Classic Cols Of The Tour De France

8 days - from $1340

Saddle up and ride some of the famous passes of the Tour de France
Every year France holds its breath as the multi-coloured peloton winds its way into the Pyrenees, producing some of the most dramatic and memorable moments of the Tour. But the cols are not just the preserve of the likes of Contador, Wiggins and Armstrong. All the mountains can be ridden by anyone who is fit and wants to experience the buzz of cresting a pass, having climbed through some of Europe's most beautiful scenery. This challenging itinerary takes in eight of the most famous cols, including the Aspin, Portet d'Aspet and Peyresourde, and gives you the option of taking on a few more. What goes up must come down and the exhilarating descents are a great reward for your hard work. The support vehicle will urge you along, or give you a lift, and as you conquer each mountain the sense of achievement just gets better and better. Our crowning moment is the ascent of the Col de Tourmalet, at 2115m the most formidable road pass in the Pyrenees and a fitting end to our quest to become King (or Queen) of the Mountains.  

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start at Ax-les-Thermes. 2 Warm-up ride on the Col du Chioula (optional afternoon riding some of the beautiful Orlu Valley or the col of Ax Bonascre). 3 Undulate along the 'Route de Corniche' with constant views towards Tarascon, crest the Col de Port and descend, following the river to Lorp Sentaille. 4 Head to the thriving spa town of Luchon via the Col de Portet d'Aspet and the long steady climb to the Col de Mente (optional extension to Spain for Col du Portillon). 5 Free day in Luchon; optional trip to thermal baths, or ride up to Superbagneres ski station, where Scotsman Robert Millar was a stage winner in 1989. 6 Two beautiful 1st category cols: Col de Peyresourde and Col d'Aspin with a fast and exciting descent to the villages of Ste. Marie Campan and Aste (option of climbing to Azet and Adet). 7 The unclassified Col de Tourmalet, the classic Pyrenean col that is etched on the memory of many tour riders; then an epic 35km descent to Argeles-Gazost (option of climbing to Luz Ardiden or Col d'Aubisque). 8 Free morning or optional ride to Hautacam.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 70km (43 miles); basic route 800m to 1450m ascent per day (option of up to 3000m per day)No. of days cycling: 5/6 Vehicle Support: 100% (with limited seats).Terrain and route: the basic route is a manageable challenge for most regular cyclists, with one or two cols every day. Those wanting more ascent can ride optional cols or stage endings. Climbs are long and steady (avg. 7.5%), and descents include some steep sections with no guard rails. This holiday isn't a race and can be done at your own pace as full route notes and maps are provided.
Group size: Normally min. 4, max. 16, plus leader/driver.
Accommodation: 7 nights 2 star hotels. All rooms have private facilities.
Food: All breakfasts and 6 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $297.50
Trip Reference: MWF
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Local Bike Hire: Specialized Allez Sport drop handle road bikes GBP125 or carbon framed bikes GBP205, paid on booking.
Trip Reference: MWF