The route leaves La Seu d'Urgell and follows the N-260 west. The road climbs in long ramps up the Alt Urgell side to the Port del Cantó and then drops down the Pallars side to Sort. The whole route is on the same road.
The ride links the Alt Urgell with the Pallars Sobirà through the municipalities of La Seu d'Urgell, Montferrer i Castellbò, Ribera d'Urgellet, Soriguera and Sort. The climb goes from the farmed valleys of the Segre to forests and mountain pastures, and from the pass the views open out over the Pyrenean ranges. What makes it special is the layout: wide, well-linked bends that allow a flowing rhythm on a major pass.
It is about 52 km and a little under an hour without stops, with around 145 bends and one hairpin. Altitude ranges from about 630 m to about 1,720 m. It is a national road with lorry and car traffic: only overtake with clear visibility and plenty of room. It is cold at the top even in summer and in winter there is snow and ice; there are speed checks in the area.