TRIP DETAILS:
Duration: 9 days (8 Nights)
Dates: Sunday, 20 July to Monday, 28 July 2008
Start-Finish: Paris
Accommodation: 4 Star Premium Hotels
Group Size: Maximum 25 people (4 Staff)
Cost: USD* $7022
Deposit: USD* $938 - Secure your spot now.
Trip Inclusions
Extras: Follow a Rider package (Final TT day): USD* $1406 (strictly limited to 3 spots only)
*Approximate. We charge for our trips in Australian dollars, so the figure above is a conversion from the $AU price.
Who are Bikestyle trips for?
Our trip will take in Alpe d’Huez and the final 5 stages of the race including the final Time Trial. We will have a blend of Alpine riding and the rolling roads of central France.
You will see the race first hand from your 4 star chalet on the course at Alpe d’Huez, ride the stage (or part of) from Roanne to Montluçon, be in the start village and riders warm up area on the day of the Final Time Trial and last but not least be among a select group to see the final stage of the 2008 Tour de France from the exclusive Izoard VIP area on the Champs Elysees. This is our Premier Package for 2008.
Day 1, Sunday, 20 July
Arrival in Paris
Digne-les-Bains-Prato Nevoso
There will be someone to meet you at the Airport and assist you to your transport which will transfer you to our 4 star hotel close to the Airport. We have found from experience that the first thing most cyclists want to do is to have a short ride to shake out the cobwebs after the plane trip. The area around the airport provides a good base for this.
The first job will be to assemble your bike and Bikestyle staff will be available to assist.
Tonight there will be a welcome dinner were you can meet the staff who will be looking after you and also your felloe travellers.
Day 2, Monday, 21 July 2008
TGV to the Alpes
Rest day in Cuneo
Today we will transfer from Paris to the Alps. We will need to get an early start as we climb aboard the TGV train to Grenoble. The TGV (Train Grande Vitesse) is the world’s fastest passenger train and will get us to the Alps faster than we would be travelling by air. The relatively short four hour journey from Paris to Grenoble will mean that we will still have time for a ride upon arrival in the Alps. There will be time for lunch in Grenoble before the bus arrives and picks us up for a short transfer out of Grenoble so we can begin our ride to our hotel at Alpe d’Huez.
Our bus will drop our first group of riders at the town of Vizille on the outskirts of Grenoble. From Vizille it is 35km to the town of Bourg D’Oisans at the foot of the Alpe d’Huez and then its 21 corners to our accommodation in Alpe d’Huez.
Alternatively the bus will continue to the town of Bourg D’Oisans which is at the base of the Alpe d’Huez. From here we will climb the famous 21 switchbacks to the top of the mountain and our 4 star chalet with all the amenities you would expect of a 4 star chalet in Alpe d’Huez.
Dinner will be provided tonight.
Overnight Alpe D’Huez
Day 3, Tuesday 22 July
Our “Grand Stage”
Stage 16, 157km Cuneo to Jausiers
We will not see the race live today but instead we will provide the opportunity to see what a stage in the mountains really looks and feels like. We will depart from the hotel on the bus which will give us a lift to the top of the Col de Lauteret where we join th
e route of tomorrow’s stage back to Alpe d’Huez. From here it is 140km back to the hotel and 3200 metres of climbing over the Col du Galibier, Col du Telegraphe and Col de la Croix-de-Fer before the final climb up Alpe D’Huez to the finish and the hotel.
For those wanting an easier day it will be possible to climb the Galibier and return to Alpe d’Huez on the direct route.
We will also arrange transport from Bourg d’Oisans for those who want to miss the final climb.
Afterwards you can relax on the terrace of the chalet and enjoy the cool mountain air and the views with a nice cool drink.
Dinner will be provided tonight.
Overnight Alpe D’Huez
Day 4, Wednesday 23 July
Finish on Alpe D’Huez
Stage 17, 210km Embrun to Alpe d’Huez
Today’s stage features two major climbs before finishing on Alpe d’Huez. Whilst Alpe d’Huez is not the longest or hardest climb faced by tour riders, it usually features at the end of a long hard day. This has increased its mystique. The 21 virages (switchbacks) have been the scene of many battles over the years and this year will not be any different.
The crowds on Alpe d’Huez are usually the largest of any stage and we are in perfect position to witness all the action. This morning you may want to soak up some of the atmosphere by riding the climb on race day or an alternative is to ride the 50km loop down Alpe d’Huez and return via the Col de Sarenne.
You could of course have a day off the bike and just enjoy the spectacle of the race.
For our race viewing we will have the luxury of seeing it from our chalet on the course in the village of Alpe d’Huez with complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the afternoon. You will see all the crazy fans, the enormous publicity caravan and finally the race. The leaders will storm past and then gradually, bit by bit, the rest of the peloton will pass until finally around half an hour later the Grupetto with the helpers and sprinters will pass. These riders just want to finish within the time limit in the mountains. They have no interest in winning the stage, just surviving until tomorrow and looking after each other to ensure they all get to fight another day.
This evening all the teams will be staying here so you will be able to wander about and see the teams and their staff in action behind the scenes. It’s quite an insight and worth taking the time to look around. We will organise a visit to see a team at their hotel and see the mechanics and staff at work.
The evening is free to sample the delights of the local restaurants.
