Etape du Tour and then some

2008 Etape du Tour and then some...

Running every year since 2004, our "Etape du Tour and then some..." trip has been popular with amateur cyclists from the UK, Canada and the US. As in 2007, the 2008 trip will wind its way through the south of France and culminate with our participation in the epic Etape du Tour cyclosportif with 8500 cyclists - along a stage of the Tour de France!

This year we'll finish with the epic ascent up to Hautacam, site of Lance Armstrong's legendary double ascent during training in the April rains.

Your fellow riders

Our riders come from all walks of life and are generally "weekend warrior" athletes looking for a great time with a like-minded group of people. The trip serves as an ideal training focus for the early spring and summer cycling season, and puts you in the saddle of your own "mini" Tour de France while the real thing is taking place just around the corner!

About your guides

Marc Becker is a former professional triathlete now residing in the UK and the south of France. Marc brings his meticulous eye for detail to organizing each Tours de France trip.
Dr. Ryan Iverach, Chiropractor, provides massage and medical support for the trip. An Ironman finisher, Dr. Ryan ensures every rider makes it to the finish line healthy and happy!

Find out more about who we are here.

Travel

You are responsible for your own travel arrangements to the start of our trip in Perpignan, and for your return trip the day after race day. We can assist you with transfers to nearby train stations if required and practical in context of the needs of the entire group.

About your accommodations

We stay in three-star and four-star inns, converted mills, ancient abbeys, chateaus and simple B&B's. The whole point of the trip is to stay in well-run, beautiful settings at the end of each day, and to enjoy a bountiful menu of excellent food and wine. And to ride a fair bit in between!

Route and dates
June 30

Arrival in Perpignan on the shores of the Mediterranean. We'll pick you up at the airport and whisk you away to the four star Relais des Trois Mas in nearby Collioure, where we'll relax for the evening and prepare for the beginning of the trip on July 1. Arrive early to enjoy the ambience of this magnificent spot!!!
July 1

Collioure to Camon: We'll start the day off on the flats outside Perpignan, then wind our way north and west towards Chateau de Camon - a favourite destination on previous trips in 2005 and 2007! Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees near the famous medieval center of Mirepoix, there's a reason we keep coming back to this restored thousand-year-old abbey...come find out why!
July 2

Camon: Today we'll enjoy a day of cycling in the local region and return for some of the fabled cooking at the Chateau in the evening.
July 3

Chateau de Camon to Loudenvielle: Today's ride takes us through some of the stunning scenery of the foothills of the Pyrenees, finishing with a climb over the last col from last year's Etape: The col de Peyresourde...this time we get to enjoy the stunning scenery a bit more though!.
July 4

Loudenvielle to Pau: We'll start with a climb over the col d'Aspin and then enjoy the long downhill cruise into Lourdes and on to our hotel near Pau.

July 5

Rest day in Pau: We'll spend the day preparing for tomorrow's Etape and registering for the race at the registration park in Pau. Optionally, we'll ride a short one hour to keep our legs loose.
July 6

Etape du Tour: Pau to Hautacam via the col de Tourmalet! Our trip ends on top of this legendary climb. We'll regroup at the finish line and head to the hotel for a much-earned evening celebration of the trip before departing the next day for home.