2010 Tour de France Pyrenees Premiere Trip
TRIP DETAILS:
Duration: 8 days (7 nights)
Dates: Friday, 16 July to Friday, 23 July 2010
Start: Toulouse Finish: Toulouse or Lourdes
Accommodation: Selected 4 Star hotels
Group Size: Maximum 20 people (3 Staff)
Cost: AUD$6,950.00 – Single Supplement AUD$850.00
Reserve your place now
Inclusions
Optional Extras:
Bike Rental $420 (Cannondale Synapse carbon fibre)
Paris Trip Extension
Paris Triomphe Package (Final day)
Grand Palais Seating (Final day)
Pre or post tour accommodation to extend your stay
Paris accommodation pacakge for the final stage
Travel Insurance and Car Rental.
Email us for details
Highlights:
- VIP Izoard Access at the finish in Revel
- D Day ride on the stage Bagnères-de-Luchon to Pau with photo on the Podium
- Access to the start village and riders enclosure in Pau
- A faboulous week in the Pyrenees riding your bike
Who is this trip for?
Our Premiere Trips will offer you a unique insight into the Tour de France. As an Official Tour Operator to the Tour de France we have available a limited number of places each year to offer our clients. Premiere Trips also offer a higher level of client service including a higher level of hotels and restaurants.
The tour has 3 main features of the trips are:
The opportunity to ride part of a the stage on the same day as the race (or D Day as it is called), crossing the finish line and having your photos taken on the Tour de France Podium where in just a few hours the Winner of the Stage will raise his hands in victory. Followed by access to the finish line to see the race finish.
You are also invited to the start village. Inside the village there are many displays and exhibitions of sponsors. You can collect a few souvenirs, have your photo taken with famous people and riders, try some of the snacks they have available, enjoy a drink and relax in this special environment that few get to enjoy. An Official of the Tour de France will then take you on a visit of the rider’s enclosure where you will get close up with all the riders and get to take many photos that will be the envy of your friends back home.
You are also invited to be the guest of the Tour de France at the exclusive VIP finish area called the Izoard which is just near the finish line, offering a perfect location and refreshments to suit the occasion. Prior to this we take a tour of the Technical Zone to see how it all comes together behind the scenes. This is where all the media gather and it will amaze you. Cables, Trucks, Broadcast Studios and of course, famous people!
The trip is geared to suit anyone with an interest in Cycling who wants to see the biggest of the Grand Tours, the Tour de France. This (and riding our bikes) is our main focus for the trip. We cater for cyclists of all abilities by providing riding options each day. To enjoy our trips you don’t need to be an athlete, but do need to be someone who cycles regularly and in good health. Each day we’ll have options for rides to suit people of who feel like a challenge, or an easy day enjoying the scenery. We ride on quiet scenic roads and where possible we ride on the race course ahead of the race. As with all of our tours you’ll be guided by our expert team of ride leaders, drivers and guides.
This trip will also cater for people who do not ride bikes with visits to the race and other attractions but an interest in seeing the Tour de France is important as it is the main focus of the trip.
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DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Friday, 16 July: Welcome to France
Our tour starts today with our staff meeting you as you arrive in Toulouse, with a transfer to our 4 star hotel just near the airport. Toulouse is easily reached by train from Paris, or by flights from many European airports. If you need any suggestions please feel free to email us.
As the old capital of Languedoc and France’s fourth-largest city, Toulouse (known as la ville en rose, or the city in pink) is the major city of the southwest, and the gateway to the Pyrenees mountain range. It is an ancient city with a stormy history. Complimenting this distinguished history, Toulouse is also a city of the future and the high-tech centre of the aerospace industry in France. It is home to Airbus and Aérospatiale and the National Centre for Space Research has been headquartered here for more than 3 decades. The extraordinarily high population of students, some 110,000 out of a population of more than 800,000, also contributes to the pulse of the city.
Once we’ve got you settled into the hotel we will assemble bikes and take a short local ride to make sure you and your bike are all in good working order after your long journey.
Tonight we will have a welcome dinner where you will meet your fellow travellers and where our staff will answer all your questions on your upcoming adventure.
Overnight: Toulouse
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 2: Saturday, 17 July: First Taste, Izoard Finish Line VIP Access
Today’s stage finish is in Revel, 65 kms from Toulouse and we will be heading across there today to see the race finish.
When we arrive in Revel we may be just in time to see the end of the market. Every Saturday morning one of the most beautiful markets in France is held under the massive central roof and all around the square.
This is a relatively unknown but beautiful part of France to ride as it sits just on the edge of the Montagne Noir which is a part of the Parc naturel régional du Haut-Languedoc. Bikestyle Tours knows this area well as its French base is just 40kms from here.
The race will pass through town (or the edge of it) and head up the final climb to the Lake at Saint-Ferréol. This should help to split the group as it has in the past. It’s well worth a ride as it’s very scenic and festive with lots of people having BBQ’s and generally having a good time!
So first of all we will ride this little loop and then head out for our ride along some of the quieter roads returning to Revel along the course. As with nearly all days on our trips there will be two or possibly three different rides offered ranging from a shorter ride for a recreational cyclist to something that should satisfy a more serious cyclist. After we return from our ride we will freshen up and have something to eat in readiness for our afternoon “inside” the Tour de France.
