EDITION THREE: 2026
FOLLOW THE EVENT HERE
LIVE REPORTAGE
LIVE REPORTAGE AND MEDIA
We are excited to see the third edition of El Piri start with 155 riders from across 22 countries! Starting on Sunday 14th June at 07:00 CEST, riders will be setting off from Girona, into the wild mountains of the Catalan Pyrenees in search of adventure.
Whether you have family or friends taking part in the event, or simply love following ultra-endurance cycling adventures, here on our dedicated reportage page, you will find everything you need to know about tracking the riders' journeys during El Piri 2026!
We will be publishing written, photo and video updates here daily. This media will also be on our YouTube channel and Instagram.
For us, we love bikepacking - challenging ourselves and the personal growth that occurs in these journeys. We want to inspire more people to take on these challenges through storytelling from this year's El Piri. We are not out on route to take a photo of each person at the same locations, but to capture real moments and landscapes that leave us feeling inspired, and to share those with you.
SHORT FILMS
This year, in collaboration with Nacho Pellejero from Pedalea Films our video stories will focus on one of our core values: Athleticism.
Athleticism comes in many forms. Throughout El Piri, we want to capture and share the stories of the riders as they push themselves. Whether that is to be the first to finish, or the last to join the party - celebrating everyone. We hope these moments will also inspire you to take on your own challenges!
PHOTOGRAPHY
Through our photography this year, we will be focusing on riders' real moments that reflect their experience of El Piri; the challenge of the route, the beauty of the surroundings, and the fun found along the way.
We say El Piri is fun, but we have never said it is easy! Part of the experience is finding their own way through the tougher moments to reach those mountain top sunsets.
We will have three photographers out on the route:
Carina Gasia from Esterri d’Aneú, Spain.
Sergi Romeu from Girona, Spain.
Benno Sellin from Prien am Chiemsee, Germany.
We are proud to be working with local people and businesses to share this journey and the riders' stories. We hope you enjoy following along with El Piri 2026!
THE COMMUNITY
13.06.26
El Piri 2026 has begun!
Today we hosted registration for riders at Hors Categorie and escaped to the shade of Devesa park for the briefing and inspirational talk from Event Director James Hayden.
This year we have caps for riders, and rather than assigning everyone a number we have given riders the freedom to write their own name.
Now we sleep and eat, ahead of the start tomorrow at 07:00.
Let’s GO
14.06.26
Early this morning, riders, family and friends gathered at Fontajau Pavilion for one last coffee from Oniria Cafe before rolling out in waves from 7am, celebrating each other’s departures.
Leaving Girona on quiet backroads and little tracks, riders head towards the wild mountain forests of Les Guilleries, home to the Susqueda and Sau reservoirs — landscapes of huge strategic importance as a key water source for the Girona region.
📷: Sergi Romeu
SAU RESEVOIR
14.06.26
Riders rolled into the viewpoint above Sau Reservoir earlier this morning, a short out-and-back feature early on in the El Piri route. It’s mandatory, but for good reason!
The church of Sant Romà de Sau has become one of the most recognisable symbols of changing water levels in Catalonia. Last year, the bell tower stood clearly visible above the reservoir. Today, the riders didn’t get to see it, as the reservoir now sits at 91% after a wet winter!
The morning brought dry heat and climbing temperatures, but riders were in good spirits.
📷: Carina Gasia
HEATING UP
14.06.26
We are not sure what’s hotter today - the weather or the pace at the front.
Riders are pushing hard, feeling every degree and metre of climbing as they head towards and over the Refugi de la Clusa climb.
Up front for the women, Anuchi Gago is the first on the road and currently sitting third overall.
And into the evening they go!
RIDE THE RIDE
14.06.26
Climb to the Refugi
14.06.26
As the day wore on and the heat finally began to ease, more riders rolled into the Refugi La Clusa. After the first real climb of the route, the Refugi is a classic stopping point for riders to rehydrate, re-energise and swap stories.
📷: Carina Gasia
HALFWAY THERE
15.06.26
The halfway point has been reached by the first rider, and the Checkpoint is open (well… technically it was still closed at 5am, when he arrived, but from this morning, it is officially open!)
Ulrich is flying, well ahead of last year’s pace. When asked how he’s feeling, he flashed a big smile and said “the sooner I get this done, the sooner I can go on vacation.”
