Surrounding Girona there are some fantastic climbs and descents. The views are magnificent from the local peaks as the Pyrenees tower to the north and the sea lies to the east. Between the two there are lush valleys, pastures and rolling hills. While out training the other day Dominique Rollin and I took some footage of the descent of Mare de Deu del Mont. At the summit of a climb there is a monastery, restaurant and radio towers. There are often hang-gliders jumping from the edge while hikers snap photos. The climb is roughly 30 km from Girona and towers over the town of Banyoles. Dominique Rollin rode for Cervelo last year and will ride for La Francaise des Jeux this season which is why he has a mix of clothing on. The song is Arcade Fire, No Cars Go.

Michael

Michael Barry is a former professional cyclist, three-time Olympian, multiple Canadian National Champion, author of four books and is now an owner of Mariposa Bicycles.

29 thoughts on “Mare de Deu del Mont”

  1. Michael, Girona looks amazing, one question I wanted to ask regarding Dominique’s mix of team kit is; when are you guys contracted to wear team colours after you leave a team? Are the dates different for bikes etc than for clothing as I often see pro riders on their new team bikes but in old team clothing. Or is it just a “what is clean and in the kit bag” question.

    Anyway I hope you are well

    Lamb

    1. Hi Simon, Although he had received some of his clothing and bike he hadn’t received all of it which is why he is wearing Cervelo shorts and an FDJ top. Generally, we wear the team colours until the end of the calendar year when our contracts are up. Best, Michael

  2. 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 thank you, that will keep me going for a while with a smile on my face,till the snow and ice departs.

  6. I recognize that road. Kathy did that climb the last time we were in Girona. What a special view! Nice video, it brings back fond memories (of the decent at least).
    Chuck

  9. Are these goosebumps from your descent, or the snowy morning here in T.O.? Gracias amigo.

  11. Very cool video and best song!
    I hope someday to find us by those roads, we are more easily recognized, my girlfriend is that she is very strong, missing a leg! 😉

  12. Thanks so much for editing the two cameras together and posting this up. Love the shadows of your riding. So awesome to have friends like that to train with!

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  15. osti, q’c’est beau ! i am so happy you guys are documenting this stuff. warren miller does double planks, barry does to cry for, riding scenes. please add my email to your future cycling tours company. i can cook and handle a leica. Cheers micheal, merci Dominic. Randy…Montreal -9c

  16. Awesome descending….makes you smile to watch it looks like the two of you were having a load of fun. Inspired to go out in the not so sunny weather.

  17. Awesome, Scary, but awesome.
    Always wanted to pass a car going downhill, you guys were smoking.
    Thanks
    Alex

  19. Nice video Michael and looks great with Arcade Fire. We’re soo lucky to live in a place with this greats spots to ride.
    Cheers
    Edu from Girona

  20. That was a great video. I’ll think about it when I’m riding in -10 deg weather this weekend in Ontario. Wishing you both a great racing season this year!

  21. Absolutely love this video. Was dying to go out for a ride. Best of luck this racing season…
    Celer et Audax !!

  23. Michael… this is a fantastic little video! Love le Metier in general. Great to see you and Dom riding together regular.

    What did you guys use for cameras? And did you just basically strap a normal little cam to your helmets? Really cool effect.

    Hopefully will see you guys in Europe. We’ll be over in Carcassonne (@teamspiderTech) for 2.5 months. Planning a little trip to Girona with Svein to pickup some of his stuff and grab dinner with GB.

    1. Hi Kevin, Good to hear from you. Say hi to the Spidertech boys for me. To film the video, Dom had a camera on his helmet and I had one on the handlebars. We were both using Gopro HD cameras. Hope to see you and Svein when you’d down this way. All the best and take care, Michael

  24. Great video, have to agree with other posters, put a smile om my face as well and has given me the push I have been needing this last few days to get back out on the bike.
    Even reminds me a bit of the scottish highlands where I live, except for the sunshine that is.
    Keep em coming
    Michael and thanks.

  25. Thanks for this. Good to see there is somewhere in the world not covered in ice and snow and where it is possible to ride. Not so in Toronto, though I still managed to get out for a ride yesterday. Hey, when life gives you lemons…
    Cheers from your hometown fans.

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