Tour de France 2013
Tour de France 14th-21st July 2013
Our Tour de France trip this year will be a fantastic combination of high mountain riding and watching the Tour as it reaches it's exciting climax in the Alps. The trip will incorporate 6 days of spectacular riding, with 3 days devoted to total immersion in the Tour. We'll ride the routes within hours of the pros before settling down to watch the action unfold.
The Schedule
Sunday July 14
Arrive Geneva airport (aim to book a flight arriving between 1200 and 1600). Collection by minibus and return to our Tarentaise base (transfer time approx 2 hours). Make up bikes, briefing, dinner.
Monday July 15
Today we'll ride to Italy for lunch! The long, spectacular climb of the Col du Petit St Bernard will take us to the border. This climb is not too steep and will give riders a relatively painless introduction to the mountains. If the legs are up to it we can descend into Italy before tackling the same col from the other side. A second night at our Tarentaise base awaits us before heading 'on tour' the following day.
110km and 2300m of climbing
Tuesday July 16
The mighty Col d l'Iseran will be the main challenge today. At 2770m it's the second highest road in the Alps and we'll be riding uphill for 50km to get to it! The descent down the other side is stunning as we enter the wild and sparsely populated upper reaches of the Maurienne valley. We'll finish the ride off with a climb up to the pretty village of Aussois where we'll spend the night.
105km and 2600m of climbing
Wednesday July 17
The day starts with an invigorating ride down to St Michel before the hard work begins. The Col du Telegraph climb will take us to Valloire before tackling the legendary Col du Galibier at 2645m. Again an incredible, long descent will follow with great views of the glaciers of the Parc des Ecrins. The final climb of the day will be up to the ski resort of Les Deux Alpes where we'll stay the night.
100km and 2650m of climbing
Thursday July 18
Today is all about l'Alpe d'Huez, pehaps the most iconic climb in the world of cycling. The Tour pros will be riding from Gap to Alpe d'Huez and they will be tackling the Alpe twice making the spectating possibilities even better than usual. The morning will give us the unique chance to ride the Alpe as the gigantic crowds gather and practice their cheering on us! There will be a chance to continue up the Col de Sarenne to complete the same challenge as the pros. The police cordon will eventually force us to dismount and watch the event and you'll have the chance to choose your perfect vantage point. After enjoying the action we'll drive to Albertville to stay the night to position ourselves perfectly for the next day.
Friday July 19
The stage goes from Bourg d'Oisans to Le Grand Bornand and we'll be aiming to ride the second half of the stage before, again, settling down to watch the action. We'll tackle the Col du Tamie, Col de l'Epine and the Col de la Croix Fry among yet more stunning scenery. Our hotel for the next two nights will be close to Annecy
90km and 2000m of climbing
Saturday July 20
The final Tour stage before Paris and what a fantastic venue for the deciding stage. The start in Annecy and the finish up the Semnoz are close together enabling great viewing of the event in more than one spot. As usual we'll ride in the morning and certainly try to include the challenging Semnoz on the agenda.
Sunday July 21
Plenty of time today to pack up bikes and head to Geneva for flights back home. The transfer time is less than an hour and our minibus will depart at around 11am with a view to catching flights out of Geneva from 2pm onwards.
Cost £995
What's included?
• 6 days of fully supported rides (mechanical assistance, vehicle support, guides)
• 7 nights accommodation, twin share, 2 of which at our Tarentaise base, 5 of which in comfortable hotels on the route
• Breakfast and dinner included
• Transfers to and from Geneva airport
• Informal evening lectures available from a qualified cycling coach offering training advice in preparation for cycling events
What's not included?
• Lunches
• Flights
• Travel insurance
Who is this trip aimed at?
The Tour de France trip is a big week of consecutive rides. However, there's plenty of flexibility to allow Tour de France enthusiasts who find any day a bit too tough to still enjoy the experience. Each day will consist of around 100km and 2500m of climbing, with easier options available if needed. This trip tends to attract a mixture of rider levels but stronger riders can rest assured that they will certainly not be underchallenged! As always, drop us a line to discuss if this trip is going to suit you.
Please contact us to find out more and to make a booking