📷: Sergi Romeu
BEFORE THE STORM
15.06.26
Night turns to day as the riders cross the Coll de Triador and head deeper into the real mountains. Ulrich and Craig are leading the charge, both returning riders with experience on their side. The rest of the front group is made up of fresh faces driven by bold ambition.
Some riders have arrived determined to “find their limits” like John, while others, like Sam, are taking on their first bikepacking event. With so much still to unfold, the top finishing spots remain wide open.
Close behind and giving no room to breathe is Anuchi, who is the first woman on the road by a huge margin and currently fifth overall.
There is no doubt things will shift again as the riders push into the afternoon. The skies are darkening, the wind is building, and storms are beginning to gather on the horizon.
📷: Sergi Romeu
THE STARS
15.06.26
This morning, we caught up with Ruth who is currently second on the road for the women - she is in good spirits and enjoying her ride. Ruth is no stranger to a varying range of outdoor pursuits, however, this is her first bikepacking event!
COOLING OFF
15.06.26
As the sun rose, riders made their way into the Parc Natural del Cadí-Moixeró, enjoying the views and much as the climb and making the most of the cooler temperature.
📷: Carina Gasia
MOUNTAIN STATE OF MIND
15.06.26
The mountains make their own weather, and riders got a real taste of their power this afternoon. Skies over Organyà turned black within moments, and rain came down so heavily that everyone sought shelter. Some temporarily before pushing on through lighter rain, others settling in for the night. Though the storm hit hard, riders spirits remained high as they embraced the testing conditions.
📷: Sergi Romeu
HUNTING CALORIES
15.06.26
Riders pushed forward into the storms and were rewarded with cooler temperatures as they climbed into the Serra de Boumort Reserva de Caça (a hunting reserve). Thankfully, the only things being hunted today were calories, more calories and the supermarket to keep those legs turning!
📷: Benno Sellin
FIRST FINISHER
16.06.26
There is fast, and then there is FAST.
Arriving at the finish line in the early hours of the morning, Ulrich quietly laughed to himself and muttered the word: “muerto", Spanish for, I'm dead.
Ulrich returned to El Piri with a clear goal. He wanted to ride hard and beat his 2025 time, but above all, enjoy the route - climbing deep into the Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu while having fun too.
Clearly the secret ingredient to his success this year is, fun. Not only did he better his time from last year, he smashed it, setting a new course record of 42h 56m.
Wow, what a ride!
Déu-n’hi-do
Believe In Yourself
16.06.26
The Bursary is a scheme where we provide people from under-represented backgrounds with a free entry and financial support from Tailfin to cover their costs getting to the start line.
Gabrielle wanted to bring her 'old' mountain bike to show people you don't need the latest and greatest. Just the right attitude.
TRADING PACE
16.06.26
After a tough night in the mountains above Cerdanya and passing sections of snow, the leading pack were looking tired with the effects of the route and weather taking their toll.
Sam is pushing hard with just a brief bivy in Bellver, while Anunci is finally looking like she has ridden 600km, and making the most of the Forn de Pa before rejoining the route and trading pace with Craig.
📷: Sergi Romeu
SLEEP WHERE YOU CAN, WHILE YOU CAN
16.06.26
While some sleep in hotels, others take the chance to make use of their emergency blankets for a few hours of sleep on the side of the trail.
The Coll de Triador is a tough climb; rough at times, but never short on views to help power riders onward. For a lucky few, those vistas are experienced at their rawest and best.
📷: Benno Sellin
COMFORT AT THE CHECKPOINT
16.06.26
Riders arrived at the Checkpoint this afternoon after experiencing a real highlight of the route; the Parc Natural d’Alt Pirineu. Descending down from the lush green rolling mountains into the town of Esterri d’Àneu, riders were given a warm welcome, and offered ice cold drinks to cool down.
While some riders checked into a room for a well earned rest, others repaired bikes, shared stories and refuelled with pasta before pushing on.
📷: Benno Sellin
THE CHASE IS ON
16.06.25
The chase is on. Anuchi is charging toward the final podium spot and third place overall. After trading positions with Craig and John all morning, she has opened up a gap on the return over the mountains from France. Leaving Ribes de Freser, she begins the final major climb with a 30-minute lead. But after so many hard kilometers, nothing is guaranteed.
