Road Cycling and Mountain Biking holidays in the Pyrenees

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PyrActif recommends:

L'Etape du Tour 2010

So, the rumours are all over and done with. Mindful of the 100th anniversary of the Tour's first visit to the Pyrenees, Mr Prudhomme and his team have confirmed an Etape route starting in Pau and progressing via the Col de Marie Blanque, Col du Soulor and finishing atop the Col du Tourmalet (La Mongie). To be ridden on Sunday 18th July.

So, 'while stocks last' , for the Etape 2010 we will be offering:

  • the opportunity to apply for your Etape entry through PyrActif. Using our French expertise and the entry forms available in Velo magazine (on sale in France in January), you will have an excellent chance of making it successfully through the public ballot at a fraction of the cost charged by the UK 'approved suppliers' of Etape entries. (This support is only available if you also book a 'recce' or an 'Etape weekend' package with us) .
  • training weekends and mini-breaks in June 2010, specifically designed to allow you to familiarise yourself and prepare on the Etape's main climbs (not the completely different short, steep climbs available in the UK).
  • airport transfers, accommodation, half-board catering, transport to/from event registration, transport to Pau for the start of the Etape and transport back from the Tourmalet at the end of the race.

 

Trip availability, dates & prices

Etape du Tour course reconnaissance mini-breaks

3 nights from as little as €239; 5 nights from €359

Various options in the week commencing Sat 5th June 2010

Click on the image below to preview our Etape 'recce' DVD , coming soon in association with CYCLEFILM and Cannondale

Once you've reviewed your 'recce' DVD over Christmas & New Year and put in the base miles training in the Spring, then there really is no better way to prepare for 'the real thing' than to come and pre-ride the Etape course (or, at least, the three major climbs) sometime ahead of July 18th. The pros do it. Many very experienced Etapers do it. All the first-timers who do it recognise what a major part it can play in their success 'on E-day'. We've run highly effective Etape training mini-breaks on each of the last three occasions that the event has visited the Pyrenees and we'll be doing so again in 2010.

Our 'Recce' packages include:

  • airport transfers from Toulouse or Pau
  • accommodation at our base in Bertren
  • hearty breakfasts and 3-course evening meals (with wine and tea/coffee)
  • the opportunity to ride the Marie-Blanque, Soulor and Tourmalet climbs accompanied by a full-time back-up vehicle carrying spares, change of clothing, water, energy foods / drinks mixes, tool kit etc. (Please note that the 'official' date on which the authorities re-open the Col du Tourmalet after its winter closure is the first weekend in June. Riders wishing to visit before that date may find that recces need to be limited to riding as far as the 'road closed' barriers, usually around 3km from the summit).
  • bike hire and sports massage can also be included at a modest additional cost.

Etape du Tour Weekend - 'The Event Package'

€475 (10% reduction available if you ride a 'Recce' with us as well)

Arrival, Fri 16th July. Departure, Mon 19th July.

Sorry; sold out within 24 hours of Etape announcement

Our 'Event' package starts with our full support in submitting your application through the 'public ballot' process run by the French cycling magazine, 'Velo'. The vast majority of applicants using this method are successful, but non-French riders are usually put off by a perception of complex bureaucracy or short-notice closing dates meaning that their postal application won't  get through in time. By preparing all of your documentation with you in advance and handling any French language issues which may exist, we maximise your chances of applying successfully, without you paying through the nose for the privilege. Your Etape entry fee is included within our package price, below. In the unlikely event that you're application is not successful, which you'll know by March/April, we will provide a full refund of any payments you've made to PyrActif up to that point.

The remainder of the package then includes:

  • airport transfers (p.m. Fri 16th and a.m. Mon 19th, both to/from Toulouse airport)
  • accommodation (either with us in Bertren or at a neighbouring chambre d'hote/hotel of equivalent standard)
  • breakfasts and evening meals
  • transport to & from event registration in Pau on Sat 17th
  • transport to Pau on the morning of Sun 18th and back from La Mongie after the finish of the event
  • bike hire and sports massage can be included at a modest extra cost.

If you'd like further details or to book your place, contact us by e-mail or phone.

 
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