Le Tour - 100th Edition
Iconic climbs of the Pyrenees 05 - 11 July 2013 In 2013, the Tour de France visits the region of the Pyrenees at the beginning of the second week of the race. Having been challenged on some testing terrain across the island of Corsica and been tested in the Team Time Trial in Nice, there will be some small time gaps amongst the main GC favourites and even the chance of a breakaway specialist wearing yellow. It will be in the stages here in the Pyrenees that we will see the race heat up. With two days of tough terrain over 7 categorised climbs facing the peleton, it will be a great time to enjoy the race live. With the return of the Spanish contendors such as Valverde and Contador, the atmosphere will be electric as their supporters flock across the nearby border. The Pyrenees have been featuring in the Tour de France for over 100 years with names such Tourmalet and Aubisque gaining mythical status amongst cyclists the world over. Our cycling tour will take in these and many more as we give you the chance to cycle both on the tour route ahead of the pros but also conquer many of the key climbs in Tour history. For full details on the tour please download the flyer on the right of the page. Tour Summary & Highlights 5 July 2013: Tour start in the medieval city of Carcassonne Bike fitting and warm-up ride Race viewing with welcome drinks and dinner at the hotel 6 July 2013: Cycle ahead of the pros on the race route of stage 8 - ride details here Watch the race from the summit or slopes of the 2001m Col de Pailheres Group dinner 7 July 2013: Ride on the race route ahead of the pros through to the finish line from the village of Arreau, including the climbs of Col de Val Louron-Azet and La Hourquette d'Ancizan - ride details here Watch the race finish in to Bagneres de Bigorre from the 'Izoard' Corporate hospitality suite next to the finish line complete with cocktail food, champagne and open bar! Group dinner at our hotel in Bagneres de Bigorre 8 July 2013: Take on the 'Century Ride', this 100km loop takes us through stunning quiet mountain roads to Argeles Gazost and then conquers the Western face of the Col du Tourmalet before descending to our hotel again Ride details here Group dinner at the hotel 9 July 2013: Cycle from our hotel to climb the stunning cols of Soulor and Aubisque - ride details here Enjoy a post ride drink in one of the most visited villages in Tour history, Argeles Gazost Group dinner 10 July 2013: Explore the medieval fort village of Saint Bertrand de Comminges Climb the stunning triple of Port de Balés, Peyrasourde and Peyragudes Enjoy relaxing and dinner in the thermal spa village of Bagneres de Luchon 11 July 2013: One final challenge with the climbing of Superbagnéres Transfer to Toulouse for onward travel Staff numbers based on 24 guests: 5 To book or for further information: Will Maley p. +33 (0) 6 66 87 46 96 e. [email protected] Our tour commences in the medieval city of Carcassonne, famous for its imposing castle that overlooks the city. We invite you to join us directly at the hotel or alternatively we will be providing pick ups during the day from the train station. On arrival, guests will be fitted to their Trek Madone bikes or our mechanics will assist to assemble your bikes for you should you wish to bring your own. In the late afternoon we will take a leisurely cycle through the surrounding countryside. Our support vehicle will be en route with you should you wish to make any adjustments. We will be sure to be at the hotel though to watch the closing stages of the day's Tour action on television. In the evening you will enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel. During each dinner you will enjoy a recap on the day's Tour de France action and a briefing on your following day's activities. Overnight: Carcassonne, France Ride distance: 20-30km 6 July 2013 Stage 8, Castres - Ax 3 Domaines The arrival of the high mountains takes place on stage 8 of Le Tour. For the first time in the race, the riders will go above 2000m in elevation and also fight it out for the first mountain top stage finish. After a short transfer (30km) to the village of Limoux, we will take to the bikes and cycle on the race route ahead of the pros. The ride starts with a gentle climb giving your legs a chance to warm up before the steep pitches as you climb towards the col de Pailheres. From this point you will have the chance to pick your viewing spot from the lower reaches of the climb or atop the col itself. Our coach will be parked in the village of Axat at the base of the climb and will have musettes with lunches for you to collect on the way through. As you climb you will be encouraged along by the thousands of spectators who line the road in anticipation of the race. Shortly