2019 Tour de France Provence, Alps and VIP Paris Finale

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1 2019 Tour de France Provence, Alps and VIP Paris Finale

2 2019 Tour de France Provence, Alpes and VIP Paris Finale If ticking Mont Ventoux and Alpe d Huez off your bucket list, mixing it with world famous PRO riders and watching their arrival into Paris in an exclusive 5 star penthouse suite event is your idea of an ultimate Tour de France experience then this is certainly the tour for you. Le Tour arrives into the famous ancient Roman city of Nîmes where it will remain for three days before heading deep into the Alpes and then onto Paris, in First Class travel, for the exciting finalé of the Tour. We will be based in the extraordinarily beautiful village of Uzès, for three nights exploring this stunning region on the edge of Provence. Uzès also happens to be where PRO CYCLING TOURS has its headquarters, so we know this area like the back of our hands. You will experience hospitality like no other in our hometown and discover the areas most picturesque roads and villages. We also take the opportunity to take a ride into the little known Cevennes Mountains, a true gem in Frances crown, and meet the PROS en route. Whilst not featured in this year tour, we will not miss the opportunity to conquer what is arguably considered the most famous and feared of all the great climbs of the Tour de France, Mont Ventoux. Geographically situated at the very southern end of the Alpes, Mont Ventoux is a towering presence; there is nothing that comes close to its size anywhere nearby. The following two days will present fabulous riding further into the northern Alpes, and the opportunity to conquer another epic climb made famous by the tour, Alpe d Huez. With its celebrated 21 hairpin bends you will discover just why this is must climb in France for any level of cyclist. After our impressive rides in the Alpes and Provence we head first class on the TGV to Paris to catch up with the PRO riders for their final pedal to the finish line on the Champs-Élysées. PRO CYCLING TOURS will once again provide you with unparalleled service and excitement at our VIP Finale Event. Following our special final ride around Paris in the morning we head to our private 5 star penthouse suite over looking the stage on the Champs-Élysées. The afternoon is fully catered with food and drinks flowing throughout the day, private facilities, private balconies, big screen TVs so we don t miss any of the action plus a farewell Tour de France gift. This event is a real exclusive highlight for PRO CYCLING TOURS guests. Riders of all levels enjoy our cycling holidays, because they know they are fully supported and we offer daily ride options. And this tour is fabulous for non-riding partners. We ensure they are supported all the way too. Find out why so many of our guests return year after year and let yourself be treated like a PRO by the PROS. DATES: July 2019 (8 days / 7 nights) PRICE: GROUP SIZE: START: FINISH: CONTACT: $ 5,590 AUD 14 guests with 4 professional staff Nîmes (TGV station or Nîmes -Garon Airport) Paris info@procyclingtours.com

DAY 1 WELCOME TO LE TOUR DE FRANCE 22 JULY Today we will welcome you to one of the most picturesque villages in France. Uzès is a unique blend of history, art, food, culture and joie de vivre.

the old town of Uzès. Once checked in, your PRO CYCLING TOURS team will be on hand to help re-assemble your bike or introduce you to your hire bike.

As well as our new road bikes, you have the option to rent one of our new to the fleet E-BIKES. Full details on our hire bikes at the end of this itinerary.

3 DAY 1 WELCOME TO LE TOUR DE FRANCE 22 JULY Today we will welcome you to one of the most picturesque villages in France. Uzès is a unique blend of history, art, food, culture and joie de vivre. Depending on your arrival times, we will collect you from Nîmes -Garon Airport or Nîmes TGV train station and take you to our charming hotel conveniently located in the protected pedestrian zone in the old town of Uzès. Once checked in, your PRO CYCLING TOURS team will be on hand to help re-assemble your bike or introduce you to your hire bike. In 2019 we will upgrade to a brand new fleet of amazing road bikes to help you climb even the most challenging of mountains. As well as our new road bikes, you have the option to rent one of our new to the fleet E-BIKES. Full details on our hire bikes at the end of this itinerary. To complete your arrival, you will receive our exciting new welcome pack, which includes not one but now two full sets of our BRAND NEW DESIGN PRO kit. After all, you need to look the part when you re riding amongst the worlds best PROS. We will be keen to begin to introduce you to our back yard so we will go for a really pretty ride north to another of France s most beautiful villages. It will be a great introduction to fellow guests and the PRO CYCLING TOURS team. From its cobbled streets to its magnificent preserved architecture, current Duke s palace, beautiful boutiques and amazing markets and central square, Uzès delivers all the charm and authenticity you would expect of a charming French village and so much more. There is plenty to do in this town and you will soon be hypnotised by its allure you may decide never to leave. Tonight we will enjoy getting to know each other over a fabulous welcome dinner at a superb restaurant, our personal favourite and the best in town. RIDE STAY 2.5 hours / 50km / flat and rolling Uzès charming 4* star hotel

DAY 2 INTRODUCING THE CÉVENNES MOUNTAINS AND LE TOUR 23 JULY Today is our first day catching a glimpse of the tour. The PROS will have an easy day ahead following their rest day.

