Cyclotourist rides are true festivals on wheels. Whether on road bikes, mountain bikes or gravel, these events bring together thousands of cyclists who seek to challenge their limits and enjoy unique routes. From legendary events to new challenges that are here to stay, the offer grows every year and covers all cycling disciplines.
If you are passionate about bicycles, you surely already have rides like the Quebrantahuesos, the Perico or the demanding Orbea Monegros on your radar, which every year gathers thousands of MTB cyclists in a spectacular setting. There are also the gravel challenges that have gained prominence recently, such as The Traka or Tierra Estella Epic, designed for those seeking epic routes off the tarmac.
More than a ride, a unique cycling experience
What makes these events special is not just the route or the difficulty of the course, but the complete experience: the thrill of riding in a group, the feeling of being a pro for a day, and the chance to discover places that you might otherwise never visit.
In addition, organizing each cyclotourist ride is a monumental challenge. That’s why, from here, we want to thank those who make it possible for us to enjoy such well-planned and safe events every year. Without a doubt, they are the best way to share our passion for cycling and keep adding kilometers on our mountain bikes, road bikes or gravel bikes.
If you still haven’t taken part in one, what are you waiting for?
Precisely for that reason, today we will talk only about one of them: the Irati Xtrem. And we do so, among other things, because those of us at Tuvalum were lucky enough to take part in several editions and know about its uniqueness. We could say that the Irati Xtrem is a rarity. A true cyclotourist treasure that opens at the beginning of June in an incredible place where the Navarrese Pyrenees and the French department of the Atlantic Pyrenees meet.
We have participated in the Irati Xtrem several times and we can confirm it: a true cycling treasure.
For the uninitiated: the road event consists of a 128 km circular route that starts in a small mountain village called Otsagabia, with barely 300 inhabitants. Cyclists cross the Irati Forest and climb some very tough mountain passes, with the most legendary of all taking center stage: The Port of Larrau, where Miguel Indurain had to surrender in the 1996 Tour, after his five consecutive victories. On the official Irati Xtrem website you can find all the details of the event. 
Anyone who has not visited this corner of the Pyrenees may not understand the wild beauty it holds. Not only because of the greatness of its forests, the largest in the entire Peninsula, but also because of the enormous difficulty of its passes, which rise from the deepest French valleys. The Irati Xtrem is already one of the great events on the cycling calendar. But unlike others, it has managed to preserve the recreational, even contemplative, spirit with which it began in 2007 like no other. A concept that, since 2016, has also been part of the MTB version of this event.
📺 Pre-pandemic memories. In this video you have a summary of the 2019 edition. In 2022, the Irati Xtrem returns stronger than ever. 😀
The opinion of Biktor Andueza, creator of the Irati Xtrem
Biktor Andueza, the creator and driving force behind the Irati Xtrem, as well as other events related to cycling experiences. We want to bring you the vision of a cycling enthusiast who decided to take a step further. 
We talked to Biktor about the event, but also about other issues related to organizing cycling events. Biktor helps us understand the enormous complexity involved in organizing this type of event. An issue, of course, that extends to many other cycling events.
📺 Who could imagine that people would travel to a remote place in the Pyrenees just to ride a bicycle? In this video, Biktor Andueza conveys to us the great fortune of appreciating it. Something that goes far beyond the competitive aspect.
📺 A complex organization. Have you ever stopped to think about the implications of organizing a cycling tour event? Watch the following video because it will surprise you. Some circumstances are almost comical; others verge on tragedy. A testimony that may change your perspective.
📺 And how about a mountain bike ride? With the road event already established on the calendar, Biktor thought that offering an MTB alternative could be the grand finale for a legendary event. No sooner said than done. The Irati Xtrem for MTB began its journey in 2016 and has been equally successful. It is very difficult to organize a supported route through the heart of the largest beech-fir forest in Europe, after the Black Forest. Biktor Andueza tells us about it in this video.
📺 A commitment to the essence of cycling. Above competition, even above sport itself, the human experience stands out. Another demonstration of how cycling can contribute to a better world. Biktor talks to us about it in this video.
What is the ideal bike for the Irati Xtrem?
The Irati Xtrem is a challenge for cyclists who aren't afraid of double-digit gradients. Therefore, your best option is a climbing bike. Don't rule out a good gravel bike either: the slow spirit and the uneven asphalt in many places make this option appealing. 
If you go to Tuvalum, these models we've selected for you may still be available. They are certified bikes with a one-year warranty. Find them here
, or choose the one you like the most.