Prior to going to our VIP enclosure we take a tour of the Technical Zone to see how it all comes together behind the scenes. This is where all the media gather and it will amaze you. Cables, Trucks, Broadcast Studios and of course, famous people!
Following your Technical Zone Tour you are invited to be the guest of the Tour de France at the exclusive VIP finish area called the Izoard which is just near the finish line, offering a perfect location and refreshments to suit the occasion. Inside the Izoard we have a range of refreshments including drinks and light snacks. There is a indoor and outdoor bar with seating and shaded areas. As well there is a high viewing platform which usually offers views down the finishing straight in both directions. You also have access to televisions or big screens where ever you are so you don’t miss a second of the action!
As the winner crosses the line, the champagne corks will pop and we will be served Champagne to celebrate!
After we have seen the race finish and jersey presentations we will leave for the short drive back to our 4 star hotel in the centre of Toulouse.
Overnight: Toulouse
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Sunday, 18 July
Today we will travel by bus to the pretty medieval bastide town of Mirepoix with its large central square and half-timbered houses supported on wood pillars and magnificent covered arcade.
The race passes through here later this afternoon so our options are to do a shorter ride visiting some of the neighbouring villages and returning to Mirepoix to see the race pass and then enjoying this pretty village while we await the return of those who chose to do the longer ride.
The longer ride will do a loop of the lower Pyrenees climbing the Col de l’Espinas (494m) and the Col St Benoit (614m) before arriving at Chalabre to see the race pass. After we see last of the riders we will return to Mirepoix making a ride on approx. 75 kms. A nice way to break ourselves in for the big days ahead!
We will then leave Mirepoix and return to Toulouse.
Overnight: Toulouse
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Monday, 19 July
This morning we leave Toulouse with our final destination being Lourdes. On our way we will stop to see the race deep in the Pyrenees mountains.
This morning we will drive to Aspet which is perfectly positioned for us to see the race today. Aspet is positioned between the Col des Ares and the Portet d’Aspet. These climbs will come towards the end of the race to Luchon so you will get to see what a peloton looks at the end of a hard day. The gaps between groups and riders will be minutes, not seconds with the final group often known as the autobus or the gruppetto. This is the name given to the group of cyclists who form a large group behind the main peloton.
Our rides from here will focus on these climbs so we will leave the bus and head across to the course and climb up to find a position on the Col des Ares where we can see the riders pass. It’s about 25 kms to the top and it is up to you how far you wish to climb however don’t go over the top as it could take a long while to get back!
The other point of interest (and worth a visit) in this area is the Memorial Fabio Casartelli, less than 15kms away from Aspet. Fabio Casartelli was an Italian cyclist and an Olympic gold medallist, who died in a crash on the descent of the Col de Portet d’Aspet, France, during the 15th stage of the 1995 Tour de France. Lance Armstrong, Fabio Casartelli’s teammate, went on to win Stage 18.
If you wish it should be possible to first ride to the Memorial Fabio Casartelli and then ride onto the climb of the Col des Ares but we need to be careful not to over do it as we have our big day out tomorrow!
After the race we will continue our drive to Lourdes where we will spend the next 4 nights.
In the heart of the Pyrenees, Lourdes is a religious centre and receives more than 5 million pilgrims from all over the world every year most of whom come to take the healing waters. Lourdes was just a small market town on the 11 February, 1858 when Bernadette Soubirous saw the Virgin Mary along the Gave. Today Lourdes has the second greatest number of hotels in France (outside Paris) with 230 establishments. For us though it is the geographical position, at the foot of the mountains making it an ideal starting-point for our cycling trips into the Pyrenees with all of the major climbs not far from us.
Overnight: Lourdes
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Tuesday, 20 July: Your Day on the Tour route
Today stage is from Luchon to Pau and we will ride the race course from Argeles Gazost to the finish in Pau.
You have the unique opportunity to ride the course today and crossing the finish line (where only accredited people are allowed) and experiencing the rare opportunity of having your photos taken on the Tour de France Podium where in just a few hours the Winner of the Stage will raise his hands in victory.
We can ride or drive the 20kms down to Argeles Gazost where we will leave the path and begin our ascent of the Col du Soulor and Col d’Aubisque. The Col du Soulor is an undulating climb with some quite steep sections. Once we get to the top of this climb we will continue onto the Aubisque along the Corniche du Cirque de Litor which is a highlight with stunning scenery and the odd cow standing on the road with his bell ringing to warn you if there happens to be some mist. From here it’s mostly downhill to Pau where we will be met by a representative from the Tour de France and escorted into the secure area where we will cross the finish line and stand on the podium.
After we freshen up and have a celebratory drink we will watch the finish of the stage from a privileged location. We will be allowed to take a place right on the finish line next to the race commentator to see the race finish.
Throughout the day we will have an officially accredited Bikestyle Tours lead vehicle and a following vehicle and a former professional riding with you to offer assistance and advice. You will head off looking (and feeling) like a Pro Tour Team in your Bikestyle Tours outfit along the Tour de France route.
