version, the elevation gain exceeds 1,700 meters , so it should not be underestimated.
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Ideal for your first taste of mountain biking, it features tough climbs and spectacular scenery.
In all cases, the customized maps from laminame.studio allow you to clearly view the altitude : every climb, every technical section, and every kilometer traveled. They're a valuable tool both for planning your race and for keeping a unique memory of your time at La Purito.
How to prepare for La Purito if it's your first time?
If you're participating in the La Purito cycling race for the first time, it's best to plan your preparation in advance. This race requires physical fitness, a cool head, and some mountain experience, so arriving in good shape will make all the difference.
1️⃣ Physical training
Start at least 10 or 12 weeks in advance with long workouts and progressive climbs.
Combine endurance days with strength training, and don't forget your core , which will give you stability and comfort on the bike.
Get used to doing routes with gradients and long outings to simulate the real effort of the test.
2️⃣ Technical preparation
On a technical level, it's key to learn how to manage your energy on climbs and maintain a constant cadence .
On descents, control the brakes and the curves , as some areas have long and demanding descents.
Training in varied conditions (heat, rain, or wind) will also help you better adapt to what you might encounter in Andorra.
3️⃣ Nutrition and hydration
As for nutrition, try out the products you plan to use during your workouts : gels, bars, and isotonic drinks.
Don't experiment on the day of the march and stay well hydrated in the days leading up to it. What you already know is always the best option.
4️⃣ Equipment and bike
Ride a bike that has been adjusted and checked , with gearing suitable for the mountains.
No new shoes or components on the same day : everything must be tested and adapted to you.
Coll de la Gallina, photo by La Purito
Average times and level of demand of La Purito
One of the most frequently asked questions among those considering participating in the La Purito cycling race is how long it takes to complete the event.
Indicative estimates
- Gran Fondo (115 km) : between 6 and 10 hours, depending on the level.
- Middle Distance (80 km) : between 4 and 7 hours.
- Mini Fondo (30 km) : between 2 and 4 hours.
The weather can significantly influence your time, as temperature changes, rain, and wind are common in the mountains. It's important to keep in mind that this isn't a competition, but rather a personal challenge where the most important thing is to enjoy the scenery and overcome difficulties.
Visualize and remember your route with laminate.studio maps.
At laminame.studio, we design custom maps for sports races and cycling routes like La Purito so you can:
✅ View the altimetry and race profile .
✅ Remember your participation in an elegant and decorative format.
✅ Give a unique souvenir to a friend or family member who loves cycling.
It's not just a poster: it's the story of a challenge overcome, a tangible reminder of every kilometer pedaled.
In the paragraphs of this article, we show you several examples of these maps, where you can view the route and, if you wish, customize it with your name or time.
Similar races for passionate cyclists
If you've caught the cycle touring bug, you'll also love these other cycling events in Spain:
Quebrantahuesos Gran Fondo
Held in Sabiñánigo, Huesca, it's one of Europe's most famous cycling races. It covers 200 km and covers more than 3,500 meters of elevation gain.
See Quebrantahuesos custom route
Wallcreeper Middle Depth
A sister event to the Quebrantahuesos, with a more accessible route but equally beautiful and challenging.
View personalized map of La Treparriscos
They all share with the La Purito cycling march a love of self-improvement, camaraderie, and a passion for cycling.
Why remember La Purito with a custom map from laminame.studio?
We know what completing the La Purito cycling race means to you. It's more than a sporting event: it's a reflection of weeks or months of effort, dedication, and personal growth. That's why, at laminame.studio , we've created a personalized map of La Purito that captures every detail of your adventure:
- Personalize with your name and time.
- Choose the size that best fits your space.
- Premium quality 300g gloss-matte printing and real Andorra cartography.
- A unique souvenir for yourself or an unforgettable gift for a loved one.
Every time you look at your poster, you'll remember every climb conquered, every pedal stroke, and every emotion experienced. It's the tribute your efforts deserve.
