It makes sense that epic mountains produce epic mountain drives. Something every motor enthusiast should cross of their bucket list, the winding curves of Andorra’s mountain roads make for spectacular drives. And, if it’s a great drive for you, then it’s even better for the professionals.
So, car lovers, start your engines and get excited – La Pujada is coming to Arinsal.
While the teaser above is from a few year’s back, when the event was held in Arcalís, we know it’s just the thing to get you pumped for this action-packed event.
What Is La Pujada?
Motorsport enthusiasts both young and old come together at La Pujada to race or spectate an impressive collection of classic and modified modern cars as they climb up the winding road in Arinsal. With different course sections geared to technical driving or speed, petrol-heads can enjoy as drivers manoeuvre the tight turns and then gain speed in a sprint to the finish.
Battling It Out for Pride and Glory
During La Pujada, drivers have the option of competing for a number of championships and trophies.
For those competing in the Division 2 French Championship, La Pujada will be the third meet of the season. The championship calendar includes:
- Mont Ventoux, on May 17-19,
- Quillan, on June 7-9,
- Arinsal, on June 22-23,
- La Broque, on July 5-7, and
- Super Lioran Cantal, on August 3-4.
Having already raced against each other twice this year, expect fierce competition as drivers have identified their rivals and vie each other out in a battle to gain points towards the French Championship.
Additionally, racers have the added incentive of claiming the prized Pyrénées Trophy. Created three seasons ago, thanks to an initiative of the Automobile Club of Andorra, the trophy motivates drivers to give it their all.
The driver who achieves the fastest climb time will be awarded the Joan Vinyes Trophy. In previous years, French drivers David Guillaumard (Dallara-Mercedes) and Dimitri Pereira (Norma) have taken out the prize.
The Classics On Display
If you’re a lover of the rally and circuit cars of old, then La Pujada is not to be missed. Giving these legendary vehicles the opportunity to shine in the mountains, the Automobile Club of Andorra created the Andorra Legend Festival as part of La Pujada Arinsal.
A non-competitive event within the La Pujada meet, these classics will get the prominence they deserve as drivers put them to the test in their natural habitat – on the tarmac. Allowing a younger audience to witness and appreciate the legendary vehicles of years past, the event brings together an impressive collection of classics. In previous years of La Pujada, some of the vehicles on show have included:
- BMW E30 M
- Renault Alpina
- Ford GT40
- Porsche 911
The Course
Taking place in Arinsal, on highway CS-520, La Pujada is a 4 kilometre hill-climb. Positioned between the 0.3 and 4.3 kilometre markers, the course has an elevation change of 372 metres. The average grade of the track is 8.9%, with the steepest gradient topping out at 11.0%.
To really test the drivers, and give the best to spectators, the course layout is diverse. While the initial two-thirds of the climb are classified as technical, the final zone is considered the faster section to the finish.
La Pujada Andorra Weekend Program
Taking place over the 22nd and 23rd of June this year, 2019, La Pujada is a packed weekend. We’ll give you the run down on everything that’s happening, so you’re sure not to miss any of the action.
Saturday, June 22
09:00 – Road closure in effect.
10:00 – Practice begins for the French Championship (CFM) and Historic Vehicles (VHC) classes.
11:30 – Practice begins for the Andorra Legend Festival (ALF).
12:05 – Official practice lap for CFM competitors.
13:40 – Official practice lap for ALF competitors.
14:15 – Second official practice lap for CFM competitors, and official practice lap for VHC competitors.
15:40 – Second official practice lap for ALF competitors.
16:15 – Race 1 for CFM and VHC classes commences.
17:25 – Hill climb 1 for the ALF begins.
19:00 – Evening party in Arinsal.
Sunday, June 23
08:00 – Road closure in effect.
09:00 – Practice begins for the CFM and VHC classes.
09:40 – Practice begins for the AL class.
10:30 – Race 2 for CFM and VHC classes commences.
12:00 – Hill climb 2 for the ALF begins.
12:35 – Race 3 for CFM and VHC classes commences.
13:45 – Hill climb 3 for the ALF begins.
14:30 – Awards ceremony.
Where to Stay During La Pujada
Conveniently located in the heart of Arinsal, the 17 Sant Moritz vacation rental apartments have all the services and facilities you need. Housing between 2 and 6 people, the apartments offer flexibility, comfort and convenience with complete kitchens and bathrooms (some with a Jacuzzi), WiFi, a flat screen TV, and a safe – in addition to the relaxing bedrooms and comfortable lounges with sofa beds.
Staying at Sant Moritz will mean you’re a stone’s throw away from the action and can easily access La Pujada and the evening’s social event on foot – removing the hassle of trying to find a carpark and making for a perfect, stress-free weekend.
What’s Nearby
Once you’ve caught all the revving engines, spinning tyres and burning rubber you can handle at La Pujada, be sure to hang around in Arinsal.
For those looking to satisfy their hunger and quench their thirst, there are plenty of great bars, restaurants and traditional bordas offering a range of food and beverages to suit everyone’s taste. From the relaxed vibes and great atmosphere of bars like El Cabin and The Derby Irish Pub, to quality restaurants such as Surf Arinsal and Hunters Sports Bar & Grill, the appetite you’ve worked up after a day track-side is sure to be satisfied. And if you want to carry on the party well into the night, you’re more than covered! Check out our post on Arinsal nightlife to get all the details.
Of course, Arinsal isn’t just a village of restaurants and bars. A gateway to Parc Natural del Comapedrosa, home to Andorra’s heighest peak, and just minutes from the Vallnord bike park, Arinsal is the perfect base for all your other outdoor adventures too.
A Packed Summer Schedule in Arinsal
It’s sure to be an awesome, event-filled summer this year. With a schedule that’s packed to the brim with world-renowned events and local favourites, such the Maxiavalanche Vallnord, Skyrace Comapedrosa and Motoclub Arinsal’s Trials event, plus all the great things to do in Andorra in the summer and things to do in Arinsal, there’s always something going on to entertain, excite and inspire.
If you’d like to catch all the action of La Pujada – or have an event-filled, mountainous summer getaway – contact us today. Our team is ready to help you plan the summer trip you’ve always dreamed of.
Feature image credit: Pujada Arinsal