We won t have it so easy today as we take this opportunity to explore the gorgeous Cévennes Mountains, which form part of the Massif Central range in the centre of France.

4 DAY 2 INTRODUCING THE CÉVENNES MOUNTAINS AND LE TOUR 23 JULY Today is our first day catching a glimpse of the tour. The PROS will have an easy day ahead following their rest day. At only 117kms we will get an opportunity to watch them live en route as they complete a loop from and back to the ancient Roman city of Nîmes. We won t have it so easy today as we take this opportunity to explore the gorgeous Cévennes Mountains, which form part of the Massif Central range in the centre of France. After our delicious buffet breakfast we will take a short drive to the foothills of the Cévennes National Park before taking in a very picturesque and steady climb to the top of the highest peak in the Gard, Mont Aigoual with its formidable weather observatory. The spectacular 360- degree views from the top are truly worth every pedal stroke. Naturally we can shorten the ride (or lengthen it) if you like. The assent to the summit takes in 28 breathtaking kilometres or just over 17 miles. With average gradient being only 4.3%, so you will have plenty of energy to take in the views. For our non-riding guests today, we suggest you spend the day exploring the incredibly beautiful town of Uzès. There is so much to and see here. For history buffs there are museums, cathedrals, the amazing Duché (or Duke) palace, the medieval garden that includes a tower you can climb for superb views of Uzès and the surrounding villages and garrigue countryside. Or why not take a stroll from the centre of town to the beautiful Vallée de l'eure, an amazing oasis where the water source commences that fed the city of Nimes via Pont du Gard. Tonight we will enjoy another fantastic meal together at a terrific little local restaurant in the old town. RIDE SLEEP 80km (17mi) / 3.5 hours /1950 mts (6400 ft) Uzès charming 4* star hotel

DAY 3 STAGE START & PRIVATE CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE TASTING 24 JULY We have a well-deserved relaxed start to the day with the morning free enjoy exploring our beautiful host town of Uzès.

We will have plenty of time to see and mingle with the PRO riders and watch them warm up and sign on for todays race.

You will be right in the thick of the action to grab many of the trinkets and souvenirs thrown out at the crowd by the tour sponsors.

Once the gun has sounded and the riders have departed, we will head out on our very own ride, but not the hilly 206km course the PRO peloton has in store.

5 DAY 3 STAGE START & PRIVATE CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE TASTING 24 JULY We have a well-deserved relaxed start to the day with the morning free enjoy exploring our beautiful host town of Uzès. Later in the morning we will make our way to the amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pont du Gard, for todays stage start. We will have plenty of time to see and mingle with the PRO riders and watch them warm up and sign on for todays race. Today is your opportunity to ask for that photo or signature and walk amongst the team busses. A stage start is a fabulous insight into the machine that is the Tour de France. You will be right in the thick of the action to grab many of the trinkets and souvenirs thrown out at the crowd by the tour sponsors. The caravan has grown so much over the years that it now takes well over 45 minutes for the parade to pass. Once the gun has sounded and the riders have departed, we will head out on our very own ride, but not the hilly 206km course the PRO peloton has in store. Instead we will take a beautiful ride amongst sunflower fields and vineyards to our destination, world famous Chateauneufdu-Pape. Here you will enjoy a fabulous private tasting in an ancient underground cellar right in the heart of this iconic French village. For our guest who are not riding today, you will enjoy the excitement of the stage start before being driven directly to Chateauneuf-du-Pape to enjoy exploring this picturesque village and take in a few wine tastings before our final private tasting. Tonight you will have an opportunity to dine at your own leisure in the old town of Uzès and explore its beauty one last time before we move on. Tomorrow we have a big mountain to climb RIDE SLEEP 55km (34mi) / 2.5 3hrs / gently rolling Uzès charming 4* star hotel

DAY 4 THE GIANT OF PROVENCE MONT VENTOUX 25 JULY Mont Ventoux has become legendary as the scene of one of the most grueling climbs and combat zones in Tour de France s history.

