Juberri - Pas de la Casa     

This Division 5 classic will take place in Andorra, and is one of 11(!) races taking place in this very small country with a population of about 85.000. Juberri - Pas de la Casa is clearly the most prestigious one, where climbers from division 5 will definitely try to leave their mark on OCM history.

The race starts in Juberri, a small village with (according to the last counting) a population of 183 people, most of t...

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This Division 5 classic will take place in Andorra, and is one of 11(!) races taking place in this very small country with a population of about 85.000. Juberri - Pas de la Casa is clearly the most prestigious one, where climbers from division 5 will definitely try to leave their mark on OCM history.

The race starts in Juberri, a small village with (according to the last counting) a population of 183 people, most of them being farmers. Expect everyone to come out of their houses and cheer for the riders, who will immediately start the first climb, "Pic de Sanfonts" which has an elevation of 2,894 m. Quite a good start to get warmed up, if not heated. While this mountain already leaves the weak riders behind, the riders up front will have a very steep downhill to challenge. A good technique is truly necessary in Andorra, since the roads are weak and dangerous. Not having the technique to steer will definitely slow the scared riders down.

After this terrifying experience the riders will head up the "Coma Pedrosa", which is the highest mountain in this classic. With an elevation of 2,943 m and an average climbing degree of 8,6%, the climbers will be truly exhausted after this one. The race is far from over though. During another dangerous downhill the riders will get to the supplying point at Arinsal, another small village at the height of 1,467 m. Assuming the peleton will head down at a massive speed, riders will have to think quickly here. Getting the supplies here is absolutely essential, since the conditions are though and the race is far from over.

2 down, 2 to go. "Pic del Port Vell" is rising up in the distance. With an elevation of 2,655 m it is less heavy than the previous one, but how does that apply to the riders after some hours of suffering. Surely all weak riders will be off by now and the elite riders will stand up. Is this a good time to place an attack or are the riders waiting for the last climb? If you're not tuned in to Andorra 1 or Andorra radio, this is definitely the time.

After the last downhill it will be straight up again. The riders will head towards Pas de la Casa, a famous ski resort close to the French border. The finish will be on 2,080 m and the crowd is crazy up here. From all over the country people will come and see how this great race ends. And everybody can. Since this race is so important, day 59 of the cycling season is a holiday for everyone in Andorra. Except the riders off course.

Ladies and gentleman, you have to see this race!