Tour de France cycling tours in Annecy are a very special occasion for both Practice Bicycle Tours and all cyclists that have experienced ‘Cycling Paradise’ Lake Annecy. After the Tour de France 2009 final Time Trial around the cleanest lake in Europe and the incredible win of Alberto Contador. This year was even more exciting with the final stage finishing at the top of Semnoz mountain overlooking Annecy.
Thursday 18th July – Tour de France Stage 18 Gap > Alpe-d’Huez (Alps)
Distance 26km approx ride time 2 – 2.5hrs route Alpe-d’Huez
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Lunch
NON CYCLING GUEST: Share all the Tour day & spectacular TDF action!
DON’T FORGET: 2 Bidons (Bottles) 1 Water/1 Sports Drink
PRACTICEBICYCLE Musette Sac required with change of clothes & shoes
Today’s ride contrasts with yesterday’s beauty and turns into breathtaking as we head into the high Alps and the rare opportunity to view the Tour de France twice on one stage! It’s our turn for some action as we ride the mythical famous Alpe-d’Huez (1860m/ cat HC). The TDF professional peloton will be fired up for this huge mountain stage and we will join them on the roadside before the finish, in the village of Huez. We have chosen the climb of L’Alpe d’Huez (1860m) – 14km, average 7.9% for your unique ‘Live viewing spot’ today and this could be the point the Tour is won or lost!
Supported all the way by the professional guides at PRACTICEBICYCLE as you pedal on the slopes of this mythical Col, enjoy the 21 switch backs and feel like a legend to the top!
Your team has thought of everything for you, get your breath back and enjoy your private restaurant lunch on the terrace. There will be plenty of time to absorb the atmosphere of this amazing race before the publicity caravan arrives and the stars of cycling fly up the mountain!
Friday 19th July – Tour de France Stage 19 Bourg-d’Oisans > Le Grand-Bornand (Alps)
Distance 70km approx ride time 3 -4hrs route Col de l’Epine + Croix-Fry
Distance 35km approx ride time 2 – 2.5hrs Col de la Croix-Fry
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Lunch in the Alps.
What an opportunity awaits you from your hotel in Annecy as we head into our favourite local Grand Alps and the Col de la Croix-fry (1467m) – 12.8km average 6.6%.
Tour de France cycling tours are not all the same. Practice Bicycle pride on the worlds best rides for their guests. Today’s ride options are perfect for all abilities and your team has again used all their local knowledge to give you the best of both worlds with your perfect ‘Live viewing spot near the summit of the mountain on a steep section of the climb. For most, the ideal spot to end a great week of riding having enjoyed the cheering fans of all nationalities on the Col de la Croix-fry it’s time to relax and enjoy the rest of the day… the PRACTICEBICYCLE way!
For the mountain specialists, you may wish to take on one more col on the race route with the Col de l’Epine (987m) 8km average 7% first before the Col de la Croix-fry (1467m) arriving in time for a relaxing Gastronomic 2 Michelin** Lunch. (compliments of PRACTICEBICYCLE Bike Tours drinks/alcohol not included). Experience close up action of the very best climbers in the professional peloton in the Alps during this year’s Tour de France!
Saturday 20th July – Tour de France Stage 20 Annecy > Semnoz (Stage Depart)
View Tour Village/Stage Depart
Distance 50km approx ride time 2hrs route Col de la Forclaz
Distance 35km approx ride time 1.5hrs route Vaulx
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Lunch
NON CYCLING GUEST: Share all the Tour day & spectacular TDF stage in Annecy!
Today is our last ride opportunity together during your Tour de France cycling tours week, what will the best riders in the world feel like today? And you also? For most of us a REST day and a party atmosphere in Annecy will be the perfect way to celebrate an incredible week of unique cycling and unforgettable memories. If you’re looking for one last opportunity to turn the legs over then a morning ride is available
The Tour de France contenders, who wish to be on the podium in Paris, could be in for a very difficult day as they make their final push for glory on the final mountain stage of the 2013 Tour de France here in Annecy! The full days Tour de France entertainment begins early for you with the publicity caravan throwing it’s goodies to you on the roadside, before the first teams arrive in preparation for a tough last day at the office!
The stage depart is a short walk from your Hotel, enjoy exploring the ‘Village Depart’ and all the glamour of the best professional cyclists in the world and their multi-million dollar support teams and equipment on display.
Once the fanfare of this magnificent sporting show has left Annecy and with all this action and excitement in one day we have forgotten lunch!!!…. Not with PRACTICEBICYCLE!… Celebrate with us a perfect day and Bike Tour week at the Tour de France with the enjoyment of one final pleasure of French cuisine together. The final action in the Alps will be unfolding on the same roads explored by you earlier in the week. Relax in comfort over a late afternoon drink or early Aperitif (if you prefer?) in one of our favourite premier TV spots to cheer on your favourites one last time as they fight it out on the steep slopes of Semnoz (1655m) for the Winner of the Tour de France 2013 in Annecy!