6 DAY 4 THE GIANT OF PROVENCE MONT VENTOUX 25 JULY Mont Ventoux has become legendary as the scene of one of the most grueling climbs and combat zones in Tour de France s history. Ascended sixteen times since 1951 and last climbed in 2016, the unique rocky lunar landscape provides a truly wonderful breathtaking view across the French Alpes to the Mediterranean. As the name suggests (vent means windy in French), it can get very breezy at the summit, especially if the infamous mistral wind is blowing. At times speeds as high as 320 kph (200 mph) have been recorded. Once lavishly covered in trees, from the twelfth century onwards it was heavily logged to support the demands for shipbuilding and with subsequent winds removing all of the topsoil nothing has regrown at is summit. It really makes for a unique cycling experience in itself. Even if you have conquered this giant in the past, it s always great to show her you mean business and perhaps beat your best time Depending on how you feel and time permitting, you also have the opportunity to ride one of the most dramatic gorges in all of France, Gorge de la Nesque, which is very hard to ignore. An epic day on the bike for those looking for one, it s our chance to shine For those not riding, you ll enjoy being chaperoned to the summit of Mont Ventoux for the most incredible views of Provence and the distant Alpes. Time spent in the medieval village of Sault, and perhaps a short stroll in the Gorge de la Nesque will cap off and great day out. We ll enjoy a well-earned group dinner tonight to share the many tales of our experience on the Giant of Provence RIDE 3 7 hrs / km (43-75 mi) / up to 2000mt (6500ft) SLEEP Grenoble 4* star city centre hotel

DAY 5 FAMOUS ALPE D HUEZ 26 JULY How do we back up yesterday s epic ride up Mont Ventoux? Easy, with another legendary climb and arguably the most famous climb in the history of cycling, Alpe d Huez.

As the mountains close in around us, you ll start feeling the excitement of conquering THE most famous mountain ridden in the Tour de France.

A 14km climb, be sure to take the first 2km nice and slow, as it ramps up to gradients of 10%.

7 DAY 5 FAMOUS ALPE D HUEZ 26 JULY How do we back up yesterday s epic ride up Mont Ventoux? Easy, with another legendary climb and arguably the most famous climb in the history of cycling, Alpe d Huez. We leave Grenoble today and transfer the short distance by van to the Bourg d Oisan. As the mountains close in around us, you ll start feeling the excitement of conquering THE most famous mountain ridden in the Tour de France. Following a compulsory coffee stop in the old town, we ll start our stop-watches and ride onwards and upwards to the Alpe d Huez ski station. A 14km climb, be sure to take the first 2km nice and slow, as it ramps up to gradients of 10%. But don t worry, you WILL make it After a podium photo and lunch at the summit at a funky little café, we ll ride a secret balcony road to the base of the Glandon / Croix de Fer, and indeed one of our favourite roads in the Alpes, today you will also understand why. For those wanting more ride time, there will be the opportunity to ride back to the hotel. Or simply take the direct option and spend more time exploring the beautiful, energetic town of Grenoble. For our guests not riding today, you have the opportunity spend the day in the vehicle with your guide and cheer on our little PRO peloton all the way up the 21 switchbacks. It really is a very special climb and well worth seeing and experiencing even off the bike. You may also like to spend the day exploring the lovely town of Grenoble. There is so much to do and we can help guide you on things to see. Tonight we will farewell Provence and the Alpes in style over dinner at a local restaurant in the heart of the old town in Grenoble, before making our way to the Paris and the Grand Finale of the Tour de France. RIDE 2-4 hours / 50 90kms / mountains SLEEP Grenoble 4* star city centre hotel

DAY 7 FIRST CLASS ALL THE WAY TO PARIS 27 JULY Today we take in one last small climb before we take our First Class TGV directly into Paris in the early afternoon.

8 DAY 7 FIRST CLASS ALL THE WAY TO PARIS 27 JULY Today we take in one last small climb before we take our First Class TGV directly into Paris in the early afternoon. For those wanting a ride, we will leave our hotel by bike just after breakfast for a very picturesque loop ride into the foothills surrounding Grenoble. This ride will seem like a walk in the park after the monsters you have successfully conquered over the past week. We will enjoy a nice flat warm up before climbing 800mt (2600ft) all the while enjoying some of the best views of Grenoble and the towering mountains that surround the town. We will stop for coffee at the top before heading back to the hotel to refresh and board the train, which is only a few minutes walk away. For our guests not riding today we encourage you to take the fabulous gondola to the summit of La Bastille, a small fortified mountain located at the crossroad of three valleys, served by the first urban cable-car in the world. There will be no need to lug around your bags or bikes onto the First Class carriage of the TGV, we will take care of that for you, so all you need to worry about is a day pack and of course your Garmin to record the super fast speeds of the TGV. Once in Paris we will settle into our superb 4.5 star hotel situated in the perfect arrondissement between Le Louvre and the Opera. Your luggage and bikes will be waiting for you on arrival and you will have the evening free to fall in love (or perhaps fall in love all over again) with the breathtakingly beautiful city of Paris. RIDE 2 hrs / 35 km (25 mi) / flat with one climb SLEEP Paris 4.5* star deluxe hotel