Overnight Alpe D’Huez
Day 5, Thursday 24 July
Heading towards the finish
Stage 18, 197km Bourg d’Oisans-Saint-Etienne
The mountain stages are over and if the winner has not emerged it will be all down to the final time trial on Saturday. We will have an easier day today. The start of the stage is in Bourg d’Oisans this morning. We will see the Start in Bourg d’Oisans then ride the race route to Grenoble followed by a transfer to our Hotel in Vichy where we spend the next two nights.
We can leave the hotel on the bus or bikes however you may find the bike to be a hassle when you arrive in Bourg d’Oisans. The first 55km of the race route are mainly downhill. The bus will pick you up on the outskirts of Grenoble.
After our ride it will be back on the bus for the transfer to Vichy.
This world-renowned spa on the northern edge of the Auvergne, in the heart of Bourbon country, is noted for its sparkling waters, which reputedly alleviate liver and stomach ailments. It looks much as it did a century ago, when princes and industrial barons filled its rococo casino.
Since 1861, when Napoléon III was a frequent visitor, much has been done to add to the spa’s fame. During the 1980s, the hotels and baths of Vichy underwent a modernization program to keep up with the times and the other baths of France, much to the pleasure of their clients and their ever-changing tastes.
The Perrier craze that has swept most of the world has aided the city’s reputation for health and relaxation. The Perrier Company has a contract to bottle Vichy water for sale and runs the city’s major attractions.
It was also the de facto capital of Vichy France during the World War II Nazi German occupation from 1940 to 1944.
Dinner will be provided tonight.
Overnight Vichy
Day 6, Friday 25 July
Your Day in the Tour de France
Stage 19, 163km Roanne to Montluçon
Today is our D Day! We will ride a stage of the Tour de France today crossing the finish line that’s normally for the race only, followed by your chance to stand on top of the podium where in just a few hours the stage winner and yellow jersey will stand. Afterwards we will see the race finish right on the finish line in an area reserved for Tour de France officials.
We chose this stage as it is achievable for a fit cyclist and if you feel you’re not up the challenge of the full course then you may choose to ride the 100km or 50km options.
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 needed although the closer you get to the finish the larger the crowds will get and the bigger the lift. You will feel like someone has their hand on your back pushing you along.
An Official Tour de France vehicle will meet us for the last part of the route to escort us into the finish, the crowds will be huge now, cheering you on, one kilometre to go, 500 metres, 200 metres you pass under the Finish Banner where in just a few hours the Winner of the Stage will raise his hands in victory. You will then get to mount the same podium the winner will mount and have your photo taken by an Official Photographer.
A Very Special Experience…one you will never forget!
After we freshen up and have a celebratory drink we will watch the finish of the stage.
We will be allowed to take a place right on the finish line next to the race commentator to see the race finish.
Dinner will be provided tonight.
Overnight at Vichy
Day 7, Saturday 26 July
The Final Time Trial
Stage 20, 57km Cerilly to Saint-Amand-Montrond
Today is the final Time Trial of the 2008 Tour de France!
So who will win this TT? Cadel? Maybe this year. Whatever happens, it will be a great day.
Today is our rest day. No riding is scheduled after your tough day yesterday.
This morning we will have the unique privilege of visiting the Start Village as a VIP guest of the Tour de France!
The Tour Village is a special place on Time Trial day as it is open most of the day and the riders wander through at different times during the day. You will also be able to access the riders’ area for the whole duration of the start, so from about 11am to 4pm you will be able to stay in the area.
With our special vehicle accreditation we will be able to park close 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, 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.
For a cyclist this is Heaven on Earth!
Dinner will be provided tonight.
Overnight at Saint-Amand-Montrond.
Note: Today there is a limited opportunity (3 people only) to follow a rider along the time trial course in a Tour de France vehicle. Bikestyle Tours as Official Tour Operators can make this dream a reality for three people. See Follow a Rider details.
Day 8, Sunday 27 July
Back to Paris
Stage 21, 15km Etampes-Paris/Champs-Élysées
We will have an early start today and head directly for our hotel in Paris. The trip should less than 4 hours so we should be in time to check in and head off to see the race finish. Today completes the picture for your experience as a Tour de France VIP and what a day to be in the Izoard bus at the finish line on the final day of the Tour de France on the Champs Elysees in Paris!
You are invited to be the guest of the Tour de France at the exclusive VIP finish area called the Izoard and included is a tour of the Technical Zone to see how it all comes together behind the scenes.
During your tour it’s quite possible you will see some of those famous faces from television so have your camera ready!
After our tour we will go to our exclusive Izoard Hospitality Area just near the finish line where we can do what VIPs do: Enjoy a drink, have a snack served by the Tour hostesses, see the race on television and then, from this very privileged position, see the caravan and the race as it laps around the Champs Elysees and finally finishes for 2008.
Our hostess will serve champagne after the winner has crossed the line so we can toast the occasion. Hey, you deserve it!
We will see the final jerseys presented and visit the cyclists’ area which today will be full of laughter and smiling faces for a change.
Tonight we will dine at a nice restaurant just near the Champs Elysees and remember the great week we’ve had as an insider at the Tour de France.
Overnight Paris
Day 9, Monday 28 July
Au Revoir
Time to say au revoir. Bikestyle staff will be on hand to help you with your transfer to the Airport.
