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The Ariégeoise cyclosportive
event
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One of the largest Cyclosportive events
in France. |
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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 5 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. Our itinerary is flexible depending on the group and their aspirations, however this will give you an idea of the kind of rides we do. Ax is surrounded by a huge variety of scenery and quite roads making this an ideal base for a week of excellent riding.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. 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 / better 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 CYCLING HOLIDAY 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 5 day warm up rides can be taken at any pace and any of the race distances can be entered. It is important to us that people book the correct trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any doubts. Please note that a doctors certificate is required stating that you are medically fit to take part in the cycling events.Race Distances 2009: L’Ariegeoise - 165km with 3344m of ascent. La Mountagnole - 115km with 2392m of ascent. 2010 HOLIDAY DATESTo be confirmedHOW MUCH DOES THE HOLIDAY COST?The weeks cycling holiday costs £530, starting at Carcassonne Airport. Ryan air flights can be picked up very cheaply from Liverpool, Nottingham and Stansted 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.This price includes: 5 days supported 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. 5
evening meals (with moderate wine). 6 breakfasts. WHERE DO WE STAY?During this weeks cycling holiday we stay in the excellent 'chambre d'hote', L'Alpage, situated 15 mins walk from Ax and with fabulous mountain views. Alpage is a chalet run by Alan Toogood who has welcomed Marmot Tours clients into his home for several years, and provides us with a high level of comfort and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. He cooks excellent evening meals, which are taken in the chalet, as well as providing the usual Bed and Breakfast services. There is a living room for you to relax in at the end for the day, and Alan even provides tea and cakes.FOOD7 substantial breakfasts are included, which are adapted to suit cyclists. 5 evenings meals are to be taken together in L'Alpage. 2 evening meals are not included, giving you the opportunity to try some of the many excellent French and International restaurants in the town. 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 Alan Toogood, who runs L'Alpage. Alan has lived in the area for 10 years and is a regular competitor in cycling events in the region. Alan is a competent mechanic and experienced first-aider. Every day Alan will provide comprehensive notes with suggested rides. These will have a detailed route description, map, altitude profiles, suggested places to buy provisions and where to fill up with water. As everyone likes to ride at their own pace no guiding is provided, but an emergency vehicle will always be available if needed. During the event help and support will be provided by the organizers.THE ARIEGEOISE EVENTThe Ariegoise cyclospotive is one of the best organised and hence popular events in France. It attracts over 3000 people from over 18 countries and is a far more rewarding and enjoyable event than the Etape. The people at the front take it very seriously, but most enjoy the event for what it is - a celebration of cycling!! Although the roads are not 'closed' traffic is forcefully discouraged from using the roads while cyclist are using them.There are two main routes for 2009: Le Mountagnole - 115km with 2392m of ascent. Full information on the route and altitude profile can be found on le Mountagnole 2009. Le Dom Larose came on this
trip in 2005 and wrote this race
report for the internet magazine 'Tri Rudy'. GROUPThere is a maximum of 8 people plus Alan on this road cycling holiday. Holiday bookings from single people are welcome as cycling holidays are a great way to make new friends.ROAD BIKE HIREIf you do not want to have the hassle of bringing your own bike; you can hire one in France. The charge is £120 for a 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?We get people coming on our holidays from all over the world, so
it is impossible to include all the information on our website. The
notes below are tailored to travellers from the UK. People from other
countries please
contact us for advice. We are proposing the use of Ryan Air flights into Carcassonne from either Stansted or Liverpool or Nottingham Airports. OUT: Flight FR72 dpt Stansted at 0950, arr in Carc. at 1245. OUT: Flight FR9116 dpt Liverpool at 1210, arr in Carc at 1510 On the OUTWARD transfer, we will meet the Stansted flight at 1245 and look after your bags, dropping you in Carcassonne to look around and grab some lunch before picking you up after the Liverpool flight has arrived at 1510 in order to transfer to Ax. On the RETURN transfer we will drop off for the Stansted flight for 1310 and for those on the Liverpool flight, we will look after your bags and drop you in Carcassonne, picking you up again to take you to the airport in time for your 1535 departure. |
