Dauphine Race in the Grand Alps

Wednesday June 6th – Arrival Day in Annecy at Criterium du Dauphine Race 2018
Distance 40km/25mi Ascent 200m/650ft route Lac Annecy
INCLUSIONS: Airport Transfer, Welcome Drinks & Dinner in one of Annecy’s Finest Restaurants
Today is arrival day in the wonderful town of Annecy nestled at the base of the French Alps and includes your private transfer from Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) to your hotel on the shores of Lake Annecy (France).
Once checked-in to the one perfect accommodation, relax and take the time to enjoy one of the most stunning towns in the world, explore the medieval streets and the canals of the ‘Venice of the Alps’. Un-wind from your travels, take a leisurely drink and become apart of France for just a few days. Should time permit enjoy a welcome ride around spectacular Lake Annecy the ideal preparation for the following 4 fantastic mountain stages at the Criterium du Dauphine 2018.
This evening we invite you to join us for a Welcome Aperitif and Gastronomic Dinner at one of Annecy’s finest Restaurants to experience local Haute Savoie cuisine!

Thursday June 7th – View the Criterium du Dauphine Stage 4 Chazey-sur-Ain / Lans-en-Vercors 181km (Alps/Finish)
Distance 35km/22mi Ascent 200m/650ft route Vercors
Distance 45km/28mi Ascent 1200m/3900ft route Col du Mont Noir (1421m -17.5km @ 6.9%)
Distance 80km/50mi Ascent 2300m/7550ft route Lans-en-Vercors
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Vercors Restaurant Lunch
NON CYCLING GUEST: Discover the Vercors Massif Plateaux
Today is our first live action of the Dauphine Race 2018 in the Pre Alps mountains of the Vercors and the first of 4 challenging mountain stages that will determine not only the winner of this prestigious event, also which professionals have the very best climbing form ready for the upcoming Tour de France.
Your ride will experience the race route in the Vercors enjoy the tranquility of this unique plateaux separated by the Drac and Isere rivers before arriving at your “Unique Live Viewing Spot” at the Dauphine bike race.
These superb roads are here for you to experience with fresh legs as much or as little as you wish with your Professional Team in the French Alps.
With every cycling effort there has to be an equal reward and what could be better than a hearty restaurant lunch to enjoy together before the race peloton arrives.

Friday June 8th – View the Criterium du Dauphine Stage 5 Grenoble / Valmorel 130.5km (Alps Finish)
Distance 45km/28mi Ascent 100m/330ft route Faverges
Distance 75km/46mi Ascent 300m/985ft route Tarentaise Valley
Distance 90km/56mi Ascent 1850m/6070ft route Valmorel HC (1369m 12.7km @ 7%)
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Dauphine Classic Restaurant Lunch
NON CYCLING GUEST: Share the spectacular tour day sights & Albertville
After yesterday’s Pre Alps challenging climbs, today’s stage may seem a little easier on paper! The sting in the tail is the final HC climb to the finish line at the Valmorel ski station. Expect an explosive finale on the slopes of this difficult climb where every second will count for the podium positions.
Take advantage of your team’s planning and all their local knowledge to give you the best of both worlds with your own superb ride for a fabulous day of cycling. Our first destination will be our neighboring town of Albertville, panoramic views all the way and ideal for a café stop. The Tarentaise valley traditionally known to the skiing fraternity will be full of action as the Dauphine peloton is in full flight before the decisive climb of the day.
Whilst at the ideal ‘unique live viewing spot’, it’s time to relax and refuel with your restaurant lunch and enjoy the rest of this special day and a memorable moment to absorb the professional peloton during this year’s Criterium du Dauphine!
Return to Annecy by vehicle or take advantage of the euphoria of ‘Cycling Paradise’ with breathtaking views cycling all the way back to Annecy!

Saturday June 9th – View the Criterium du Dauphine Stage 6 Frontenex / La Rosière Espace San Bernardo 110km (Alps)
Distance 63km/39mi Ascent 700m/2300ft route Beaufort
Distance 90km/56mi Ascent 1750m/5700ft route Col du Pre (1748m 12.6km @ 7.7%)
Distance 108km/67mi Ascent 2890m/9500ft route Barrage de Roselend
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Beaufortain Restaurant Lunch
NON CYCLING GUEST: Share all the Tour day & spectacular action in the Beaufort Valley
The Dauphine race professional peloton will be fired up for this historic week-end of mountain stages, at 110km and 129km, not particularly long for the very best in the world, although 8 category Cols will test the legs to the limit!
Today’s stage is also an Alps route of this year’s Tour de France giving you the unique opportunity to experience the same roads as Le Tour in July. Heading into the Alps, with your own choice of ride options, tailored to your requirements and supported all the way by the local professional guides at Practice Bicycle as you pedal on the route of these famous cycling roads and slopes of the magnificent Cols.
Once at your ‘Unique Live Viewing Spot’ in the Alp your team has thought of everything for you, get your breath back and enjoy your restaurant lunch. There will be plenty of time to absorb the atmosphere of this iconic cycling location before the show begins at the 2018 Criterium Dauphine.
Return to Annecy by vehicle or take advantage of the euphoria of ‘Cycling Paradise’ with breathtaking views cycling all the way back to Annecy!

Sunday June 10th – View the Criterium du Dauphine Stage 7 Moûtiers / Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc 129km (Alps Finish)
Distance 40km/24mi Ascent 1000m/3300ft route Chaîne des Aravis
Distance 65km/40mi Ascent 1300m/4300ft route Grand Alps
Distance 85km/52mi Ascent 2170m/7100ft route Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc(1372m 7km @ 7.7%)
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Dauphine Mont-Blanc Lunch
NON CYCLING GUEST: Share all the Tour day & magnificent Mont-Blanc!
Today is our last superb ride opportunity together during your Dauphine bike tour and after yesterday’s third Alpine stage, we have one final adventure as we again head deep into the Grand Alps…it has to be experienced to be believed, if you still have your uphill pedaling legs!
The Criterium Dauphine is always an exciting race combined with challenging routes and thrilling racing all the way to the very last stretch of the final stage. Last years podium was decided on the final climb of the race will the winner be decided at Saint-Gervais Mont –Blanc?
Flexibility with our premium small group allows for the very best ride options on our local roads of the Aravis Mountain range, with options for all abilities pick your perfect ride to end an incredible cycling holiday in the magnificent French Alps.
Once refreshed we are at the ideal spot to end a great week of memorable riding together, it’s time to relax and enjoy the rest of this special day and one last moment to absorb the professional peloton in the Alps!

*As with all the Practice Bicycle planned rides you always have the option of taking it easy and enjoying the comfort of the support vehicle and all the spectacle of the day at a more leisurely pace.