Cycling and landscape: The essence of Ordino

Ordino is one of the best places to start exploring Andorra by bike. Situated in the northeast of the country, this charming village links to Canillo and La Massana via winding mountain roads. For cyclists, it’s the perfect base, offering easy access to some of the region’s best climbs. In the Ordino area, two of Andorra’s most iconic climbs stand out: Port d’Arcalís and Coll d’Ordino. Both have witnessed epic battles and crucial moments that have decided the overall standings of the biggest professional races.

Professional races

The Port d’Arcalís is among Andorra’s toughest and highest climbs, stretching 10.1 km with an average gradient of 7.2% from the valley base. Although the Coll d’Ordino is less steep, it remains a notable ascent. Starting from the town of Ordino at 1,287 meters, the climb gains 693 meters of elevation over 9.9 km, averaging a 7% gradient, and tops out at 1,980 meters.

This twisting road, which leads up to the Coll d’Ordino and often starts with a long descent through the valley, is a perfect warm-up for any Andorran stage. While it’s rarely used as a Grand Tour stage finish, it has appeared in several professional races. For instance, in the 2019 Vuelta a España, Stage 9 covered 94.4 km; starting in Andorra la Vella, climbing the Coll d’Ordino as the first categorized climb, and finishing at Cortals d’Encamp. It was here that 20-year-old Tadej Pogačar launched the decisive attack that earned him his first stage win in a Grand Tour. The year before, the penultimate stage of the 2018 Vuelta included six climbs in Andorra before concluding at the Coll de la Gallina, where Enric Mas of Quick-Step sprinted past Miguel López for the victory.

Recently, Ordino has gained spotlight as part of the new Andorra MoraBanc Clàssica, a one-day UCI 1.1 race. This demanding 145 km course, with 4,300 meters of climbing, stays entirely within Andorra and links all seven parishes, including Ordino.

Biosphere Reserve

Cyclists starting from Ordino not only experience great roads and climbs but also ride through a landscape valued for its ecological importance. Since 2020, Ordino has been designated as Andorra’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The mountains are covered by extensive forests of Scots pine and fir, home to rare species such as the bearded vulture and the Pallars lizard. Starting a ride from Ordino means being immersed in authentic natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. Many of the routes follow ancient shepherd trails, passing by high-altitude lakes and rustic huts that celebrate the area’s rich pastoral traditions.

In short, starting your ride in Ordino means experiencing a unique mix of rich cycling heritage and pristine natural beauty. Located in the heart of the central Pyrenees, this charming part of Andorra truly deserves its title as the “hub of cycling” in the country. Many local bars in the town center have embraced this cycling culture, creating a welcoming atmosphere where riders and fans alike feel right at home.