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Introduction From the classic Paris-Nice and Milan-San Remo spring time battles, to the Col de la Madone and the darker side of cycling s past, the are synonymous with professional bicycle racing. Le Domestique Bespoke s package combines the finest professionally supported riding, with stunning private accommodation and cuisine prepared by our own private chef, to offer the defining Côte d Azur cycling experience. Highlights Solo occupancy accommodation in your choice of five star private villa perfectly located for the finest riding across two of the most popular weeks of the season. 3.5 days of professionally supported riding tackling the including the Madone, Eze, Braus, and Turini, together with either the Vence or Poggio. Three course evening meals prepared by our own private chef. Pro team inspired breakfasts designed to fuel your day s riding. Our own Col de la Madone time trial giving you the opportunity to test yourself against Armstrong, Froome and Porte on this infamous training ground.
Day 1 15th September 2016 Eze and Madone 80km 2400m Elevation Gain Arrive into Nice Côte d Azur airport to be met by your guide for the week who will transfer you, your bike and your luggage the short distance to our private villa. Lunch is served shortly after arrival with riders being given the opportunity to relax and settle in while your guides build the bikes. Following lunch we depart for our afternoon s ride which takes us first to the Col d Eze, which witnessed Richie Porte s epic 20:23 ascent during Stage 7 of the Paris-Nice 2015. Anything under 30 mins here is serious going, but the Eze s attackable gradients and flatter upper section offers riders the perfect chance to measure against their pro heros. The day climaxes with the infamous Col de la Madone, which played host to the clandestine training of Lance Armstrong under the observation of Dr Michele Ferrari on route to a stated PB of 30:45. Riding Summary Featuring two incredible climbs this is an epic introduction to the Cote d Azur, mixing pro tour history with one of the most infamous locations in cycling.
Day 2 16th September 2016 Nice Braus - Turini 143km 3500m Elevation Gain Heading inland, today s route takes riders out of the busier roads of the Côte d Azur into the stunning high Alps. Opening with the Col d Nice we soon leave the traffic behind as we head north east to one of the most iconic climbs on the Côte d Azur, the Col de Braus, famous for mini-stelvio Snake of Braus. With the Col reached riders tackle a stunning descent to our lunch stop, following which we climb straight into the 25k ascent of the Col de Turini. A long technical descent follows allowing riders to soak in the bizarre feeling of almost total isolation despite the hustle and bustle of the Cote d Azur being so close by. The day concludes with drinks on your sun terrace. Riding Summary Dominated by the utterly beguiling ascents of the Turini and Braus this is one of the finest day rides in all of France and one which though undoubtedly challenging, will leave you the envy of your riding friends.
Day 3 - The Eze Villa 17th September 2016 France - Monaco - Italy 130km 1800m Elevation Gain With the tantilising prospect of bagging three countries in one ride this is a classic and a favourite of the Le Domestique Tours team. Hugging the coast out of the villa the rides takes us on a constantly rising and falling path first out of France into the Billionaire s playground of Monaco. Here we ride along the iconic start and finish straight of the Monaco Grand Prix, stop at the Cafe de Paris for a coffee and cake on the Casino square, before departing Monaco by climbing past the world famous Country Club towards Italy. San Remo is our focus now, with the Milan San-Remo s concluding smash fest climb of the Poggio marking our turnaround point. Riding Summary With a more relaxed profile, today s ride is the perfect coffee stop ride with riders experiencing three Côte d Azur countries in one day, ending the evening with a well earned early evening drink as the sun sets on another incredible day s riding.
Day 3 - The Vence Villa 17th September 2016 Col de Vence 120km 3000m Elevation Gain Often featuring as the final climb in the penultimate stage of the Paris-Nice stage race, the Vence is a must climb. With a very different feel to the enclosed and overhung climbs of Eze and Madone, the Vence s barrens slopes transport riders to a mini Mont Ventouxesque plateau, famed for supernatural happenings and sightings... With the climb of Vence complete, the luxury of 25km of descent bring us back towards nice via the climbto Montee Colomars and a partial ascent of the Eze to bring us home. This day can be cut short to focus solely on Vence utilising a vehicle transfer to minimise transition riding and provide an easier day. Riding Summary An essential climb, the Vence offers a different perspective to the other climbs covered on our package. When completed as the full distance this day provides a challenging ride, while cutting the distance down provides a perfect easier day for those not wanting to miss out on the big climbs.
