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From Andermatt, the next climb begins: 12 km at an average gradient of 6% up to the summit of the Gotthardpass. From there, riders are rewarded with a spectacular 50 km downhill, descending almost 1900 meters to Biasca in the southern part of Switzerland.

The Gotthardpass has been one of the most important north–south crossings of the Alps for centuries. Today it remains a legendary road for cyclists traveling through the heart of the mountains.

The winter closure of Gotthardpass usually ends in June.

ATTENTION: Only 2 weeks left to register!
https://www.northcape-tarifa.com/register-2026/

Photos: taken Juy 2025, March 2026

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Oberalppass is the first mountain pass on the NorthCape–Tarifa route. After entering Switzerland, the route follows the River Rhine all the way to its source at the Oberalppass.

From the summit, a 10 km downhill ride brings riders to Andermatt, a charming and touristic mountain village. Sean Connery once stayed here during the filming of the James Bond movie Goldfinger. The famous writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited Andermatt several times and was fascinated by the region, and the Russian general Alexander Suworow also stayed here in 1799.

The winter closure at Oberalppass usually ends in May, when the road opens again for cyclists and travelers crossing the Alps.

ATTENTION: Only 2 weeks left to register!
https://www.northcape-tarifa.com/register-2026/

Photos: taken March 2026.

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Col de Lautaret is one of the passes NorthCape–Tarifa riders get for free.

On the 42 km descent from Col du Galibier to Le Bourg-d’Oisans, after about 9 km, riders reach Col de Lautaret.

Col de Lautaret is well known for snow kiting in winter.

Attention: registration closes soon
https://www.northcape-tarifa.com/register-2026/

Photos: taken two days ago

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Col du Galibier is one of those places that feels legendary even before you get there.

It’s a high mountain pass in the French Alps, rising to 2,642 meters (8,668 ft) and linking Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne to Briançon via the Télégraphe–Galibier route. Dramatic peaks, thin air, and big skies – the scenery is the real deal.

Galibier is sacred ground for cyclists. It has been a recurring giant of the Tour de France since 1911 and has often decided entire races. Long, relentless climbs, rapidly changing weather, and high altitude make it brutally honest – there’s no hiding up there.

Even in July, it can be cold, windy, or suddenly foggy. Snowbanks lingering well into summer aren’t unusual. It’s all part of the Galibier mystique – and part of the danger.

On a clear day, sweeping views open up across the Écrins and La Meije massifs. It feels vast and remote, like the Alps are reminding you who’s in charge.

During winter the road is closed, buried under meters of snow and reclaimed by touring skiers. It usually reopens in June, ready to challenge the next wave of riders heading south.

Photos: taken yesterday

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Jérôme Deloge – winner of last year’s Swiss Bike Adventure – will once again ride his bike all the way to the start, this time at the North Cape. From his home, he will cover an impressive 3,500 km to reach the northernmost point of the European mainland. Jérôme plans to complete this journey in just 20 days.

This won’t be his first epic ride to a starting line. In 2025, Jérôme already cycled to Andermatt to take part in the Swiss Bike Adventure.

A five-time Paris–Brest–Paris finisher, Jérôme is no stranger to extreme endurance challenges. He is the third rider to register in the “recumbent bike” category.

We’re very much looking forward to seeing Jérôme again!

photos: Swiss-BikeAdventure 2025

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On January 9th, 2026, Pico del Veleta lies deep under a winter blanket. Snow covers the high slopes and skiers share the mountain with the cold alpine wind.

5 month to the start at the NorthCape.

Registration is open until end of March latest:
https://www.northcape-tarifa.com/register-2026/

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On January 9th, 2026, Pico del Veleta lies deep under a winter blanket. Snow covers the high slopes and skiers share the mountain with the cold alpine wind.
This winter has brought more snowfall than in recent years, creating excellent conditions for winter sports in the Sierra Nevada.

For riders on the NorthCape–Tarifa route, there’s a real chance that winter isn’t over – even this far south. At around the 7,000-kilometre mark, some may still find snow beside the road, a reminder that this journey crosses not just countries, but seasons.

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The route from Ronda to Jimena de la Frontera, passing through Gaucín and San Pablo de Buceite, is considered one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Andalusia.

Leaving Ronda, you follow the A-369, a serpentine mountain road that climbs and dips through the Serranía de Ronda. This stretch is known for its dramatic mountain vistas, deep valleys and gorges, and constant panoramic viewpoints. It’s a favourite route for cyclists thanks to its twists, elevation changes, and spectacular scenery.

Gaucín – the “Balcony of the Serranía”

Gaucín sits high on an exposed ridge and is famous for its white-village charm, breathtaking views all the way to Gibraltar and, on clear days, even Morocco. The Castillo del Águila (Eagle’s Castle) crowns the hilltop and dominates the surrounding landscape.

Descending toward San Pablo de Buceite, the scenery shifts from rugged mountains to citrus groves and cork-oak forests. The whole section feels untouched and peaceful, especially between Gaucín and Jimena. It’s also a hotspot for wildlife and bird-watching: griffon vultures often circle overhead, migrating raptors pass through in certain seasons, and the cork-oak and chestnut forests provide a rich natural backdrop.

And then comes the final highlight: the 8.4 km downhill towards Los Ángeles, dropping 510 vertical metres on a continuously winding road without a single straight section. It’s an exhilarating descent that you’ll certainly enjoy.

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Traffic in and around Narbonne in the south of France has increased significantly over the last years. In addition, a new industrial area is being developed a few kilometers west of the city – right where the original NCT route passed.

For the last two editions, we already adjusted the route between Agde and Portiragnes. Now, we have also updated the section between Lespignan and Saint-André-de-Roquelongue, allowing riders to bypass Narbonne on quieter small roads and cycle paths east and north of the city.

The new route now passes through Moussan, Marcorignan, and Névvian, forming a 37.3 km loop around Narbonne.

Photos from the new route were taken at the end of October 2025.

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A new 2 km route update has been implemented in Carboneras de Guadazón, Spain. Instead of passing outside the area, the track now winds directly through the villages, offering quieter roads and a more scenic impression of the region.

Registration is open:
https://www.northcape-tarifa.com/register-2026/

Start date: June 20th, 2026 – 00:01, NorthCape, Norway

Photo from Carboneras de Guadazón, taken at the end of October 2025.

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