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10.06.25
#ElPiri2025: Media Approach and live reporting
We are excited to see the second edition of El Piri start with near 150 riders from across 24 countries! Starting on Saturday 14th June at 07:00 CEST, riders will be setting off from Girona, into the wild mountains of the Pyrenees in search of adventure.
Perhaps you have family or friends taking part in the event, or you are a keen ultra endurance cyclist and want to follow their adventure. Either way, we are writing to you to give you all the details on how and where you can follow along with El Piri 2025!
Where to follow
We will be publishing media daily, here on our ‘one-stop’ tracking and live reportage webpage. This media will also be on our YouTube channel and Instagram.
To give you an idea of what is to come, we would like to introduce you to our media team and their approaches to covering the spirit of bikepacking.
Short films
This year, in collaboration with filmmaker Jenna Reid, we will be bringing you daily short films focusing on riders’ emotions. We have decided to take this approach as we feel emotional connection helps to inspire others.
We want to connect you to their story, journey and spirit, to bring you inside the event and feel like you are there, experiencing the highs and lows with them.
We hope to be there to catch the full range of emotions riders may be feeling; from anticipation at the start line, to joy in the mountains, jeopardy along the way and hopefully fulfilment at the finish!
Jenna Reid specialises in unscripted, sports, and documentary storytelling, based in Barcelona. With a background in neuroscience and a deep curiosity about human behaviour, Jenna brings a research-driven approach to her work, uncovering fresh perspectives that inspire and inform her films.
Photography
This year, we want to focus our photographic imagery on sharing riders’ spirit and how they connect to L’esperit del Bikepacking’s core values and the culture of the land we journey though.
Our founding core values are:
Fun · Integrity · Athleticism · Community · Respect
We want to connect with the riders' experience, approach and attitude to better share their adventure and journey as a rider and person.
We will have two photographers out on the route:
Carina Gasia is a photographer, content creator, and social media manager born and raised in Esterri d’Aneú, in the Catalan Pyrenees. She is passionate about art in all its forms, nature, and discovering new places and stories, bringing creativity and authenticity to every project.
Lloyd J Wright is a freelance documentary photographer and filmmaker working between Somerset and London. His practice is rooted in minimalism - keeping productions lean and unobtrusive to create space for real, human moments to unfold naturally.
We are really proud to be working with local people and business to share this journey and riders stories, to give back to the land that gives us so much.
14.06.25
Chapter 1 - Anticipation before the start
The wait is over. as our riders prepare to roll out for el piri 2025 this morning, we look back at the thoughts and feelings they shared just a day before
Thanks to our hosting locations Hors Categorie and Rocacorba Atelier.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
🎥: @jennaclairereid
🎵: @corrandescat
14.06.25
Grand depart for El Piri 2025
As dawn broke, riders gathered in Fontajau Pavillion to enjoy a last coffee from @oniriacafe before setting off in waves from 7am, celebrating each others departure.
Riders leave Girona on little tracks and head towards the wild mountain forests of Les Guilleries, which holds the reservoirs of Susqueda and Sau, of huge strategic importance as the water for the Girona region.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
1-7 📸: @lloydjwright
8-12 📸 @carinadelamoga
14.06.25
Chapter 2 - calm before the grind
El Piri 2025 is underway!
Thank you to Oniria Cafe for coming to serve coffee to the riders before they set off into the mountains.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
🎥: @jennaclairereid
14.06. 25
It's heating up
Soon after leaving Girona the climbing started and riders hit the gravel tracks.
Passing the reservoirs of Susqueda and Sau riders were teased with cool water as the temperatures kept rising under the hot sun. Pausing briefly at the mirador to drink in the view and welcome some needed food.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📸 @carinadelamoga
15.06.25
Out of the heat and into the storms
While some riders suffered from the heat, others pushed on deep into the night and the thunderstorms over the mountains.