Day 4 18th September 2016 Col de la Madone Time Trial 13km 874m Elevation Gain No visit to the Côte d Azur would be complete without attempting one of the most famous feats in cycling - the Col de la Madone Time Trial. Infamous throughout cycling as the climb that Armstrong and Ferrari used to hone their doping strategy, the Madone has gone on to remain at the forefront of cycling as a proving ground for Grand Tour form. With riders having already tackled the ascent earlier in the week, the knowledge of what to expect ensures the optimum strategy can be pursued, metering out the watts as required on route to a record setting ascent. Strategy is highly personal, yet the smart money is on minimising big efforts in the early stages, powering up the wattage through the flatter third quarter, while leaving enough in the tank to cling on over the closing 500m. Riding Summary The perfect way to end the experience, riders can leave everything on the road as they attempt to set the Strava leaderboard on fire.
The Eze Villa 6 Bedrooms - Beaulieu sur Mer Col d Eze - Hills above Nice 3 Nights of Luxury Your villa is perfectly located in the hills surrounding the Col d Eze with stunning views over the Med far below from the luxurious gardens and outdoor dining area and of course, the villa s pool. With six double bedrooms, a large indoor relaxation space, a multitude of outdoor areas, a private pool, and the perfect location close to all the big name climbs without being too close to the hustle and bustle of Nice, your villa provides the perfect base for our package.
The Vence Villa 6 Bedrooms - Chemin de Saint-Roman de Bellet Le Collet - North West Nice 5 Nights of Luxury Your modern California style villa is located north west of Nice, surrounded by the vineyards of this wine growing area, still within a short ride of all the incredible Cols that the Cote d Azur has to offer. Le Collet is slightly further out from the traditional Col d Eze focus, yet still offers incredible riding, including the Col de Vence. Offering everything an LDT group could desire, from the property s private swimming pool to a multitude of relaxation areas, this villa is perfect for those looking for a property slighty off the beaten track, which provides the perfect base for a relaxed and incredibly enjoyable tour.
What s Included? Three nights accommodation on a solo occupancy room basis of either of the pictured five star villas on dates that cross two of the most popular weeks of our season. Three course evening meals prepared by our in-house chef using local ingredients and recipes to create the perfect combination of nutrition and taste. Selection of red, white and rose wines, beers and soft drinks. Lunch on Day 1 and Day 4. Breakfasts designed to fuel your riding with high quality coffee, porridge, muesli, fruits, breads, pastries and yoghurts. Bespoke on the bike nutrition prepared by our in-house chef. A range of Torq Nutrition energy gels and drink powders. Post ride snacks. Two guides throughout providing fully guided and supported riding from the LDT support van and a guide rider. Your guides and the LDT van are there to mark out turns and navigation points, carry additional clothing, food, water, and assist with mechanical issues throughout the tour. Airport transfers for you, your luggage and bike box. A dedicated point of contact from first enquiry through to the completion of your tour who will manage every aspect of your tour including coordinating the logistics for joining riders etc etc. Digital album of photography documenting your experience. Full Package Travel Regulation compliance which ensures that any funds paid by yourselves are fully protected in the highly unlikely event that Le Domestique Limited enters insolvency.
What s Not Included? Lunches on Days 2-3. Personal travel insurance. Flights. Incidental purchases. Rental Bikes. Extras Sports massage is available throughout the tour priced at 30 per half hour. Colnago C59 rental bikes can be arranged through our partners at Cafe du Cycliste subject to availability. Price Based on a group size of six: 6 x Solo Occupancy Bedrooms - 1,095pp Booking Please contact laura@ledomestiquetours.co..uk or telephone 0044 7841 465295 to book or discuss your tour further.
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