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Your Opportunity To Cycle The Tour de France!*
*The Route, Not the Actual Race!
It's every cyclist's dream: to experience the iconic trails of the Tour de France. On this very special cycling tour,
Cycling the Best of the Tour de France, you'll get to pedal the great cols of the French Alps (thankfully not at race pace).
This is an 8 day guided tour, with 6 days of guided cycling through
Italy and
France, led by professional coach Brendan Erskine. There will be just 1 tour in September 2024 and spaces are limited so be quick to secure your spot.
If you have a love for cycling, have wanted to experience the Tour de France or simply want to take part in an iconic cycle in Europe, then this trip is for you!
Cycling Route
This tour is designed to take in the best of what the Tour de France has to offer. You'll be cycling some of the most epic cols that have been pedalled by the Tour de France (for the uninitiated, a col is the lowest point of a ridge or saddle between two peaks, typically providing a pass from one side of a mountain range to another).
Take on some of the most iconic cols cycled through the Tour de France and of course the 21 hair pin ride on the final day that sets many hearts racing and will definitely end the tour, making you feel as thought you have accomplished something epic. This tour is designed to take in the best of what the Tour de France has to offer, whilst being away from the main Tour de France race and crowds, allowing you the time and freedom to experience the iconic race stages, at your own (or with support from Brendan and your fellow riders) pace.
While the main attraction of this trip is to be able to cycle the cols of the Tour de France, there's also the stunning alpine landscape. Spectacular waterfalls in the Tinee Valley, the viewpoint at Super Sauze, the beautiful mountains of the Hautes Alpes. Rest breaks have never looked better.
It doesn't end there - of course, you need to experience the 21 hairpin ride on the final day from Bourg d'Oisans that sets many hearts racing. This will make you feel as though you have accomplished something epic and you'll probably be seeking a yellow jersey by the finish.
Note that this tour is separate from the actual Tour de France race and crowds, allowing you the time and freedom to experience the iconic race stages, at your own (or coach Brendan's) pace.
Cycling Leader
This tour has been lovingly created by Brendan Erskine, a former professional triathlete (and passionate Tour de France enthusiast) from New Zealand.
After successfully competing in the sport of rowing, Brendan carried on with a variety of endurance sports, beginning with cycling and multisport before moving into triathlon. In triathlon competitions, he has had many podiums and age group wins.
These days Brendan is a personal coach with a diverse background of excellence in Sport Coaching and Competing. Brendan has had great success supporting his clients through to their own achievements both at the National and International level.
It's not Brendan's first time running this tour. His previous trips have been an incredible success, with every member absolutely enjoying the adventure, the challenge and the camaraderie built over the 8 day tour in an environment that is surely the mecca of cycling.
Brendan is also the father of three boys that keep him on his toes, and despite being in his naughty 40s, he can still beat many of the top youngsters in his field. Brendan's passion for cycling and desire to discover new and interesting places make him a great host for this cycle challenge.
He is looking forward to being on this adventure with you and sharing what makes people so excited about the majestic mountain stages of the Tour de France.
There is also a bilingual local guide who will drive the support vehicle and run the day to day organisation.
Tour Grading
According to UTracks'
honest trip grading system, this trip is graded as 'moderate to challenging'. The trip involves 6 days cycling between 50 and 80km / 31 and 50mi per day. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera/rain gear and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels/inns. Due to the long distances cycled you will need a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.
More Information
Are you going to live out your cycling dreams on this tour? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!