France Pyrenees Tour 2009

 

July 2009 is your time to experience the south of France.

 

The Pyrenees Tour 2009 traverses roads made famous in the Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana and which are held in high esteem by cyclists of all abilities from around the world.

 

Catch all the Tour de France action as it unfolds. Whether from the relaxing comfort of a local café or the elevated heights of mountain top passes, we will witness history in the making as  the world’s top cyclists fight it out for GC dominance. Will it be 7 time TdF winner Lance Armstrong, his teammate and 2007 winner Alberto Contador or 2008 winner Carlos Sastre who takes the Maillot Jeune?

 

Starting in the seaside resort of St. Jean de Luz we spend the first part of our Pyrenees Tour experiencing the flavours and culture of this rich Basque area. Savour traditional cooking in which seafood plays a special part, along with tasty meats and local products such as beans, cheese and junket. These and other products complete the varied and extensive repertoire of the Basque traditional gastronomy that will have your mouth watering for more.

From St. Jean de Luz we head east towards Parc National des Pyrenees crossing into Spain  along the way. The climbing starts with Col de St-Ignace and Col d’Ispeguy taking in breathtaking views across the roof of the Pyrenees. You will make personal history on Pic d’Issarbe, Col d’Aspin and the Col du Soulor (among others) as we settle in our base town of Argelet Gazost.  On Tour you ride up and over many famous climbs including Col d’Aubisque, Luz Ardiden, Col du Tourmalet and finish atop Col de Tramassel and Hautacam. 

 

You will also experience the festival that is the Tour de France as the professional peleton rides past our front door. Be prepared for this whirlwind extravaganza as we ride up the famous Col du Tourmalet and Col d'Aspin to welcome the peloton to the area. With so many riders able to take the 2009 Maillot Jeune it's sure to be an exciting battle.

 

While not a race, the France Pyrenees Tour 2009 is no Sunday afternoon ride around your local park…..you will be working up the climbs and you will feel so tired as though you just can’t continue. Yet in this admission of fatigue and near defeat at the might of what the Pyrenees throws at you, the delight of personal satisfaction when you arrive at the top with a smile as wide as the horizon offers the persuasive encouragement to continue on to the next summit.

 

In the mist of spiritual haze rises the majesty that is the scenery of the Pyrenees. Leaving an indelible impression upon your total consciousness is the experience of taking on cycling’s Demons of Gravity and relegating them behind you where they belong. Capture the essence of cycling as you experience the gamut of feelings such challenges provide. Cycle the roads the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana travel gorging yourself on French and Basque delicacies, wines and hospitalities.

 

What’s included

ü        14 days / 12 nights 3* & 4* accommodation

ü        Breakfast & dinner each day (alcohol not included)

ü        Custom cycle clothing package

ü        airport transfers in Biarritz and Argeles Gazost  

ü        hotel transfers

ü        support vehicle

ü        bi-lingual guides

ü        ride Coordinator/Guide/Mechanic

ü        training programme/advice by Cycling Australia accredited coach (Sydney based)

ü        flight advice/assistance available

ü        bike travel bags are available for hire @ $195

 

What’s not included

ü        Lunch. We stop in local cafes along the way 

ü        flights to/from France

ü        travel insurance

ü        excess baggage charges

ü        food outside of specified meals

ü        excess accommodation charges not included in Tour

ü        alcohol exclusive of any already included

 

What To Bring

ü        your bike of course!

ü        clothing for both warm and cooler days

ü        sunglasses, sun block, chamois cream (highly recommended)

ü        appropriate cycling clothing, including helmet

ü        comfortable leisure clothing

ü        a sense of challenge and adventure!

  

14 days / 12 nights

5 July – 17 July 2009

 

Cycling in France in July.

Why wouldn’t you?

 

AU$2500 twin share

AU$3500 single

AU$4900 couple

 

Have a look in our Gallery at just a few of the scenes you’ll experience…

 

Email us for more on what your holiday offers.

 

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