The pace at the front is serious, covering nearly half of the 800km route in 24 hours. Ulrich @ubartholmoes has lead the charge, finally managing to break clear of the valiant chasers as dawn broke over the high Pyrenees.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📸: @lloydjwright
15.06.25
Chapter 3: Joy at the first viewpoint
Spirits are high as riders reach the first location highlight on route - the Sau Reservoir.
The viewpoint over the Sau Reservoir is a small out and back feature in the route for El Piri. The half sunken church is a worldwide barometer for the state of the Catalan drought. Thankfully, after the wettest spring of the 21st century, we can see less of it than last year!
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
🎥: @jennaclairereid
15.06.25
Crossing through Parc Natural del Cadí Moixeró
ENG: Today saw many riders crossing the Cadí mountain range, with Pedraforca on the horizon, the section offers one of the most iconic landscapes in Catalonia.
After a demanding first day with high temperatures, today the atmosphere among riders is unbeatable: with a good pace, smiles, and camaraderie they enjoy a fantastic setting.
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CAT: Els ciclistes han travessat avui la serra del Cadí, amb el Pedraforca a l’horitzó oferint un dels paisatges més icònics de Catalunya.
Després d’un primer dia exigent amb temperatures elevades, avui l’ambient entre els participants és immillorable, bon ritme, somriures i complicitat en un entorn fantàstic.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📸: @carinagasia
15.06.25
Chapter 4: Relief at the Refugi
After the first real climb of the event, riders were happy to arrive at @refugilaclusa to seek shelter from the sun, somewhere to sleep, or enjoy a traditional Catalan homemade meal.
15.06.25
Hannah Simon leads the women
Pushing the pace and herself from the first kilometers Hannah Simon leads the women by a serious margin. As we caught up with her searching for food in Pobla de Segur, only pasta was going to satisfy her hunger - with a beer to wash it down!
Fresh, or perhaps fatigued from a recent second place finish in the women’s field at Hellenic Mountain Race, Hannah’s energy and smile are infectious as she enjoys the riding and scenery on offer.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📸: @lloydjwright
16.06.25
Between the Cadí and the Segre river
ENG: After leaving behind the narrow trails of Gósol, riders dive into the wild heart of the Pre-Pyrenees. The route winds through hidden villages full of character — Ossera, La Vansa, Alinyà...
The legs are already feeling the climb, the effort is real — but the long, demanding descent into Organyà rewards us with breathtaking views and a sense of flow you can’t find anywhere else.
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CAT: Entre la serra del Cadí i el riu Segre
Després de deixar enrere els corriols de Gósol, els riders s’endinsen al Prepirineu. La ruta travessa poblets amagats plens d’autenticitat: Ossera, La Vansa, Alinyà...
Les cames ja acumulen centenars de metres de desnivell, l’esforç és evident, però el descens llarg i exigent fins a Organyà, ens permet gaudir d’uns paisatges espectaculars.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📸: @carinagasia
16.06.25
First finisher of El Piri 2025: Ulrich Bartholmoes
In an incredible feat of athleticism @ubartholmoes returns to Girona to close the El Piri loop in an almost unbelievable time of 49h 54m. This surpasses @tristantakephoto time from last year by just over 6 hours.
Ulrich’s ride wasn’t a given; sweltering in the heat, pelted in thunderstorms and suffering for hours from stomach issues, he has overcome problems to lead the charge as first back to the city and set a new benchmark.
Congratulations Ulrich!
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📷: @lloydjwright
16.06.25
Into the wild of Serra de Boumort
ENG: The riders leave Organyà behind and started climbing through Cabó, and are now pushing their way to Serra de Boumort, crossing the National hunting reserve. The wild nature and switchbacks climbs of this area will be a true highlight for the riders.
As they move towards Serra de Boumort, the tarmac disappeared, the villages faded away, and all that was left was the feeling of being far from everything.
