The biggest stars in cycling without the crowds in the French Alps

Watch the world’s very best professional bike racers in a beautiful part of France at the Critérium du Dauphiné, whilst you also experience for yourself premium quality fully guided bike rides with the local French Alps bike race tour specialists. For all avid fans and discerning cyclists who may have seen the Tour de France in July, enjoy the biggest stars in cycling without the crowds, classic cycling and the majestic beauty of the French Alps at their best!

The Criterium is a highlight of the 2018 season for the Practice Bicycle team, who have a special passion for cycling and International racing ready to share with you.

The Critérium du Dauphiné is the final lead up race to the Tour de France each year, which means you can expect a spectacle of racing delights with the worlds very best climbers and general classification professionals testing their physical limits. Each year the race route uses similar roads that are used during the TDF the following month.
This spectacular action packed viewing added to the best cycling of your life gives our guests an amazing cycling holiday experience brought to you with the knowledge and expertise of the professionals based in Annecy, France.

2018 Critérium du Dauphiné

This premium bike tour brings you up close and personal with live viewing of the final Alpine stages of the 70th edition of the Critérium du Dauphiné bike race at our “unique viewing spots” only achievable from the experienced local Annecy bike tour team. Enjoy the action of Vincenzo Nibali, Rigoberto Uran, Romain Bardet, Warren Barguil and Dan Martin all targeting the Dauphine 2018.  Each day will also include the very best bike rides in the world, fully guided and tailored amongst breathtaking scenery in the French Alps and the Rhone Alps Region of France. This proven Practice Bicycle formula of the ideal balance between quality rides, race viewing and relaxing is enjoyed by all our discerning bike riders and non-cycling guests.

Can’t get enough of cycling in the French Alps?

Classic ToursWe also offer our classic Lake Annecy bike trips before and after the Critérium du Dauphiné. Why not extend your holiday and turn it into the cycling trip of a lifetime?

View Lake Annecy Trip
Tour Type question mark-01

Bike Race Tour

Activity Level question mark-01

Flexible – from 40 km/day to 100 km/day
We offer a choice of 2-3 ride distances each day as per our itineraries i.e 50km.75km or 100km (Unique in the Industry for a Bike Race Tour)

Available Packages question mark-01

Gold: Hotel Le Pre Carre 4* Accommodation, $3332 per person
Silver: Splendid Hotel 3* Accommodation, $2990 per person
Bronze: Rides only, $1826 per person

Dates

6 – 11 June 2018

Duration

6 Days / 5 Nights

Group Size

4 to 8 people

Optional Extras question mark 01

Single room – $600
Bike hire – $500
Non-cycling partner – $2694

Non-cycling partner?

That’s ok, we cater to non-cyclists too!

For avid fans of international cycle races who don’t wish to ride, or for non-cyclists who want to accompany their bike riding husband/wife/partner at the extraordinary French Alps experience in June this year. In fact, enjoy all the same benefits as the Critérium du Dauphiné Bike Race Tour guests! Only your choice is to join in the race action and experience all the uniqueness of the marvellous French Alps in June at a more leisurely pace from the comfort of the support vehicle all with your local team in Annecy!

My wife and I have just finished our Criterium du Dauphine Bike Tour with Bridget and Paul (June 2017). It was a wonderful trip for both of us, myself as a rider and my wife as a non-rider.
Both Paul and Bridget are world class cyclists and hosts that share their knowledge of riding and special local knowledge of the area surrounding Annecy. They prepare the daily rides taking into account the wide ranging skill levels of the riders involved. The groups are typically two to eight guests which makes for individual attention. The rides are fantastic, the country scenery and roads couldn’t be better. We’ve travelled a great deal in our lives and were still surprised by the beauty of the area.
Paul was our riding guide, coach and tour guide on the daily trips. His interest in making it both fun and challenging makes for a great ride. He knows the riders skill levels and everyone will be challenged without going beyond their physical abilities.
We couldn’t have asked for a greater, premium experience in what has to be the greatest cycling area in the world. Add to that the chance to see the pros riding the Criterium at the finest viewing spots made for a winning combination and we feel very lucky to have been with Bridget and Paul. We look forward to riding and touring with them again in the near future.
Testimonial by R & D Hedrick – USA
R & D Hedrick – USA

Dates

2019
  • 12 June — 16 June Enquire

Itinerary

Take a look at the Dauphine tour! Don’t miss out in 2018 and register above.