DAY 7 OUR EXCLUSIVE EVENT IN THE HEART OF PARIS 28 JULY The moment has finally arrived and without a doubt one of the most memorable days you will experience in Paris or perhaps even on a bike - the

We ll ride up and down the famous strip, stop for a group photo by the Arc de Triomphe, even race for a sprint or two on the tour route, you wont be able to hold back Even the non-riders of our group

follow. Before the caravan and the PRO peloton arrive we move into our luxurious 5 star penthouse suite and our prime vantage point directly on the Champs-Élysées.

9 DAY 7 OUR EXCLUSIVE EVENT IN THE HEART OF PARIS 28 JULY The moment has finally arrived and without a doubt one of the most memorable days you will experience in Paris or perhaps even on a bike - the Grande Finalé of the Tour de France on the Champs-Élysées. To begin our day we soak up the atmosphere of the Tour de France with a ride on the famous cobbles of the Champs-Élysées. We ll ride up and down the famous strip, stop for a group photo by the Arc de Triomphe, even race for a sprint or two on the tour route, you wont be able to hold back Even the non-riders of our group have a chance to grab a town bike and join in the fun A dash around the Eiffel Tower, a spin around the Louvre, and a dart around Notre-Dame will get us in the perfect mood for the extravaganza to follow. Before the caravan and the PRO peloton arrive we move into our luxurious 5 star penthouse suite and our prime vantage point directly on the Champs-Élysées. We are once again proud to include this exclusive PRO CYCLING EVENT to all our tour guests. Today you will enjoy an unparalleled experience in our suite where you will watch the tour procession and peloton ride past some 15 times from our private balcony. You will be wined and dined on superb catered food and drinks, including of course delicious French champagne. Flat screen televisions to ensure we don t miss any of the live action, luxurious private facilities and unbeatable views of race, there is no other way to experience the finale of the 2019 Tour de France. Your friends and family are welcome to join us at for an additional cost. If you have any energy left after today s event, you will have the evening free to continue the party however you choose. RIDE SLEEP 2 hr / flat city ride in Paris Paris 4.5* star deluxe hotel

DAY 8 AU REVOIR TOUR DE FRANCE 29 JULY Today we bid farewell to what has been an amazing holiday and the 106 th edition of the Tour de France through Provence, the Alpes and the streets of Paris.

10 DAY 8 AU REVOIR TOUR DE FRANCE 29 JULY Today we bid farewell to what has been an amazing holiday and the 106 th edition of the Tour de France through Provence, the Alpes and the streets of Paris. We will provide any assistance disassembling and packing your bike or remove your pedals, garmin etc from your hire bike. For our guests planning on staying a little longer in Paris, we are more than happy to assist with any addon accommodation or transport advice. For our guests leaving Paris today, we will arrange transfer to Charles de Gaul airport if required. It is also our opportunity to farewell our fellow travels and for the PRO CYCLING TOURS team to thank you for entrusting us in taking you on a journey through magical southern France and Paris. We look forward to welcoming you back very soon. Happy travels. DEPART Paris

