This trip is packed with
exciting features, such as viewing a stage in the Alps, the final (decisive?) time
trial, our famous viewing suites in Paris, etc...
We will be in the heart
of the action throughout these last few days! Please read below
for more details.
Because France uses the
metric system and all the markings will be in km, we too, use the
metric system when referring to distances.
Highlights: Burgundy region, final
time trial, viewing suites for arrival in Paris.
OPTION: Pre/Post-trip extension in Paris - - Trip insurance
- July 19th -
Hotel location:
Faverges
Pick-up in Geneva Airport.
- July 20th -
Hotel location:
Faverges
Short ride:
35km (22
mi.) - Long ride: 70km (44 mi.)
Tour Stage
17 / Saint Jean de Maurienne - Morzine / 199km (124 miles)
Col des Aravis
The final stage in the Alps
is yet another great one with it's 4 major climbs.
Once again we'll
be able to leave from the hotel and ride a portion of the race
itinerary. Some will ride the col des Aravis and col de la Colombiere,
while others will bypass the col des Aravis.
We'll view the race go by on the col de la Colombiere where we will
have lunch and watch the race on satellite TV.
Col de la Colombiere
- July 21st -
Hotel location: Beaune
Short ride: 50km (31 mi.) - Long ride: 85km (53
mi.)
While the Tour
heads out of the Alps, we'll take this opportunity to spin out and
ride some flatter terrain.
We'll be leaving the Alpes ourselves relatively early to work our
way to the heart of the Burgundy region ; Beaune. Beaune is one of France's most
interesting cities: its famous basilica, hospice, bell tower and
ramparts are part of its heritage. We will be able to cycle through the wine region
and those
who are so inclined will be able to visit one of the area's great wine
producing Chateau and taste the local product!
Our 4 Star hotel this evening is located in the town center.
Once a private residence, it features a magnificent tower and a most
beautiful stone staircase. An ancient artesian well and Renaissance
medallions sculpted into rock can be found in the hotel square.
Once
in Beaune will will break down the bikes.
- July 22nd -
Hotel location:
Beaune
Individual Time Trial
Tour Stage 19 / Le Creusot
- Montceau les Mines / 56km (35 miles)
There is no ride scheduled today as the
final and possibly quite important time trial will likely start around
mid to late morning.
Our bikes, will be boxed and brought up to our
hotel in Paris while we enjoy the time trial.
The evening will be spent in Beaune so we will have some more time to
enjoy this wonderful town.
- July 23rd -
Hotel location: Paris
Tour Stage 21 / Anthony
- Paris Champs-Elysees / 152km (95 miles)
This is what every
professional cyclist aspires to; the arrival of the Tour de France on
the Champs-Elysees!
Who will succeed to
lance Armstrong? Will it be one of the favorites - Ullrich, Basso,
Vinokourov, etc, or will someone else have the honor? We will find out today. But first, a morning
bullet train will take us from Dijon to Paris.
Once in Paris, we
will go to the Champs Elysees to watch the arrival from our viewing suites
overlooking the avenue. We will be able to watch the start of the race on TV
as it enters Paris while celebrating and catching the mood of the
immense crowd below.
Once the Tour
festivities are over, we will get ready for
a great dining experience. This year again we will be renting an
entire boat for our
dinner-cruise along the Seine river. Great food and unbelievable
sight-seeing of Paris by night will end our “sensory overloaded
day”!!!
Our 4 Star
hotel is located within walking distance of the Champs Elysees, our
viewing suites and the dinner cruise.
- July 24th -
Tour... not until next year!
Goodbyes or....... Option to Visit Paris for a few
days
(read about this option below)
- All breakfasts at the hotels - 1 Lunch, French-picnic style
- All but one Dinners (wine included)
- Air-conditioned, Touring bus with Video and
Restrooms
- Viewing suites in Paris
- Champagne Brunch in Viewing suites for Arrival in
Paris
- Support vehicle with water and snacks
- RV for viewing spots - lunches and live TV feed of
the Tour
- Bi-lingual and bi-cultural group Leader
- Massage Therapist throughout the trip (nominal fee
applies)
- Bike Mechanic
- Bike Guides
- Support Staff
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- 2 ride distances daily
- Detailed
cue-cards, directions, maps, profile of stages, etc.
- Other "goodies"
The rides mentioned above are tentative rides. Exact cycling itineraries,
distances, etc will be provided upon arrival in France as we may need to
make some adjustments once the exact Tour itinerary is released in late
May, early June. Additional ride mileage can be easily added on some days.