Day 1

Wednesday June 6th - Arrival Day in Annecy at Criterium du Dauphine 2018
ARRIVAL TIME: 2:00pm
*Ride Option:
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!

Day 2

Thursday June 7th - View the Criterium du Dauphine Stage 4 Chazey-sur-Ain / Lans-en-Vercors 181km (Alps/Finish)
*Ride Option:
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 Criterium Dauphine 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 tranquillity 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.

Day 3

Friday June 8th - View the Criterium du Dauphine Stage 5 Grenoble / Valmorel 130.5km (Alps Finish)
*Ride Option:
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 neighbouring 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!

Day 4

Saturday June 9th - View the Criterium du Dauphine Stage 6 Frontenex / La Rosière Espace San Bernardo 110km (Alps)
*Ride Option:
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 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 PRACTICEBICYCLE 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!

Day 5

Sunday June 10th - View the Criterium du Dauphine Stage 7 Moûtiers / Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc 129km (Alps Finish)
*Ride Option:
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 pedalling 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!

Day 6

Monday 11th June – Departure Day from Annecy French Alps
DEPARTURE TIME: 12:00pm
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Geneva International Airport Transfer
Today is the departure day from your Criterium Dauphine 2018 adventure, PRACTICEBICYCLE are available to assist you with your onward journey from Annecy. Your team will say good bye this morning and transfer you to Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) for your midday departure. PRACTICEBICYCLE wish you a “Bon Voyage”, safe cycling until we Practicebicycle together again.

*As with all the PRACTICEBICYCLE 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.

Where will I be staying?

Practice Bicycle choose proven 3* quality, air-conditioned Splendid Hotel 3* accommodation located in the heart of undoubtedly the most beautiful town in France, Annecy. The Perfect location to enjoy the best of the Criterium du Dauphine bike race in 2018.

Will I have enough to do off the bike?

Annecy is one of the best places in the world to relax and explore – also off the bike! The ‘Pearl in the box’ town often referred to as the Venice of the Alps is the absolute perfect base for your Criterium du Dauphine cycling holiday and ideal for relaxing and sharing with non-cycling partners.

You may choose to wander the enchanting streets, do some shopping or just sit by the lake and admire the spectacular views and watch French life pass you by. The team can assist you in choosing from the many superb restaurants, bars and salon du teas in the home of Practice Bicycle, Annecy. Spend your evening enjoying a lovely meal just like a local, ready for your next day full of new sights, adventures and opportunities in the French Alps. Bon soiree!

Am I fit enough for this trip?

Whether you have years of cycling experience or are just new to the bike the Criterium du Dauphine bike race tour is for anyone who is a fan of the best bike racing in the world!

With our local knowledge from over 20 years riding this amazing cycling destination, expect only the very best rides.  Each cycling route during your Dauphine Bike Tour will be tailored specifically to your bike riding ability and experience, including the opportunity of riding on parts of the stage route.

So you can have a challenging ride or a comfortable ride – the choice is yours with the professionals!

Is this trip challenging enough for me?

We enjoy a challenge as much as we love cycling.
The team at Practice Bicycle has a history in professional bike racing and coaching, with your host Bridget Evans racing professionally on the roads of France (1998 -2008)  so if it’s a challenge you are looking for, we can definitely find just the right rides for you.  After all, the area around Lake Annecy is home to over 20 classic Tour de France cols!

If you are looking for a specific challenge or to improve your cycling, then consider one of our winter and summer training camps.

I have already booked accommodation - can I still go on this trip?