after, you will witness live, the incredible 'caravanne' and then the pros as they race towards the first big mountain crossing of the tour. Following the passing of the race, we will descend back down to the coach for the transfer to our hotel in the heart of the Pyrenees which will be your home for the next 5 nights. Overnight: Bagneres de Bigorre Key climbs: Col de Pailheres Ride distance: Between 60 and 90km Ride details: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2036488 7 July 2013 Stage 9, Saint Girons - Bagneres de Bigorre, 165km Our hotel is located in the heart of the action of stage 9, just outside the village of Bagneres de Bigorre. We will travel by our coach from the hotel to the village of Arreau, a stunning riverside town at the base of 3 historical Tour climbs. From there we will ride to intercept the race route at the base of the Col de Val Louron-Azet. Our ride will take us through to the finish in Bagneres de Bigorre ahead of the pros. With the Val Louron-Azet and Hourquette d'Ancizan climbs on offer and the big crowds lining the roads it will be a memorable day in the saddle. On reaching the finish village we will then enjoy access to the Media and Technical zone. This zone is great to wander through as you will see many of the commentators made famous by the great race along with all the technology that is involved in presenting this incredible event. We will then spend the afternoon in the exclusive VIP hospitality zone known as 'Izoard'. Located by the finish line, you will enjoy food and open bar throughout the afternoon plus champagne and prime viewing of the race. The suite also has a number of big screen tv's allowing you to watch the race as it comes to you over the roads you have just ridden. As our hotel is close by the finish, you will have the opportunity to return to the hotel to have a shower and get changed before the race arrival. In the evening we will enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Bagneres de Bigorre Key climbs: Col de Val Louron-Azet, La Hourquette d'Ancizan Ride distance: 73km Ride details: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2036513 8 July 2013 Tour de France Rest Day As the race heads away from the Pyrenees, we will take the opportunity to ride the key cols that that have made the Tour de France what it is. The Col du Tourmalet was the first major mountain to be introduced in the Tour de France over 100 years ago. Departing directly from the hotel, we will take on the 'Century Ride'. This 100km loop will take us through the quiet mountain roads towards Argeles Gazost before we take on the Western, and more scenic, face of this mighty climb. With 20km of climbing at an average of 7.4% it is a solid ride, particularly as the average is heightened in the second half of the climb with steep pitches up to the summit. On reaching the summit we will stop for photos and to soak up this great ride, as well as visit the restaurant on top of the col which is full of cycling memorabilia from past tours. After a break for lunch at the top we will then descend down the Eastern face back and along the valley floor to our hotel. The hotel where we are staying has a movie room where we will enjoy the Individual Time Trial on live broadcast and celebrate our week of riding some of the world's greatest climbs. In the evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Bagneres de Bigorre Key climbs: Col du Tourmalet - West face Ride distance: 100km Ride details: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2036545 9 July 2013 Stage 10, Saint Gildas des Bois - Saint Malo, 193km Departing directly from the hotel, we will traverse the base of the Tourmalet prior to passing the village of Argeles Gazost where we will start on a regular feature in Tour history. Our ride from Argeles Gazost will take us over the Col du Solour via a beautiful tree-lined climb with views to the Col du Tourmalet before we then take on the Col d'Aubisque. The Col d'Aubisque is one of the most scenic climbs in France. The road itself hugs the steep mountain face and each turn provides stunning views across towards Spain and back down the valley. The group will then descend back to Argeles Gazost where we will enjoy a rewarding drink at a local cafe and watch the conclusion of the day's Tour de France action on television. With its location between the Col du Tourmalet and Aubique, Argeles Gazost is steeped in cycling history. As we will return to Argeles Gazost, guests can shorten their ride distance should they wish. Overnight: Bagneres de Bigorre Key climbs: Col du Solour, Col d'Aubisque Ride distance: Up to 102km Ride details: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2036524 10 July 2013 Stage 11, Avranches - Mont Saint Michel, 33km ITT On this day we will head