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Classic Cols of the Tour de FrancePut on your polka dot jersey and cycle some classic road cols in breathtaking scenery of the Pyrenees, France. |
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Experience the climbs first hand. |
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OVERVIEWThe Pyrenees, France, are beautiful. Every year the worlds fittest athletes visit the region to fight for the polka dot jersey on the gravity defying roads that link the valley bottoms. During this cycling holiday we traverse the region, riding all the classic cols, but at a pace that enables us to take in the scenery and sample a glass of the local wine in rustic village bars along the way.IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?The week has been put together to appeal to all Tour enthusiasts. Distance between hotels is manageable for most people, and every day the Armstrong's of the group can take in a few extra challenging cols and stage endings. The support vehicle will never be far away, offering mechanical help, refreshments and lifts up (or down) the hills. The distances / ascent of our basic route is listed below, but it is possible to do up to 3000m of ascent every day! The trip is even suitable for non-cycling partners who want to enjoy exploring this beautiful part of the world. The days get progressively more challenging. It is important to us that people book the correct trip. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have have any doubts.DATESSun 16th Sept - Sun 23rd Sept 2007 (Trip code RFP G37),Sun 29th June - Sun 6th July 2008 (Trip code RFP H26), Sun 31st Aug - Sun 7 Sept 2008 (Trip code RFP H35), Sun 21st Sept - Sun 28th Sept 2008 (Trip code RFP H38). We only run these trip at the times of year when the weather is perfect for road cycling, avoiding the heat and busy roads of July and August. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?The land only price for the classic cols trip is £659. 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 3 months before the departure date. We also offer group and loyalty discounts. More Info >>WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?6 nights 2-star hotels, 1 night 1- star hotel. 6 evening meals and 7 breakfasts.WHERE DO WE STAYWe stay in comfortable 2-star hotels where accommodation will be allocated on a twin share basis with private facilities. Rooms normally have private facilities, but depending on season and group size, we may have up to 3 people per room. With larger groups we can not guarantee that we will all be staying in the same hotel, however we will always eat together.FOODFood is very important on this trip and most restaurants have a special menu for cyclists, ensuring large portions of fine local cuisine. Each region we pass through has its own specialties and due to our proximity to Catalonia we can expect a slight Spanish flair on some nights. Evening meals are taking in the hotel or nearby restaurants and will be generally be 3 courses. Breakfasts are continental style. Lunches are not included, giving you the flexibility to select your own diet. There are lots of bakeries and small restaurants en route. One of the evening meals in Luchon is not included, giving you the opportunity to head into town and try out one of the many fine restaurants.GUIDING AND INSTRUCTIONYou are accompanied by James Thompson and / or Cathy Durbridge. It is not expected that the group will stay together, so you will be given comprehensive notes, with directions, altitude profiles and details of the night's hotel. James or Cathy will be driving the support vehicle near the rear of the group, offering support and lifts up (or down) the hills as needed.TRANSPORTThroughout the cycling holiday you are supported by a minibus fitted with a bike rack. It will intercept the group where possible offering medical / mechanical assistance as well as a lift up the hills (if you would like it). Bags are naturally transported from hotel to hotel.BIKE HIREIf you do not want to have the hassle of bringing your own bike, you can hire either a Commencal Colt or Specialized Allez Sport for £90. You will need to reserve one on booking. For more information on hiring or packing up your own bike for travel please see the Bike Hire section. Your own bike should have a triple at the front and a rear cassette suitable for the mountains - if in doubt about your own bikes suitability please ask.HOW DO I GET THERE?Minibus transfers at specified times are included in the cost of the holiday. Please see the Transport for all travel options (air, road and rail) plus information on getting to the start point, the Hostellerie de la Poste, independently of the group transfer from Toulouse Airport.Airport transfers are included on this trip and will be arranged to tie in with the following flights: British Airways from London Gatwick: Out: Wednesday 9th July, departing Gatwick at 1345 and arriving in Toulouse at 1630. In: Wednesday 16th July, departing Toulouse at 1705 and arriving in Gatwick at 1750. Out: Wednesday 9th July, departing Gatwick at 1325 and arriving in Toulouse at 1615. In: Wednesday 16th July, departing Toulouse at 1640 and arriving in Bristol at 1725. |
| HOLIDAY ITINERARY | |
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DAY 1 |
Fly to Toulouse (midday flight), then an hour's transfer to Tarascon. Bike assembly, or sorting out hire bikes. Tarascon is a pretty town with an interesting castle and lots of nice bars - the perfect place to start our Tour. |
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DAY 2 |
Nice gentle introduction!! We warm up in the immediate area of Tarascon, where we prepare for our first big up hill - Col de Port (1250m, 770m climb over 15km, 2nd category). The villages and constant views of Les Trois Seigneurs accompany us to the top, from where we descend quickly to Massat for a well deserved lunch. From here there are several options, but all roads lead to the charming market town of St Girons, where we spend the next 2 nights. Basic route distance: 68km. Total up: 800m. Option of extending the day by adding on the Col de Agnes, only another 1000m!! |
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DAY 3 |
From our base at St Girons there are many
excellent rides available. We start the day gradually climbing up to the Col de |
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DAY 4 |
Fully fuelled we are ready to take on two of the most popular cols in the Pyrenees. Climbing gently through ancient farmsteads, we barely notice the incline to the Col du Portet d'Aspet (1075m, 535m climb over 5.8km, 2nd category). A short descent through mixed forest (watch out for bears!) prepares us for the never ending Col de Mente (1345m, 716m climb over 7km, 1st category). After a nice winding descent we can stretch our legs with a very gentle (almost flat) finale into the bustling spar town of Luchon. There is however the option of heading into Spain and ticking off the Col de Portillon (1293m, 630m of climbing). Basic route distance: 63.7km. Total up: 1430m. |
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DAY 5 |
Day in Luchon, giving us an opportunity to rest aching limbs in |
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DAY 6 |
The toughest day of our tour. Starting with the Col de
Peyresourde (1565m, 829m climb over 13km, 1st category), even the support bus struggles up this one! The incentive
to get to the top comes in the form of a cafe, selling fine pastries. |
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DAY 7 |
The big boy - it just has to be done! The punishing Col du |
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DAY 8 |
A free morning to take it easy, visit the marmot sanctuary and |
