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 Lake Annecy Practice Bicycle team. 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 contrasting stages of the Critérium du Dauphiné race with our “unique viewing spots” only achievable from the experienced Annecy based bike tour team. 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 D & R Hedrick – USA
D & R Hedrick – USA

Dates

2018

Itinerary

Below is the 2017 itinerary! Don’t miss out in 2018 and register above.

Day 1

Wednesday June 7th - Arrival Day in Annecy at Criterium du Dauphine 2017
ARRIVAL TIME: 2:00pm
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.

This evening we invite you to join us for a Welcome Aperitif and Gastronomique Dinner at one of Annecy’s finest Restaurants to experience local Haute Savoie cuisine!

Day 2

Thursday June 8th - View the Criterium du Dauphine stage 5 La Tour-de-Salvagny / Mâcon (Finish)
*Planned Ride Option:
Distance 35km Ascent 200m route Rhone
Distance 60km Ascent 650m route Barrage du Genissiat
Distance 80km Ascent 1050m route Château de Clermont
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Macon Burgundy Restaurant Lunch
NON CYCLING GUEST: Discover the Rhone River and city of Macon
Today is our first live action of the Criterium Dauphine 2017 at the finish line on the banks of the Saone River in the city of Macon. We’re expecting the fastest professional racing cyclists in the world to fight for this prestigious stage result before the overall race contenders take on the mountains over the next 3 days. Before we join the live action enjoy a great ride show casing this ‘Cycling Paradise’ as we explore some of the undulating roads to the west of Annecy, away from the Grand Alps and passing over the other major river of France the Rhone River. Once out of town it’s not long before we are on some of the very best cycling roads in the world and heading into the next valley through the natural site of the Val du Fier or for the more adventurous amongst us a little detour for that additional challenge is always available, should you wish!
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 French Burgundy lunch to enjoy together before the race peloton arrives at maximum speed.

Day 3

Friday June 9th - View the Criterium du Dauphine stage 6 Parc des Oiseaux - Villars-les-Dombes / La Motte-Servolex (Alps)
*Planned Ride Option:
Distance 40km Ascent 400m route Lac du Bourget
Distance 80km Ascent 700m route Vin de Savoie crus
Distance 120km Ascent 2300m route Cat Mountain
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Dauphine Classic Restaurant Lunch
NON CYCLING GUEST: Share the spectacular tour day sights & Wine area!
After yesterday’s sprinters on the esplanade in Macon today it’s the time of the climbers in the Alps, we have a superb selection of classic pre-alps rides available for you! These roads may not be considered the Grand Alps but don’t be fooled this could be a critical stage in the Dauphine and also later in July at this year’s Tour de France with the climb of Mont Chat, arguably one of the toughest climbs in France and not for the faint hearted! …it has to be experienced to be believed!
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 and ‘unique live viewing spot’ for a fabulous day of cycling. Our first destination will be our neighbouring lake of Lac du Bourget, panoramic views all the way and ideal for a café stop. Following along the shores towards a wonderful gem of a wine region with hidden cycling roads, just perfect!
We have chosen a favourite and very special French Michelin star restaurant for your celebrations with an equally spectacular view.
Whilst at the ideal ‘unique live viewing spot’, it’s time to relax and enjoy the rest of this special day and a memorable moment to absorb the professional peloton during this year’s Criterium du Dauphine!

Day 4

Saturday June 10th - View the Criterium du Dauphine stage 7 Aoste / Alpe d'Huez (Alps Finish)
*Planned Ride Option:
Distance 20km Ascent 600m route Mizeon
Distance 30km Ascent 1400m route Barrage du Chambon
Distance 43km Ascent 1800m route Alp d’Huez
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Alpe d’Huez Restaurant Lunch
NON CYCLING GUEST: Share all the Tour day & spectacular action in the Mythical Alps!
The Dauphine professional peloton will be fired up for this historic mountain stage as for the very first time they will be climbing Alpe d’Huez from the north side! We will also head into the Alps, with our 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.
The flat roads don’t last very long today before the climbing begins heading towards the Lauteret, get your breath back and admire the awesome hydroelectric barrage du Chambon and Glacier La Meije before pedalling high into the Alps at nearly 2000m!
Once at the summit finish in Alpe d’Huez 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, this could be the point the Tour is won or lost!

