You might remember that Focus took on the Transalp with their Raven e-MTB, and now there's an opportunity to do the same in the Pyrenees.
The annual Transpyr coast to coast event runs this year from 10-16 June, and the organisers have announced that there will be an e-MTB category in 2018, for the first time ever. Transpyr C2C has opened the door to this new discipline, which will enable participants to enjoy the unique experience of crossing the Pyrenees coast to coast on their electric bikes. "This new formula will lend riders the feeling of completing this prestigious mission, considered one of the world’s top ten MTB adventures", say the organisers. The e-MTBs will ride alongside up to 400 riders on standard mountain bikes. You'll need a standard EU-friendly bike, with up to 250W nominal power and a 25km/h maximum assisted speed
With an average stage distance of 100km, and some pretty beefy hills along the way (the average elevation difference is 2,500m), you're not going to get a full stage out of your bike. To ensure you get to the finish line the organisers are setting up a battery recharge point at the second refreshment station, or you can have a spare battery delivered there. "By doing so, the cyclists will be able to prepare their bikes while they enjoy a well-deserved rest before tackling the last stretch of the route", they say. Not that you're likely to need a rest as much as those on non-powered bikes.
Anyway, it sounds like a pretty fun way to waste a week to us. If you're interested in participating, head over to the E-Transpyr registration page and get yourself registered. It's €895 for the week.
