Pyrenean Classic Cols
Last Updated on Thursday, 11 April 2013 08:46
"Put on your polka dot jersey and challenge yourself on the legendary cols and TDF stage endings of the Pyrenees."
This road cycling holiday has been put together to give you the opportunity to cycle the best cols and stage endings that the Pyrenees has to offer. It is a point to point journey traversing the region from East to West, taking in the infamous climbs that the professional Tour de France cyclists head up every year.
Using our in-depth knowledge of the Pyrenees we have devised a basic route which warms us up gently with some of the 2nd Category climbs and gets progressively tougher in preparation for the final ascent of the infamous Col du Tourmalet. Taken slowly this route is manageable (and enjoyable) for most cyclists with the toughest day involving 1700m of ascent. However, each day there are 'optional extras' (both cols and TDF stage endings) increasing the possible daily ascent to over 3000m, making this holiday also suitable for those looking to really push themselves and take on our Classic Cols Challenge (see details below).
The unique thing about this holiday is its flexibility - you really can ride as much or as little as you like at a pace that suites you without holding up or being held up by others in the group. That said, with a group of 16, you can be sure to find someone else on the trip with similar aspirations to you, whether that be sampling a glass of the local wine in a rustic village bar, or taking on every optional extra stage ending on offer.
This week is definitely a 'holiday' and riding on the quiet roads through the stunning mountain scenery of the Pyrenees is a real joy. The occasional car drivers are respectful and supportive of cyclists, the sun generally shines, the local French cuisine is plentiful and the good company of the others in your group all make for an excellent week.
It is important to us that people book the correct holiday. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any doubts. We also run an Alpine Classic Cols holiday, if you are looking for a slightly more challenging basic route.
Why book with Marmot Tours?
- We have been running this road cycling holiday since 2001 so know the region and its cols exceptionally well. Over the years we have tweaked the itinerary to give people the best cycling whilst maintaining our philosophy of supporting the local economy by staying in family run hotels which serve up generous portions of tasty regional dishes.
- This trip is all about you and your bike - we do the rest. We provide you with comprehensive notes with altitude profiles, route descriptions and top tips on the best places to eat lunch. You then ride whichever of the route choices you feel like doing, to bring you to the hotel, meeting up with our support vehicle periodically throughout the day to restock with water and snacks.
- We minimise time in the van so that you are only have the transfers at the beginning and end of the holiday - the rest of the time you are cycling, which after all is what you have come to do. Our routes go direct from hotel to hotel, and naturally all your baggage (including bike boxes) is transported on for you.
- We have two support vehicles enabaling us to offer the best possible service. A van will never be far away, offering mechanical help, refreshments, moral encouragement and lifts up (or down) the hills. This holiday is even suitable for non-cycling partners who want to enjoy exploring this beautiful part of the world.
The Classic Cols Challenge
For those of you out there that like a challenge, why not ride all the optional extra cols and stage endings? This makes your weeks cycling 700km with 18200m of ascent! We'll give you a certificate for it (so thats got to be worth the effort!)...
2013 Holiday Dates and Prices
Fri 24 May - Fri 31 May 2013 (Trip code RFP M21)
Fri 31 May - Fri 7 June 2013 (Trip code RFP M22)
Fri 26 July - Fri 2 Aug 2013 (Trip code RFP M30)
Fri 20 Sept - Fri 27 Sept 2013 (Trip code RFP M38)
Costs (2013): £879 (twin share) starting and ending at Toulouse Airport. Single room supplement of £170. [To be arranged on booking. This supplement only applies if you are booking alone and would like to guarantee your own room for the holiday. If you are happy to share with someone of the same gender then there is no need to pay this supplement.]
Allow about £100 for the meals not included and drinks (depending on your thirst). Please note that we offer a 5% discount if you book more than 6 months before the departure date. We also offer group and loyalty discounts.
If your currency isn't GBP £, then you may find the Caxton FX currency calculator useful.
This price includes: 7 nights 2-star hotels, 6 evening meals (excluding drinks) and 7 breakfasts, fruit and cereal bars whilst cycling, airport transfers as specific times, support vehicle offfering medical / mechanical assistance.