📷: Sergi Romeu
Second finisher - Sam Marsh
16.06.26
We are not sure sure what to say about Sam, we have no idea who he is.. he has barley stopped a moment to speak with us, all his focus on the finish line. All we know is what he wrote in his application, he has never done a bikepacking event before, but is no stranger to tough experiences having hiked the Pacific Crest Trail.
Congratulations Sam, what a ride!
Finish time 63h 2m
📷: Sergi Romeu
Third finisher and First Woman - Anuchi Gago
16.06.26
Not just strong physically but mentally too, Anuchi pushed hard all event long and didn't let up. From road side bivis to eating on the go. Having passed in-front of Craig this afternoon she didn't stop and made it back to Girona so fast we nearly missed her.
If there was one constant about Anuchi it was her smile and infectious energy, only faltering at the breifest of moments and showing the true effort and toll in her ride.
While Anuchi is the first woman, and lowers the womens course record by a considerable 13 hours, finishing third overall demonstrates that her performce isn't just good, but fierce in its own right!
Chapeau Anuchi, chapeau!
Enhorabona!
Finish time 65h 32m
📷: Sergi Romeu
WORLDS APART
16.06.26
A valley over but a world apart - Andorra is something else. Riders descend out of the natural park into this strange amusement park, a tax haven and Ferrari parking lot. While some riders checked into hotels for an early night, others pushed on up the steep climb out and back to Spain, making the most of the cooler evening temperature.
📷: Benno Sellin
ABOVE 2000m
17.06.26
There is nothing quite like the Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu. This winter, these tracks were covered in up to three meters of snow, only fully clearing in the last few weeks with the forceful spring heat.
Riders weave their way along the mountain track, between rocks and animals as they enjoy the near 40km long section above 2000m. The highpoint of the route and the real highlight.
📷: Carina Gasia
DAWN BREAKS IN CERDANYA
17.06.26
Dawn breaks in Cerdanya as riders look to resupply before heading up and over the pass into France.
The route is clearly taking its toll on some. Tired legs and weary minds, riders bear the scars of misfortune and its consequences. Others, however, are rested and in good spirits, clearly enjoying the respite offered by an asphalted climb.
📷: Benno Sellin
SEEKING SHELTER
17.06.26
The now familiar daily weather pattern continued, with sunny mornings giving way to afternoon thunderstorms. Riders arrived soaked in the oasis of Martinet, gratefully taking shelter and replenishing themselves with much-needed pastries and cold beers.
📷: Sergi Romeu
NEW LIFE
18.06.26
Winter’s deep snow has given way to spring, leaving the valleys greener than ever. The harsh months may have tested the landscape, but the warmth of spring brings new life to plants and wildlife alike. For riders, the reward is endless lush vistas and vibrant trails that make every moment worth it.
📷: Carina Gasia
RESISTING TEMPTATION
18.06.26
For some, the mountain oasis of Ribes de Freser brings opportunity for a quick resupply at the supermarket before climbing off into the night in hopes of pushing through to Girona.
While for others, it's restaurants and warm hotel beds are just too much temptation to deny. For some, they choose to rest more and ride hard but for others a hotels comfort is a necessity to recover from the hardship of the effort so far.
We found both Gabrielle and Ruth having tough moments. Ruth dealing with knee pain and somewhat tired, she left her bike outside a restaurant and wandered off on foot in search of a pharmacy. We hope a sleep will do her well.
Both Dennis and Cefas left town as darkness fell and headed off into the night.
📷: Benno Sellin
BRIEFLY CROSSING THE BORDER
18.06.26
Riders briefly crossed into France, but the only border control on their return was a simple wire fence designed to stop French cows from joining their Spanish siblings.
As they made the final push back to Girona last night, riders were rewarded with open skies and spectacular sunsets, winding their way across the tundra at the summit.
📷: Sergi Romeu
THE PUSH BEGINS
18.06.26
The push for the finish begins from Llavorsí. Riders make their way up the long climb out of Vall Farrera in search of reaching Girona on Saturday for the party.
Clearly the effort of multiple days on the bike takes its toll. This fatigue gives riders the opportunity to have a little more time to enjoy the views as they are forced to walk the steeper sections of the climb.
At the summit they find the Mirador, Collada de Conflent, provided the perfect spot to appreciate the effort made climbing.