Day 5

Sunday June 11th - View the Criterium du Dauphine stage 8 Albertville / Plateau de Solaison (Alps)
*Planned Ride Option:
Distance 50km Ascent 1300m route Le Grand-Bornand
Distance 85km Ascent 1650m route Grand Alps
Distance 100km Ascent 1950m route Chaîne des Aravis
INCLUSIONS: Breakfast, Dauphine Alpine Lunch
NON CYCLING GUEST: Share all the Tour day & Final Dauphine stage Action in the Alps!
Today is our last superb ride opportunity together during your Dauphine week and after yesterday’s action in the Alps, 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!
Will the Criterium winner be already decided or can the best climbers in the world challenge each other just one more time over this final classic French Alps tour stage?
Take advantage of your team’s planning and all their local knowledge to give you the best of both worlds with your ‘unique live viewing spot’ on the slopes of the mountain and a superb day at the Criterium Dauphine in 2017. Flexibility with our premium small group allows for the very best ride options; why not test your legs with a classic cycling col…before descending in time for an Alpine recovery lunch just perfect!
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!
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 6

Monday 12th 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 2017 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.

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, you will love cycling and the Criterium du Dauphine bike race. As long as you are excited by the best cycle racing in the world, this trip is for you!

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.

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 Annecy is home to over 20 classic Tour de France cols!
If you are looking for a challenge to improve your cycling and professional coaching advice during your vacation, then consider our winter and summer training camps.

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

Absolutely! Look for our ‘Rides Only’ package to get on this tour without using our accommodation.
Each day you will join the Practice Bicycle Team at a convenient central meeting point in the town of Annecy.  Fully escorted and supported to the best viewing locations to catch the Dauphine stage race action live with restaurant lunches, including your own opportunities to ride some of the most mythical cycling routes around Lake Annecy and the French Alps

What rides will I do?

On each of our tours we tailor the daily rides to the riders and weather conditions including actual Criterium du Dauphine race routes on the itinerary. Practice Bicycle has developed 100+ routes in Annecy for riders of all levels with over 20 years cycling in the Rhone-Alps of France. To get an idea of what sort of rides you will be doing, 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 a Criterium Dauphine Non Cycling guest and bike race fan you experience all the spectacle, excitement and action up close and personal of the bike race live. 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.

Why do you choose to watch 3-4 stages at the Criterium du Dauphine bike race tour?

Our specialty bike race tours include viewing the Criterium du Dauphine race on 3 or 4 stages. We believe that this is the perfect ratio of maximising your enjoyment of 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 for the week.

Your Criterium du Dauphne 2018 bike tour package includes:

  • 5 nights 3* hotel accommodation in Annecy Centre Ville
  • 5 French continental buffet breakfasts
  • 4 guided rides in the French Alps designed and tailored to the individual
  • 4 unique ‘live viewing spots’ contrasting 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 2017 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
  • Breathtaking ambiance of the high pastures of the Massif des Aravis Mountain Range
  • Mythical Alpe d’Huez this iconic cycling destination that every cyclist must visit
  • Out of this world cycling deserves the very best flavours of gourmet French Michelin Star Cuisine
  • Amazing Cols in 4 days! Mont Prince (650m),Cote de Jongieux (414m), Mont du Chat (1504m),Cote de Garcin (997m), Col de Sarenne (1979m), Alpe d’Huez (1838m), Col du Croix-fry (1477m) & Col de la Colombiere (1618m)
  • Two great rivers of France One marvelous city of Burgundy; Rhone River & Macon on the banks of the Saone River.
  • 1st class service, small group camaraderie a unique experience & lots of fun
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