- Best climbs of the Alps. An Epic adventure across the
Alps.
- UCI GoldenBike Events. 7 races in Europe + 1 in Africa =
8 great reasons to join us
-
2007 Etape du Tour. We've received numerous requests for
the 2007 Edition and our trips will sell out early
June 5th to June 12th, 2006
8
days - 7 nights : $1995
Everyone is unanimous when it comes to
the Dauphine Libere. It ranks as one of the better races of the
season. The ICU (International Cycling Union) even gave a mark of
98.5/100 for the 2005 edition. With recent winners such as Iban Mayo,
Floyd Landis or lance Armstrong, this event has always served as a key
test for the Tour de France contenders.
But the Dauphine Libéré is more than just a Tour de
France warm up, it is one of the year's major races. So why not join
us from June 5th to June 12th, 2006 for this exciting week of racing?
In
addition to seeing and riding the Dauphine Libere, you will be able to
take part in the excellent Time-Megeve-Mont Blanc amateur race on June
11th.
This years' Dauphine will go up such climbs
as the the col d'Izoard, Galibier, Croix de Fer, Glandon, La Toussuire
and of course... Mont Ventoux!
The atmosphere is more low-key than during the Tour which makes access
to everything (including the riders) more manageable. The cycling is
fantastic and the scenery to die for... what's not to like!
Highlights: Mont Ventoux, Izoard, Galibier, Croix de Fer - Time Megeve-Mont
Blanc race!
OPTION: Trip insurance - train tickets
- June 5th -
Hotel location: near Carpentras
A Custom getaways representative will meet the group at
Nimes or Avignon airport/train station. Nimes has daily flights
from/to London, and Avignon has an airport and direct bullet train
service from/to Paris airport (CDG).
From Nimes/Avignon we will transfer to our hotel to
get setup and for presentations.
- June 6th -
Hotel location: near Carpentras
We'll take an initial ride in the area and take in some of the amazing
sites, the region has to offer.
In the afternoon, we can relax and watch
today's stage on TV as it nears us.
- June 7th -
Hotel location: near Carpentras
The ride will take us to Bourg de Peage where we can watch the 42km time
trial. This could prove quite informative with regard to the Tour de
France's two long individual time trials.
If Ullrich is here, it will be
hard to count him out for this stage. Floyd Landis who will be defending
his title, will want to show that he can be a real threat. Others will
want to do the same before the mountain stages to come.
This is our final night in Provence.
- June 8th -
Hotel location: Gap
Today is the start of a succession of 3 grueling mountain stages, and
things kick off with a blast as the race climbs the "Geant de Provence";
Mont Ventoux.
Obviously this will be our ride and the place we will be
watching the race from!
If yesterday established a pecking order among time-trialists, today's
stage will test the contenders climbing abilities.
- June 9th -
Hotel location: Lautaret
Yesterday's stage saw Mont Ventoux as the final climb. Today it is the col
d'Izoard!
We'll ride from the hotel and meet up with the race in this
final climb. Incidentally this ride is the same itinerary as the
2006 Etape du Tour and 2006 Tour stage #15.
Izoard
- June 10th -
Hotel location: Megeve
Col du Glandon
Quite an agenda on today's stage!
This is just about the exact same
stage as #16 of the Tour de France. The only difference is that instead of
riding the Lautaret from Bourg d'Oisans (Tour), they will be riding from
Briancon... same difference, difficulty-wise.
Given tomorrow's challenging race (for us), we'll have several ride
options. All will include the Galibier however.
La Toussuire
Galibier
- June 11th -
Hotel location: Megeve
We'll take a break from the Dauphine. to take part in our own race; the
very nice Time Megeve Mont Blanc.
This ranks as one of the nicest and
better organized cyclo-sportive in France and its growing popularity is
well deserved.
There are 3 cycling distances offered; 88km - 118km and 150km with
elevations gains of 2100m (6900') - 2900m (9520') and 3980m (13060')
