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Etape du Tour 2007 - Foix to Loudenvielle

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 8500 other cyclists in one of the most scenic settings possible! (Click to Watch Etape du Tour Promotional Video*)

From Foix, you will climb the col de Port, and then successively the Portet d'Aspet and the col de Mente. The route then goes on to take on the tough Port de Balès, and a final strong climb on the col de Peyresourde and the descent to the finish area in Loudenvielle. See the profile 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.

Our program is guaranteed registration in Etape and also includes some lodging before in preparation, training ride, mechanical assistance, most meals, critical transportation, and experienced etape ride leader.

This unique opportunity to join this tour is rare and due to unusual circumstances - do not wait to get space!

July 13 | arrive on your own at Toulouse train station. Group transfer to the hotel 40km from Foix at 3:00PM. Orientation, bike setup, dinner, rest. We are staying in the village of Ax les Thermes (on the TDF route) in the heart of the Pyrenees. (D)


July 14 | Ride Day - Event check in

We will support a ride to Foix for event check in, chip/number pickup, and festivities. Return to Ax to enjoy Bastille Day celebrations! Watch the TDF on TV, rest and enjoy dinner and night. (B,D)

July 15 | Open riding day/Rest day

Chance to ride up to Plateau de Beille if your legs are into it, or chance to rest all day. Some light cycling will be supported. Next morning is very early start. Return to hotel, watch TDF on TV and have cyclist dinner. (B,D)

July 16 | Etape du Tour - 196 km

Very early transfer to Foix to line up and wait! Count minimum 8 hours of riding for the very strong and for those who climb less fast count as much as 10 hours on the bike. Though it is grueling, the animation of spectators and other cyclists will take your mind off the task and put you in an unequaled ambiance. Only strong cyclists should apply. There is an official sweep vehicle but our support is not allowed on the course and can only meet you at the end of the line in Loudenvielle.

At the end, we will meet you and with the last arrival we will all transfer to Bagneres de Luchon to a 3 star hotel and fantastic dinner to replenish a fraction of the total calories burned today! (B,D)

July 17 | Depart

depart early as a group for Toulouse rail station and airport. Count 2 hours travel time. Extra nights in Luchon or nearby Lourdes possible with extra ride days to other famous climbs like the Tourmalet, Hautacam, Luz Ardiden, and more. Anyone staying on to book our Tour de France Group 3 trip will receive a 75 euro discount on that package and preferred rates in Lourdes in between.

Option Price: 985 Euros per person. Single Supplement: no single rooms

Click to Watch Etape du Tour Promotional Video*

Non Riding Spouses: we will accept non riding spouses, but price is the same as riders for the whole program is priced based on cycling.

Duration: 4 nights/ 5 days July 13-17, 2007

Accommodation: Space for 8 in 4 twin bedded rooms.

The Hotels are very comfortable 3 star lodging in the towns of Ax les Thermes and Bagneres de Luchon. http://auberge-lorry.com
Comfortable rooms all come with private bath, satellite TV, mini-bar, restaurant, bike storage, etc.

The restaurants serve hardy breakfast and dinners, perfect for cycling the mountains, and excellent regional French cuisine for dinner. Breakfast and dinner are included in this tour.

Bike: Rent our Eddy Merckx (triples) 160 euros bicycles

Tours: For the official website of Etape du Tour visit www.letapedutour.com About the cycling before and after Etape: this will be supported riding. A logistics coordinator will be present throughout to direct riders, and suggest strategy for Etape. The Etape event is supported by Event officials.

Trip includes: Etape du Tour entry and all the associated support inclusions with registration, 4 nights lodging, trip leader and support vehicle, dinners, buffet breakfasts, transfers from/to Toulouse, Foix and Luchon. Price in Euros is fixed; final payment in $US may change based upon currency fluctuations.

Booking Terms: Registrations for Etape are non-refundable from the time of booking. Therefore, deposit of $250 is non-refundable from the time of booking. See Terms linked above for balance of terms and final payment dates.

Rides: the region around Ax and Luchon is hilly to mountainous. Very little flat terrain can be found but is short lived. All cyclists should be in top form and anyone attempting to ride Etape du Tour, regardless of age should be training at least 150 miles per week now and working up to 200+ with 1 or 2 days per week of 5+ hours in the saddle. A doctor's permission to ride will be required to join this tour.

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*Wheel2Wheel Travel - UK, client of Cycling Classics, has authorized the display of their production for the purposes of promoting 2007 Etape.
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