Etape du Tour 2010 - Short Version
Itinerary Virtual Tour Tour Map
As an Official Tour Operator of the Tour - Your Etape Number is Guaranteed!
Etape du Tour 2010 - Pau to Tourmalet
The Etape du Tour is a cyclist's dream ride offering a chance
to essentially ride the Tour de France for a day. This year's stage, like
any stage of the Tour de France, is a big challenge. But, nothing can
compare to riding over closed roads with 7000 other cyclists in one of
the most scenic settings possible!
Below is a description of our program. The goal is to get people in a few days in advance in order to get equipment set up, spin out the legs for the big day, and take advantage of the chip/number pickup and all the vendors and activities that are part of Etape at the "Village" the day before Etape takes place. We include some guides to help with mechanical issues and provide some pre/post etape rides. This year's Etape is ideal for a longer stay as the Tour de France will pass through the region for a few days right after l'Etape du Tour. See the official site at www.letapedutour.com
The same exact stage will be run by the pro athletes some days later.
This program therefore is clearly for strong cyclists capable of the climbing
and long distance involved. The roads are closed with some wheel/mechanical
support and water/feed stations offered by the event organizer. We will also provide support before and after the event.
Itinerary
Click on a day to see that days itinerary.
DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4
Day 1: Arrival Day July 16, 2010 Meet in Toulouse at the rail station at 1pm. We'll transfer the group to Argeles sur Gazost in the heart of the Pyrenees and with easy access to many of the great climbs and Etape route. Bike set up and if time, short spin ride proposed. Dinner included tonight. (D)
July 17: Morning ride after breakfast as a preparation ride for tomorrow's Etape. In the afternoon we go to Pau for timing chip and number pickup and to spend some time at the Village. Return to Argeles for dinner and rest. (B,D)
July 18: Etape du Tour Early rise and breakfast, we have to be in Pau around 6:30 am to prepare and get lined up for the start. Then the big day starts! We will meet all participants at the finish and supplement the included picnic provided by Etape. Return to our hotel in Argeles for a complete dinner and recovery. (B,D)
July 19: Short tour finishes. After breakfast we will organize a departure back to Toulouse for all remaining participants. Arrival in Toulouse 12H00. End of services. (B)
Virtual Tour
See more of this region by clicking below for the virtual tour
Tour Map - Profile Etape du Tour 2010
Other Notes for Etape Du Tour:
Early reconaissance by Velo 101 of the route gave us the following notes: First part is obviously rolling to flat, a great way to go out with large numbers of riders. At km 58 the climbing starts on the Col de Marie Blanque which starts gradual at 2, 3, 4% and then goes up over 10%. The route is currently not in perfect condition, but the last few KM are very nicely done and help cover the steepest sections. The climb isn't so long but is very steep. The descent is long and fast with a few technical turns.
Later, the next difficulty comes at km 118 on the way up the Soulor. This way up Soulor isn't as hard as the other side, but still a tough climb - especially in mid July with summer sun pounding down without protection. The descent will also be very fast; care needs to be made around Arras where speed bumps might shake loose a few water bottles!
Next its on to the start of the Tourmalet in the village of Luz St Sauveur, km 154. Then its all up through the town of Bareges to the summit of the Tourmalet. The good part of climbing this side of the Tourmalet is that you almost always have the summit in view; though it will take some time to reach it! Once on the top, the ride is over but limited space makes room only for a picture and moment of reflection on the monuments to the Tour de France and then descend to La Mongie for the post event village!
Tours Details
Etape du Tour - Short Program
DATES:
July 16-19, 2010
3 nights & 4 days
PRICE:
990 Euros, based on double occupancy.
Single supplement: please contact us
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
All lodging in superior 2 star hotel and rooms, (see below), all breakfasts, 3 dinners - each night according to the itinerary, guaranteed Etape Entry, souvenir Discover France TDF jersey, energy pack with drink mix, gels and bars, route book for rides, guided support to help with mechanical issues and bike set up, support rides, help daily including the Village, Etape planning, prep and post Etape rides and support, arrival and departure transfer from/to Toulouse, bus transportation to/from Pau including on Etape day. Also included are Pre-Travel documentation. We also provide Pre & Post tour travel services such as help with trains, Paris hotels, rental cars and other services.
HOTELS:
Argeles sur Gazost = Hotel Les Cimes**
Note: rooms are mostly twin rooms - meaning 2 single beds. These can be pushed together to make a double. Changes to room category will be made when possible. Room categories are usually all the same, but some variations may be required for large groups.
LEVEL:
This tour is suggested as a challenging cycling tour in order to participate in Etape du Tour. However non-riders can join and do their own thing. The suggested rides that go with the itinerary description will vary from 50-130km; but saddle time is more important as climbing is slow and this can mean up to 8 hours saddle time on Etape day.
ETAPE ENTRY: participants must complete a special entry form and return it by January 15, 2010 in order to ensure their entry. A doctor must sign this form certifying your health and ability to participate. You can get this form upon completion of booking this tour.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE:
Toulouse is the Arrival and Departure City - accessible by TGV from Paris, and air from Paris or other European airports. Car rentals can be had at any of these locations.
OPTIONS:
Bike rentals are available on a first come, first served basis. We offer Look 566 carbon road bikes and also new Scott CR1 carbon road bikes. See the links above or click on our Rental Page link to know more.
Added Nights: In Argeles before the trip start, or in any other city before or after the tour are possible. Contact us for quotes. We can also book Paris hotels.
Non-cycling spouse:a very slight reduction is possible for the jersey & energy pack. Non-riders are welcome to come along but separate activities are not provided for apart from the ride itinerary described on this page.
OTHER DETAILS:
Guides - professional bilingual French/English guides will see to all the needs of this group. Our guides are always certified with a diplome d'etat in cyclism.
Space is available
for 18 participants.
Meals: buffet breakfasts and dinner are included daily. Dinners will be hardy regional meals with multiple courses; wine is not included.
Watching the Tour: you will have to position yourselves to see the race each time you go to watch the Tour but no special access is included in this offer. If some participants wish to add a helicopter flight or other VIP service, please contact us to know what is possible.
Tour de France Tours - Booking Terms