Girona Experience
Mapmaker Collective · International Tour

THE GIRONA
EXPERIENCE.

8 Stages 804 km 11,052m Climbing 6–10 Riders Catalonia, Spain 2026 Spots Available
8
Stages
804 km
Total Distance
11,052 m
Total Climbing
6–10
Riders Maximum
The Experience

Where the world's best cyclists train.

Girona is the spiritual home of pro cycling and a two-wheeled wonderland for any rider. Set between the Pyrenees and the Costa Brava, this is where cycling's biggest names live, train and explore.

For a week in September, you will do the same. Experience the rustic charm of a 17th-century Catalan estate, then explore a unique landscape from the beating heart of Girona's Old Town. Guided by people who share your passion, fuelled by superb local cuisine, good coffee and better roads.

Let us take care of every detail. All you have to do is ride.

"I have ridden in some of the most spectacular places on earth. Nothing prepared me for Catalonia."

Nic Lamond — Mapmaker Co-Founder
Riding in Catalonia
Girona landscape
More than just a bike ride. Girona, Catalonia · September 2026
Day by Day

The Stages

8 stages · 804 km · 11,052 m climbing · 45–136 km per stage

Stage 2 offers two route options, chosen on the day. Routes adapted to conditions and group energy.

Stage 0
La Peninsular — Costa Brava — Can Campolier
La Peninsular · Costa Brava cliffs · Can Campolier arrival
136km
1,645m ↑
Hard
Elevation profile, stage 0: La Peninsular to Can Campolier via the Costa Brava, 136km with 1,645m of climbing
Stage 0 · 136 km · 1,645 m climbing · High point 470 m
Roll out from La Peninsular in Girona’s old town and head east through the tranquil Empordà plains to the glittering Mediterranean, scaling the rugged, pine-scented coastal cliffs of the Costa Brava before turning inland to Can Campolier — your 17th-century Catalan base near Lake Banyoles. A big opening day, with the support vehicle close at hand the whole way.
Stage 1
Banyoles Sunset Loop
Lake Banyoles · Golden hour · Recovery spin
45km
565m ↑
Easy
Elevation profile, stage 1: Banyoles Sunset Loop, 45km with 565m of climbing
Stage 1 · 45 km · 565 m climbing · High point 238 m
A golden-hour lap of Lake Banyoles from Can Campolier. Spin the legs, settle into the rhythm of Catalan backroads and watch the light drop behind the Pyrenees. Short, easy and exactly what the day needs.
Stage 2A
Can Campolier — Olot — Girona Loop
Plan A · La Garrotxa volcanoes · Olot
118km
1,351m ↑
Moderate
Elevation profile, stage 2 Plan A: Can Campolier to Olot and Girona loop, 118km with 1,351m of climbing
Stage 2A · 118 km · 1,351 m climbing · High point 632 m
Plan A. West into the volcanic terrain of La Garrotxa — narrow tarred backroads under big skies, medieval stone hamlets and dense oak forests on the loop through Olot and home via Girona’s quiet lanes.
Stage 2B
Can Campolier — L’Escala Coastal Loop
Plan B · Empordà · L’Escala coastal balcony
115km
1,196m ↑
Moderate
Elevation profile, stage 2 Plan B: Can Campolier to L'Escala coastal loop, 115km with 1,196m of climbing
Stage 2B · 115 km · 1,196 m climbing · High point 232 m
Plan B. The coastal alternative: east across the Empordà to L’Escala and the Mediterranean — rolling open roads, vineyard countryside and a spectacular seaside balcony. The group rides A or B, chosen on the day by weather and legs.
Stage 3
Can Campolier — Mare de Déu del Mont
Mare de Déu del Mont — 12km at 7%
95km
1,818m ↑
Hard
Elevation profile, stage 3: Can Campolier to Mare de Deu del Mont, 95km with 1,818m of climbing
Stage 3 · 95 km · 1,818 m climbing · High point 1,098 m
The crown jewel of the week: Mare de Déu del Mont — 12km at a steady 7% average — rising out of La Garrotxa’s volcanic foothills to the sanctuary at 1,098m, with a panorama from the Pyrenees to the sea. A day that will take your breath away in every sense.
Stage 4
Can Campolier — Empordà — La Peninsular
Rustik Empordà lunch · Ter River · Girona Old Town
110km
1,041m ↑
Moderate
Elevation profile, stage 4: Can Campolier to Girona via the Emporda, 110km with 1,041m of climbing
Stage 4 · 110 km · 1,041 m climbing · High point 202 m
From Can Campolier to the vibrant historic heart of Girona via a lunch stop at the legendary Rustik Empordà. A network of spectacular backroads over the Ter River carries you into the old town — home for the rest of the week.
Stage 5
La Peninsular — Sant Hilari Loop
Sant Hilari Sacalm · 20km climb · Osor Valley descent
128km
2,189m ↑
Hard
Elevation profile, stage 5: La Peninsular Sant Hilari loop, 128km with 2,189m of climbing
Stage 5 · 128 km · 2,189 m climbing · High point 1,003 m
The biggest day of the week: a classic scenic loop through Catalonia’s mountainous Les Guilleries with a steady 20km climb to Sant Hilari Sacalm. Blissfully quiet roads flanked by dense forests and high viaducts, followed by a rewarding flowing descent through the spectacular Osor Valley.
Stage 6
La Peninsular — Rocacorba Loop
Rocacorba — 10km at 8% average gradient
105km
1,576m ↑
Hard
Elevation profile, stage 6: La Peninsular Rocacorba loop, 105km with 1,576m of climbing
Stage 6 · 105 km · 1,576 m climbing · High point 960 m
Rolling out from Girona’s ancient stone arches heading north toward the iconic Rocacorba. 10km at 8% average along quiet forested backroads. No shortcuts, no excuses. The reward at the top is a panorama over everything. You will have earned every metre of it.
Stage 7
La Peninsular — Hincapie Loop
Els Àngels · The Hincapie Loop · Santa Pellaia
67km
867m ↑
Moderate
Elevation profile, stage 7: La Peninsular Hincapie loop, 67km with 867m of climbing
Stage 7 · 67 km · 867 m climbing · High point 461 m
The quintessential Girona finale — the Hincapie Loop. A gentle warm-up out of Girona’s stone arches, a steady ascent of the iconic Els Àngels, sweeping descents through tiny medieval villages, and the rolling beauty of Santa Pellaia. The perfect send-off.
Where You Stay