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CAT: Hem deixat enrrere Organyà enfilant-nos per Cabó
Avui El Piri ha obert camí per la Serra de Boumort, travessant la Reserva Nacional de Caça. A mesura que avancem tot canvia, desapareix l’asfalt, desapareixen els pobles i només ens queda la sensació de ser lluny de tot.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📸: @carinagasia
16.06.25
Chapter 5: Digging deep at Pedraforca
Riders dig deep and enjoy passing through the Cadi Moixeró massive under the shadow of the iconic rock formation of Pedraforca.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
🎥: @jennaclairereid
16.06.25
Welcome to the Pyrenees
ENG: Horses, cows, and vultures welcome the riders to the Pyrenees. From Pallars Jussà they have crossed into Sobirà through the spectacular Coll del Triador. It’s impossible not to feel small in front of such majestic mountains. Arriving in Esterri d’Àneu, where the checkpoint is, reminds the riders that they are already halfway through the route.
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CAT: Cavalls, vaques i voltors ens donen la benvinguda al Pirineu. Del Pallars Jussà hem saltat al Sobirà per l’espectacular Coll del Triador. Impossible no fer-se petit davant d’unes muntanyes tan espectaculars. Arribem a Esterri d’Àneu, on el check-point ens recorda que ja estem a la meitat de la ruta.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📸: @carinagasia
17.06.25
Snoozing the heat away
Yesterday riders dipped in and out of the Cerdanya valley, entering from Andorra and leaving into France. They spent the afternoon hours getting cooked on the asphalt in between!
While some stopped for resupply and found it hard to leave the shade and the ice-cream cabinet, others opted to find a cool spot by the river to regroup and snooze the hottest hours away.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📷: @lloydjwright
17.06.25
Chapter 6: Finding energy in the mountains
Riders reflected at the top of a long climb before being treated to the real highlight of the route to come.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
🎥: @jennaclairereid
🎵: @corrandescat
17.06.25
First Woman of El Piri 2025
Hannah Simon rolls into the finish, with a beaming smile and joyful laughter, it would be easy to forget what she’s just achieved. On arriving she commented ‘in a smaller way, it reminds me of Kyrgyzstan’.
With a steady but ferociously strong pace, and perhaps helped by a fruit fed ride, she arrived back in Girona after 3d 6h 10m well ahead of the next woman and 15th overall.
We are in awe of what Hannah has achieved, what a ride, what a rider!
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📸: @lloydjwright
17.06.25
Decsending to the Checkpoint
After descending from the lush green rolling mountains of the Parc Natural d’Alt Pirineu, riders were warmly welcomed at the checkpoint in Esterri d’Áneu with great hospitality, big bowls of pasta and ice cold Aquarius.
Many riders checked into a room for a well earned rest, while others repaired their broken bikes before setting off in the cool morning air.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📸: @carinagasia
18.06.25
Chapter 7: Finding perseverance at the peak
Ups and downs, highs and lows; it’s not always easy but that makes the summit worth the effort.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
🎥: @jennaclairereid
18.06.25
Outrunning storms
After escaping the heat of Andorra yesterday evening, riders passed along the high mountains tracks of the Cerdanya valley, chased by storm clouds and lightning.
As dusk faded they were keen to get down to find shelter and food. Many a rider managed to follow the wafting smells of pizza to the restaurant in Bellver de Cerdanya which is open untill midnight, before hurrying of to their hotels while others rode off in search of the perfect bivi spot.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📸: @lloydjwright
18.06.25
Beyond the halfway point
Some already have their legs resting in Girona, while others are still pushing up the climbs and catching their breath at the top. Enthusiasm to reach Girona in time for the party on Friday is high amongst those out on the route; the other riders who have already made it back are waiting to congratulate them
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CAT: Alguns ja descansen amb les cames estirades a Girona, mentre que d’altres encara empenyen a les pujades i recuperen l’alè a dalt de tot. L’entusiasme per arribar a temps divendres a la festa és alt pels que encara pedalegen, els que ja han arribat, els esperen per felicitar-los.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📸: @carinagasia
18.06.25
Chapter 8: Gaining confidence on gravel
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
🎥: @jennaclairereid
19.06.25
facing challenges on the homeward stretch
The kilometers and hours begin to take their toil and leave their mark or both rider and bike. The mechanicals are becoming more frequent as riders are forced to pause their progress to deal with issues.