Our Bikestyle Tours vehicles will be available to help you through the day in any way you need including a little helping hand if need be.
The closer you get to the finish the larger the crowds will get and the bigger the lift. By then you will feel like someone has their hand on your back pushing you along.
A Very Special Experience…one you will never forget!
For those wanting a less strenuous ride we will also offer the option of riding from the top of the Col d’Aubisque to Pau.
After seeing the race finish and the presentations we all head back to Lourdes for a Celebration Dinner tonight.
Overnight: Lourdes
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Wednesday, 21 July
It’s a rest day today, for the race that is! Not for us though… We are going to ride the Tourmalet today!
We chose this ride today as it allows you time to do it at your leisure and after all it is celebrating 100 years and is the most famous of all Pyrenees climbs.
Today we will ride from the hotel on a hilly 35km to St Marie de Campan where we begin climbing the 17 hard kilometres to the summit of the Tourmalet before going down the other side descending into the Luz Valley. From the top of the Tourmalet it is 50km back to the hotel in Lourdes making a ride of 100 kms. Whilst this is mostly downhill on the way home there is often a headwind up the Luz valley.
If anyone wants an easier ride we will be offering a 40klm ride to Bagneres de Bigorre and back or possibly a visit to Pau to have a look at a team hotel followed by a ride back to Lourdes.
Overnight: Lourdes
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Thursday, 22 July: VIP Access to the Start Village and Riders Enclosure
Today the race resumes and there is no easing the riders back into it with the start in Pau and a finish atop the mighty Tourmalet. The final mountain stage of the Tour de France today from Pau to Tourmalet will be an exciting one, and possibly decisive in the race. The Col du Tourmalet is one of the most famous of climbs on the Tour de France. It has been included more than any other pass and this year celebrates 100 years since the Tour de France first passed over it and is ranked hors catégorie, or exceptional.
If the top places in GC are close then the only chances to gain time are this difficult mountain stage, or the time trial in Bordeaux in two days time. With no team time trial, new teams and the world’s best riders this could be one of the most hotly contested tours of recent years.
Today, you are invited to the start village in Pau. Inside the village there are many displays and exhibitions of sponsors. You can collect a few souvenirs, have your photo taken with famous people and riders, try some of the snacks they have available, enjoy a drink and relax in this special environment that few get to enjoy.
An Official of the Tour de France will then take you on a visit of the rider’s enclosure where you will get close up with all the riders before they head off on this epic stage. Make sure you get to take plenty of photos that will be the envy of your friends back home. As this is one of the most popular stages of the tour the crowds will be huge, adding to the atmosphere and excitement.
After the stage has started we can head off across to Argeles Gazost to see the race pass there and enjoy an afternoon ride, returning to Lourdes after seeing the race.
Tonight is our final night together and we will celebrate with a special farewell dinner at a traditional local restaurant not far from our hotel.
Overnight: Lourdes
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Friday, 23 July
Today’s stage is a transition day before the final Time trial tomorrow in Bordeaux and the finish of our trip. Its farewell to your new friends as our tour comes to an end this morning. We will be available to help you on your way either by dropping you at the train station in Lourdes or Blagnac Airport in Toulouse.
You may be heading onto Paris to see the finish. If so you might want to take advantage of our Paris Trip Extension with transfers for you and your bike, hotel accommodation, assistance, the offer of a Sunday Paris ride and Monday airport transfer to CDG airport.
Also available are the VIP packages we offer courtesy of the Tour de France organisers. The Grand Palais Seating offers allocated grandstand seating and soft drinks for the afternoon while the Paris Triomphe Package is a VIP area offering buffet lunch, alcoholic drinks and grandstand seating on the Champs Elysees. While being more expensive is well worth it and was highly recommended by clients who did it in 2009.
Inclusions
Tour cost is per person twin share and includes:
-Transport throughout by private luxury coach with custom bike trailer.
-Services of 4 experienced tour guides, including a former Pro cyclist and our coach driver.
-Transfers on Friday, 16 July from Toulouse Blagnac airport to hotel
-Transfer on Friday, 23 July to Lourdes rail or Toulouse Blagnac airport
-7 night’s accommodation, in selected hotels (with private facilities).
-Buffet breakfast daily
-3 course evening meals on 5 nights
-Ride part of a stage of the Tour de France (fully supported) prior to the pros!
-A photo on the TdF Podium after completion of the stage.
-VIP viewing afterwards in one of the most exclusive areas, the ‘Izoard’.
-Access to the VIP Zones where you have the opportunity to meet Tour Sponsors, Riders and Legends of past Tours in the Start Village.
-Access to the Technical Zone for chosen stages.
-A TDF welcome package (Backpack, T shirt and cap) for each participant.
-A discount in the TDF store for each VIP participant (20%).
-Official Tour de France race book and Tourist guide.
-Official Tour de France accommodation guide for each participant.
-Mechanical assistance with your bike
-Sightseeing and entrance fees as listed
-Maps and Bikestyle guide to the Tour de France
-Bikestyle Tours cycling jersey, cap and musette bag
Tour de France 2010 Enquiry and Updates
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