The Accommodation

Can Campolier Estate
Can Campolier Estate
Rocacorba Cycling — Porqueres, Banyoles — Nights 1–3
17th century Catalan manor, 1.5km from Lake Banyoles
Exclusive use for Mapmaker guests
On-site restaurant & private dining
Heated bike storage & workshop
Sports massage available on-site
Canyon rental fleet — Rocacorba Atelier
Hotel Ultonia
Hotel Ultonia
Girona Old Town — Nights 4–7
Quaint, central hotel with famed terrace views of Girona cathedral
5-minute walk to the historic old town
Legendary cyclists' breakfasts included
Secure bike storage
2-minute walk to Rocacorba Atelier
Girona streets
Everything you need. Nothing you don't.

What's Included

Included
3 nights at Can Campolier Estate, Banyoles
4 nights at Hotel Ultonia, Girona Old Town
7 fully guided riding days, randonneur-style
Daily nutrition & on-road hydration
Custom Mapmaker kit — yours to keep
2 group dinners at local restaurants
Private winery tasting, Empordà DO
2 sports massage evenings on-site
Route GPX files & daily briefing
Not Included
International flights (we will help you book)
Bike hire — available via Rocacorba Atelier
Alcoholic beverages beyond group dinners
Personal travel insurance
Single room supplement on request
The People Who Will Take You There

Your Guides

Nick Wright
Nick Wright
Co-Founder & Lead Guide

Interior architect and lifelong explorer. Nick designed luxury safari lodges across Southern Africa before founding The Handle Bar. A former South African triathlon representative, he once sold everything to spend two and a half years riding through 23 countries.

SA Triathlon Rep23 Countries
Grant Clark
Grant Clark
Co-Founder & Expedition Lead

In 2017 Grant rode 11,000km solo from Cairo to Cape Town. He led Google Maps' first trekking team into the Western Cape mountains, raced the Silk Road Mountain Race in Kyrgyzstan, and helped locate Shackleton's shipwreck.

Cairo to Cape TownGoogle Maps
Nic Lamond
Nic Lamond
Co-Founder & Head of Stories

Journalist, athlete manager and cyclist whose work lives at the intersection of sport, storytelling and adventure. Nic has ridden on all seven continents and spent his career connecting with the characters who animate endurance sport.

7 ContinentsJournalist
Ready to claim your spot?

Spots are strictly limited. This tour runs once in 2026. Tell us you are interested and we will come back to you with everything you need to know.

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