While riders deal with problems, the beauty from the section of the Parc Natural d’Alt Pirineu surely gives riders the energy to keep making forward progress. And with the party of Friday night, the riders are keen to get back in time to celebrate.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📷: @carinadelamoga
19.06.25
Out of the wild
The final big mountain climb of the event takes riders across the Park natural de les Capçaleres del Ter y del Freser, the sourse of much of Girona’s water.
The climb from Ribes is rough and unrelenting with little shade, it pushed already fatigued riders to their limit. Their reward for the continued effort, the stunning view and priceless riding across the wild mountain plateau.
With what looks like a descent all the way to Girona from Camprodon, riders are surely in for a final suprise and long night of riding!
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📸: @lloydjwright
19.06.25
Startline bursary finisher - Zoë Hyatt
Every year at L’esperit del Bikepacking we run a Startline Bursery supported by Tailfin. Every year we’re blown away with admiration and pride for the people that turn up, push themselves outside of their comfort zone and achieve their dreams, finishing or not.
This year was no different, with Zoë putting in an amazing ride at her first bikepacking event. Not only did she finish, but she did it in style. Resupplying in Camprodon with purpose, she packed her snacks and rode off into the night, not stopping again untill she reached the finishline at dawn.
Congratulations Zoë what a ride!
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📸: @lloydjwright
19.06.25
Crossing Catalunya
ENG: As the sun peeks out from behind the mountain, it’s movement across the sky tracks riders as they move forward towards Girona. Every pedal stroke brings riders close to the finish line and their fulfilment. They’ve crossed Catalunya from one side to the other, and return covered in dust, stories and memories for life.
CAT: El sol treu el cap darrere les muntanyes, i la llum, com nosaltres, canvia a mesura que avancem. Cada pedalada ens apropa més a Girona i al final d’aquesta travessa. Hem creuat Catalunya de cap a cap i tornem plens de pols, de rutes i de records.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📸: @carinagasia
20.06.25
Chapter 9: In it together
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
🎥: @jennaclairereid
20.06.25
Finishline vibes
The finish line has been open since Monday, but the bulk of the mid-pack have been rolling in the past two days. With the strain of the road really taking its toll, some riders could only help but collapse on the floor! Others arrived in the middle of the night and found a nice spot for one final bivy.
The atmosphere here in Girona has been joyous, with stories recounted and memories of sections shared, both the ups and the downs!
Hors Categorie has been a fantastic finish line venue, with riders receiving a beer and chips on finishing, and a board for signing in their ride! On finishing riders finished and have been here hanging out, eating and drinking to cheer the others in.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📷: @lloydjwright
20.06.25
Chapter 10: Accomplishment on the final stretch
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
🎥: @jennaclairereid
20.06.25
Closing party for El Piri 2025
This evening we gather at Hors Categorie for the closing party, where riders share stories, slap backs and celebrate hard earned memories.
While there are riders still out on route who are in our thoughts, and as we cheer them on, we must bring the official event to a close.
One lucky rider chose the right moment to arrive, having ridden through the night to get back just on time. Congrats Jonty!
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📷: @carinagasia
21.06.25
People of El Piri 2025
Portraits from the start and finishline of a brief selection of riders from this year’s event.
Can you guess which are which!?
Thank you to you all.
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
📸: @lloydjwright
21.06.25
Chapter 11: Elation at the finish line
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the closing party of El Piri 2025. It was great to see riders together, sharing stories and experiences from the mountains. You all made it an amazing edition!
In partnership with: Tailfin Cycling & Fairlight Cycles
🎥: @jennaclairereid