East to some of the most beautiful climbs in the region. After a short transfer to the medieval fort village of Saint Bertrand de Comminges we will take the chance to explore this ancient walled town. Complete with a stunning cathedral, the village enjoys sweeping views across the valley below. From here we will take to the closing part of TdF 2012. Our ride will take in the final 60km of stage 19 of last year's Tour de France with 3 incredible climbs. The first challenge is Port de Balés. Until recent years, the road was a dirt track through the national park and with the assistance of the TdF organisers and local authorities the road was transformed to one of the greatest rides in the world. After traversing the National Park we will then climb the Col du Peyresourde, a stunning mountain road that's series of switch backs elegantly conquer the mountain and provide a beautiful ride. After a short descent we will then climb up to the ski station of Peyragudes. From the summit you will have incredible views across Southern France. After a break to enjoy an incredible day of climbing and riding, we will descend directly to our new hotel in the heart of the beautiful thermal spa village of Bagneres de Luchon. Our 4 star hotel will be a fantastic reward after a great ride. Those wishing to have a shorter ride will be able to descend directly to Bagneres de Luchon after they have conquered Port de Balés. The hotel where we are staying has a movie room where we will enjoy the Individual Time Trial on live broadcast and celebrate our week of riding some of the world's greatest climbs. In the evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Bagneres de Luchon Key climbs: Port de Balés, Col du Peyrasourde, Peyragudes Ride distance: 80km 11 July 2013 Stage 12, Fougeres - Tours, 218km Following breakfast at the hotel, we will set off for one last climb as to the iconic Superbagnères. Listed as one of the top 10 climbs in France it will be a perfect send off from 8 days of incredible riding. After a chance to shower and recover we will transfer to the city of Toulouse (approx. 1hr 30m) where the tour concludes. Drop offs will be available at the train station and airport. Please do not book trains prior to 2.30pm or flights prior to 4.30pm. Conclusion of tour. Key climbs: Superbagnères Ride distance: 40km Should you wish to continue following the tour, we have tours starting in Provence on the 13th of July that will take in the Ventoux, Alps and Paris stages. We can also assist you with your travels between the tours should you require. Inclusions 2 night 4 star, 4 nights 3 star accommodation 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 three course dinners 7 guided rides 2 live stage viewings with riding on the race route ahead of the pros Private transfers throughout Energy gels, bars and isotonic powders for each ride Use of a custom fitted Trek Madone 5.2 at no charge On road mechanical support from our race accredited support vehicles Technical and Media Zone access in Bagneres de Bigorre 'Izoard' Corporate Hospitality Suite with food and open bar in Bagneres de Bigorre Tour jersey, musette and race pack, including maps and race information Discounts at the official Tour de France merchandise outlets Arrival transfer on arrival in Carcassonne Transfer at conclusion to Toulouse Local taxes Not Included Airfares and/or transport to and from our designated pickup and drop-off points Travel insurance (obligatory for all guests) Items of a personal nature, ie. laundry, phone calls, tips, etc Please bring your own pedals, helmet, lights, bike computer, pump kit and cycling apparel Cost per person: 2750€ based on twin/double share Single supplement: 400€ Deposit: 600€ on booking per person, balance due 5 May 2013 Hotels: Carcassonne: Hotel Mercure, Porte de la Cite Set alongside the stunning castle of Carcassonne, this beautiful hotel offers spacious rooms, a great restaurant and heated swimming pool with views to the castle walls. Each room contains private facilities and free wi-fi. Pyrenees, Domaine de Ramonjuan Located at the base of the col du Tourmalet, our hotel is a beautiful, traditional mountain lodge that includes a first class restaurant, bar, heated swimming pool, games room and spacious rooms. The property also offers wifi and a large movie room for tour viewing post rides. Pyrenees, Hotel ACTA Luchon In the heart of the thermal spa village of Bagneres de Luchon, the 4 star hotel ACTA Luchon provides stunning accommodation in a beautiful historic village complete with indoor swimming pool. |
Tour Summary:
Dates: 05-11 July 2013 Tour type: Cycling Stage viewings: 2 Start point: Carcassonne Finish point: Toulouse Price per person: 2750€ Single Supplement: 400€
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