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The Ariégeoise cyclosportive eventThe 2008 routes have not yet been published. Please email us if you would like us to contact you with the details of our 2008 trip as soon as the itinerary is confirmed. We do however know that the event is on the 28th June and will finish with the 1250m climb up to the Plateau De Beille.
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One of the largest Cyclosportive events
in France. |
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detailed itineraryTo
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other road cycling or mountain biking holidays |
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OVERVIEWCycling the back roads and passes of the Pyrenees can be one of the most pleasurable cycling experiences anywhere in the world. The scenery is stunning, the road surfaces good and the occasional car drivers are extremely courteous. During this holiday we have 4 days to warm up on some of the cols and stage endings used during the 'Tour de France', preparing us nicely for the Ariégeoise Cyclosportive event on the Saturday.Cyclosportive events have become extremely popular in recent years, they are open to everyone and are officially not a race (but you try and get to the front of the queue when the results go up on the board). The Ariégeoise is one of the largest of these events in France, attracting over 3,000 cyclists of all shapes and sizes from all over the world. Every year there are 3 options of route, the shortest about 40 miles and the longest a very tough 100 miles, with about 11000 feet of climbing - the exact route has yet to be published! The Event is extremely well organized with numerous refreshment / food stands along the route. There are motorcycles offering mechanical support, so all you have to worry about is turning the peddles. It is definitely a suitable alternative to the Etape - indeed those that did both in 2007 defiantly preferred the atmosphere, route and organization of the Ariegeoise. This holiday offers a fantastic opportunity to be part of festival of cycling in the home of cycle racing. IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?If you are a regular competitor or leisure cyclist wanting to push yourself a bit more, then you would enjoy this trip. The 4 day warm up rides can be taken at any pace and any of the 3 race distances can be entered. It is important to me that people book the correct trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any doubts.Race Distances 2007: L’Ariegeoise - 163km. La Mountagnole - 101.5km La Passejade - 77km. DATESMon 23 June - Sun 29 July 2008 (Trip code RFA H25)HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?The holiday costs £469, starting at Toulouse Airport. Single room occupancy supplement - Extra £90. Flights can be picked up very cheaply from UK regional airports if booked in advance. Expect to pay £60 to £120 return. Allow about £60 for drinks and the meals not included (outlined below). There are no other local payments or hidden costs. Please note that we offer a 5% discount if you book more than 3 months before the departure date. We also offer group and loyalty discounts. More Info >>WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?4 days guided / suppoted rides. Entrance to Ariegeoise Event. Airport Transfers (at specified times). Transfers to start of Event. 'Ariegeoise' cycling top. Medical and Mechanical support. 6 nights accommodation. 3 evening meals (with moderate wine). 6 breakfasts.WHERE DO WE STAY?We normally stay in the family run 2 star Hotel Terminus, which provides us with a comfortable base for the week. Alain and Elizabeth offer a warm welcome in their lovely hotel. They are proud to serve up delicious evening meals using meat and vegetables from local producers. The rooms are large and all have a window overlooking the river Ariège. The hotel is a 5 min walk from the centre of Ax les Thermes, opposite the railway station. Each room has an en-suite bathroom, as well as a telephone and television. The kitchen produces excellent authentic Pyrenean dishes. Accommodation is normally allocated on a twin share basis. There is a supplement for single room occupancy, which must be arrange on booking.FOOD6 substantial continental style breakfasts are included. 3 evenings meals are taken together in a restaurant in town. 2 evening meals are not included, giving you the opportunity to try some of the many excellent French and International restaurants in the town. Dinner on the first day is not included due to the differing arrival times of the group members. Lunch is not included so you can select your diet while cycling. Vegetarians are welcome and will be looked after very well.GUIDING AND INSTRUCTIONYou are accompanied by James and Alan Toogood. Alan has lived in the area for 6 years and is a regular competitor in cycling events in the region. James and Alan are both competent mechanics and experienced First-aiders. Guided rides will be offered every day however you are free to go off on your own or in pairs if that is your preference. During the training rides James will be offering encouragement and support from the minibus. During the event help and support will be provided by the organizers.THE ARIEGEOISE EVENTIf you would like to receive a copy of the exact route, with all the details of ascent and descent for the 3 different events, then please email us. Dom Larose came on this trip in 2005 and wrote this race report for the internet magazine 'Tri Rudy'.GROUPThere is a maximum of 25 people plus James and Alan on this holiday. Bookings from single people are welcome as activity holidays are a great way to make new friends.BIKE HIREIf you do not want to have the hassle of bringing your own bike; you can hire one in France. The charge is £90 for a Commencal Colt (Andorran brand) or Specialized Allez Sport. Bike hire must be arranged in advance as there are limited bikes (and sizes) available. For more information on hiring or packing up your own bike for travel please see the Bike Hire section.HOW DO I GET THERE?Toulouse Airport is only 1hr 45mins form Ax by road. Minibus transfers at specified times are included in the cost of the holiday. Please see the Transport section for more information on airlines, airport transfers and traveling with a bike. |
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HOLIDAY ITINERARY |
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DAY 1 |
Transfer from Toulouse airport to our tour start point at Ax-les-Thermes, near Andorra. Assemble bikes and go for a few beers in town. Dinner tonight is not included due to the late arrival times of the group. |
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DAY 2 to 5 |
The exact itinerary remains flexible to allow for the differing
abilities and desire of the group. You can expect to be cycling
anything from 50 to 150km with 800 to 2000m of ascent. Whatever
the route choice, you can be be assured of great cycling in fantastic
scenery. |
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DAY 6 |
The Ariegoise cyclosportive event. |
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DAY 7 |
Time to leave. After breakfast we transfer back to Toulouse trying to plan when you can come back for more!! |