📷: Sergi Romeu
Finisher: Gabrielle Antoine
18.06.26
Hailing from Nantes in France, Gabrielle is no stranger to rain. Through storms, pushing up climbs and into the night, there seemed to be nothing that could stop her progress towards the finish, and achieving the fulfillment and presence of life she finds by cycling.
Gabrielle is part of our Bursary scheme (supported by Tailfin) and is a true representative of its values. To give opportunities to people from under-represented groups to help improve representation and inspire others to take on these life affirming challenges.
When applying, Gabrielle told us she wanted to do the event on her old restored 26" MTB, to show it is possible to do incredible things with old fashioned materials. How could we have said no!
Chapeau Gabrielle, we believe in you, you are a true inspiration.
Gabrielle finishes as second woman and 22nd overall.
Climb, Descend, Resupply, Repeat
18.06.26
The push forwards to Girona continues, with many riders making it over the final passes and down into the heat of the Girona basin.
Tough climbs on tired legs are made worthwhile by switchbacks and mountain views to energise low energy reserves. While the daily theme of climb, descend, resupply, repeat continues without relent!
📷: Carina Gasia
CHANGE OF SCENERY
19.06.26
Crossing out of Andorra is a blunt change, from perfect tarmac to rough descents, which leads to stunning views of the Cadi Moixeró north face along the high mountain track. A calm above the highway of the Cerdanya valley.
Riders further back were working hard and making the most of the views, for them the push is really on to get to the finish.
Feature (photo 2) are Luisa and Paula, who are riding the event as a pair, with Luisa a Bursary rider. Having been inspired while working at (Hors Categorie) the finish line last year, she decided to enter and ride with her good friend and experienced veteran Paula.
📷: Sergi Romeu
ROLLING INTO GIRONA
19.06.26
Back in Girona, the finish line at Hors Categorie is getting busy! The reward for finishing in the mid pack? A huge cheering party and hugs for all!
Riders are now constantly rolling in, day or night, sharing stories from the road and competing for who's the smelliest rider.
Chapeau to all!
📷: Benno Sellin
YET ANOTHER CLIMB
19.06.26
Riders break camp and leave their Cerdanya bivi spots in the cool dawn air. Making the most of the early hours they head up yet another climb into France, before crossing the border and descending down in search of water and resupply to refresh against the growing heat of the day.
Those riders with eagle eyes were able to spot the mountain font in the hamlet of Dorrià, with which they could refill bottles and cool themselves.
📷: Sergi Romeu
Sunrises and Sunsets
19.06.26
There is nothing quite like being on a mountain top at the right time of day, cool climbs and beautiful views reward early stars and late finishes.
Riders on the way to Girona are making the most of the final climbs through the Parc Natural de Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser. Translated it is, the park of the headwaters of the Ter and Freser rivers, and this year those headwaters and rivers flow strong!
📷: Carina Gasia
PUSHING ON TO THE PARTY
20.06.26
The hard push for the finish and event closing party has started! For some it was an opportunity to spend a last night in the mountains, at one and peace with nature and savour the true pleasure of these events before seeing off into first light and the madness of the city ahead.
The route into the finish from the final true mountains looks like it is all downhill, but that is far from the reality, riders have a long day ahead under the oppressive heat of the Girona basin.
Photographed are Luisa and Paula, both from Girona and riding as a pair. Luisa under the Bursary and Paula as a mentor of all of our Bursary riders.
📷: Sergi Romeu
THE FINAL PUSH
20.06.26
The final push is on, literally and figuratively! Riders are braving the scorching heat to get to the finish line at Hors Categorie in Girona. The bar is filling up and participants are refreshing ahead of the party tonight, from 6pm. There are still riders on the road, and in our thoughts... Who will be the last to arrive at the party?
We are waiting for you!
📷: Carina Gasia
El Piri 2026 Closing Party
21.06.26
Last night we held the closing party for everyone at Hors Categorie. Drinks, food and many stories. Bonds have been made, numbers have been swapped and future plans are already in action!
For us, there's no greater pleasure than to hear first time event riders happy and excited, having caught the bug, already dreaming of their next adventure!
A huge thank you to all the team at Hors for being such fantastic hosts this week, the finish line was amazing.
And thanks to the riders, you are the community and you made it special!
Adéu i fins ara! / Goodbye and see you soon!
📷: Sergi Romeu