11 We guarantee more inclusions, more support and the best professional service you will receive on any cycling holiday, especially during Tour de France. Slumber in splendid 4* star accommodation throughout this holiday AND we limit the number of hotel changes, which means more time riding and exploring and less time spent in vehicles. Delicious and filling buffet breakfast on ALL mornings. Dine on 5 mouth-watering three to four course meals showcasing the local cuisine and served with local wines and beverages including our EXCLUSIVE VIP PARIS EVENT. Enjoy luxurious first class TGV fast train travel from Grenoble to Paris. Witness live several stages of the Tour de France including two stage finishes, one depart and an exciting stage sprint or KOM. All transfers from the moment you arrive at Nîmes for the duration of the tour to the moment you depart Paris, in our modern and comfortable vehicles. We use smaller vehicles and not large coaches to afford more personal support and quicker transfer times. Ride of the world s classic climbs in the Alps and Provence including Mont Ventoux, Alpe d Huez and Mont Aigoual plus plenty more lesser known Cols. Visit and explore some of France s most beautiful charming and picturesque villages and ride stunning quiet back roads and discover UNESCO world heritage sites. Flexible ride options each day - ride as much or as little as you like. With peace of mind knowing you are fully supported all the way. The owner of PRO CYCLING TOURS creates and personally hosts your holiday experience along with a dedicated team of experienced professionals. Smaller group sizes to ensure you receive uncompromised service. With 4 professional staff for a maximum of 14 guests (hands down the best ratio in the industry) you always receive the PRO treatment and you are never left without support. We are with you all the way. Multilingual guides and professional mechanic service including daily cleaning and maintenance check of your bike. Modern, fully equipped, air-conditioned 9 seater vans with WI-FI connectivity, portable showers, change rooms, entertainment systems and more. Pre holiday coaching and advice from a former PRO Tour de France rider and current PRO rider coach. The support you need to get the best out of your cycling holiday. At PRO CYCLING TOURS we are dedicated to making your holiday with us one of your most memorable. You receive the PRO treatment from the moment you contact us to well after your holiday has ended. Our professional Soignier support includes transfer of luggage, expert handling of your bike and taking care of all the finer details so you don t have to think about a thing. Photography by PRO CYCLING TOURS. We provide you with hundreds of precious memories of your holiday, before you leave for home. Detailed printed ride maps and colour itinerary. WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR SPECIAL 2 sets of PRO CYCLING TOURS PRO style quality riding kit (new exciting design coming in 2019). On road supplements including energy bars, drinks, first aid and vehicle support throughout your ride and the day (not just at the start and finish). Quality, new season road bikes or E-bikes for hire. All bike hires INCLUDE full set-up, professional helmet, ALL spares, two drink bottles, qualified mechanical support and plenty of gears to get you up any climb. PLUS plenty more PRO CYCLING TOURS extras to surprise you along the way. PROCYCLINGTOURS.COM

12 HOW TO FINALISE YOUR BOOKING To guarantee your place(s) on this tour, simply register and confirm your booking by way of a $1,000 AUD deposit through our 2019 TOUR DE FRANCE ALPES PROVENCE AND VIP PARIS tour page at procyclingtours.com Final balance of tour payment is due 3 months prior to tour start. For any questions please feel free to us at info@procyclingtours.com and remember to visit our FAQs page for all trip inclusions, bike hire details etc. For full terms & conditions please refer to our website SINGLE ROOM GUARANTEE All tour cost are based on twin share. We will match you with a same sex partner. If you are travelling alone and prefer not to share a room or bathroom facilities, we can provide you with your own room. At an additional cost of $1200 AUD you will be guaranteed a private room with private facilities. You can select this option at time of booking with a deposit to guarantee the room for $200 AUD. PRO CYCLING TOURS is proud to provide our guests with dedicated and specialist worldwide travel assistance. IZAWAY is a travel company specialising in custom travel - but what sets them apart is their amazing personalised service. They make your travel easier and save you time and money while delivering a seamless travel experience. IZAWAY can assist you with: - Travel planning pre and post tour - Flights and other transport bookings pre and post tour - Hotel bookings outside of tour dates - Travel insurance for US residents Contact owner Isabelle direct at isabelle@izaway.com In 2019 we have upgraded our fleet of hire bikes to the latest high-end road bike PLUS introducing a limited number of E-Bikes. For the duration of this tour hire cost are: $ 595 AUD for Road Bike $ 990 AUD for E-Bike Hire bike costs includes: GLOBAL TRAVEL ASSIST WITH IZAWAY HIGH END ROAD BIKE HIRE or E-BIKE HIRE New carbon road bikes with small gearing OR E-bike Professional new season helmet, sanitised and safety standards approved Two new water bottles - yours to keep after the tour Safety saddle bag with multi-tool, spare tube, leavers and gas canister Qualified mechanical support- including daily check and clean of your bike All and any spares (if required i.e. tubes etc.) As a unique PRO CYCLING TOURS benefit, we offer Theft and Damage Insurance for complete piece of mind for an additional $150 AUD for your road hire bike or $250 AUD for your E-Bike hire. Alternatively we require a valid credit card at time of booking to cover the $6000 AUD for the road bike or $8000 AUD for your E-Bike should your hire bike be stolen or damaged outside of our normal terms of use. PROCYCLINGTOURS.COM

13 Contact us at: *Itinerary subject to change at any time without notice *Full terms and conditions visit PROCYCLINGTOURS.COM

2018 Tour de France Alpes Iconic Climbs

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