Absolutely! If total flexibility is what you are looking for with your cycling vacation look for our ‘Rides Only’ (7-10 June) package to get on this tour without using our accommodation.

So if you have already organised your accommodation, join the Practice Bicycle team each day at a convenient Annecy central meeting point.

Let the professionals take care of all the details. Fully escorted and supported to the best live viewing spots to catch the Dauphine stage race action including a superb restaurant lunch each day.
Ride some of the most mythical cycling routes around Lake Annecy and the French Alps all at the Criterium Dauphine!

What rides will I do?

On each of our tours we tailor the daily rides to the riders and local conditions offering a choice of distance each day, including riding parts of the Criterium du Dauphine race route. Take a look at the exciting itinerary above!

In addition Practice Bicycle has developed 100+ routes from Annecy for riders of all levels, only possible with over 20 years cycling in the Rhone-Alps of France. To get an idea of what sort of rides you will be doing in ‘Cycling Paradise’, have a look at a sample of our rides in Annecy.

View Example Rides

What activities, tours will the Non Cycling Partner do whilst I am on my bike?

As our Criterium Dauphine Non Cycling guest and bike race fan you experience all the spectacle, excitement and action up close and personal of the very best bike racing in the world!
In addition our local support team will share with you culture and villages on route whilst catching up with the cycling group at our ‘Unique live viewing spots’ and handpicked restaurant lunch together.
An amazing June vacation at the Criterium Dauphine in the Rhone Alps of France.

Why do you choose to watch 4 stages at the Criterium du Dauphine bike race tour?

Our specialty bike race tours are all about riding, race action and relaxing, including viewing the Criterium du Dauphine professional race on a variety of stages.
Maximising your cycling vacation time and enjoyment with viewing the race action live, contrasting with your own variety of personally tailored guided rides and the opportunity of enough time to relax and experience your idyllic Lake Annecy in the French Alps location.

Your Criterium du Dauphne 2018 bike tour package includes:

  • 5 nights 3* hotel accommodation in Annecy Centre Ville
  • 5 French continental buffet breakfasts
  • 5 guided rides in the French Alps designed and tailored to the individual
  • 4 unique ‘live viewing spots’ of the decisive Alpine stages of the Criterium Dauphine that only a local would know!
  • Welcome Aperitif followed by a superb gourmet experience of a traditional French dinner upon arrival
  • 4 French Restaurant Lunches on the stages of the Criterium du Dauphine
  • The ultimate support of the professional team living in Annecy, French Alps
  • Ride support vehicle & ‘on the go’ mechanical assistance
  • Sports drinks & bike food for each day’s riding
  • Arrival & Departure Tour Day Transfer: Geneva International Airport Switzerland to Hotel Annecy France (arrival 2:00pm & departure 12:00pm)
  • A Gift Pack including Practice Bicycle Cycling Jersey

Criterium du Dauphine 2018 Tour Highlights:

  • Magnificent Lake Annecy the most enchanting town in France, this ‘baby Paris’ perfect location the ‘Venice of the Alps’
  • Biggest stars of world cycling live from the roadside at the Criterium du Dauphine 2018
  • Breathtaking ambiance of the high pastures of the Massif des Aravis Mountain Range including the ‘White Mountain’ Mont-Blanc (4808m) Europe’s highest peak
  • Tranquil roads of the Pre Alps mountains of the Vercors Massif Plateau
  • Out of this world cycling deserves the very best variety of flavours of gourmet France restaurants in the Rhone-Alps.
  • Amazing Cols on offer in 5 days! Col des Aravis (1498m), Cote des Amerands (888m), Montee de Bisanne (1723m), Col du Croix-fry (1477m), Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc (1372), Col du Mont Noir (1421m), Col du Pre (1748m), Col des Saisies (1657m), Col du Tamie (950m), Lans-en-Vercors (1409m) & Valmorel (1369m)
  • Great cafe stops during the tour at unique French Alps towns; Albertville, Megeve & Beaufort.
  • 1st class service, small group camaraderie a unique experience & lots of fun
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