T O U R D E F R A N C E 2 0 0 5
The Tour de France, an athletic event of the highest magnitude, promises to be no less exciting than last year's closely-watched contest. Focusing on US Postal and Lance Armstrong's success in achieving a record 6 consecutive Tour wins, we were thrilled with the show, from start to finish. This year, the Tour organizers have created a route which leaves the outcome in Paris wide open. Whether Lance and his Discovery team tries for win #7 is still unknown, but we eagerly welcome the emergence of such talents as Ivan Basso, Andreas Klöden, Jan Ullrich, and Jose Azevedo. We are excited to offer 2 tours in the French Alps plus one tour in the Pyrénées, all three of which will place us at an important mountain stage for a cycling fan experience of a lifetime.
Join us as we ride the spectacular routes of past and present Tours, savor the hospitality of our French hosts, and get caught up in the exhilarating frenzy of the world's premier athletic event.
July 6-21: Pyrenees Classic: Arrive July 5 (early arrival) or 6 at Pau, France, and depart July 21 from Pau. We'll be perfectly positioned to see the finish of Stage 15, with the final climb at Plat d'Adet. .
Our two French Alps tours will follow the same itinerary and stay in the same hotels, all with multiple route-options each day. Both tours feature prime viewing of a potentially pivotal Stage of the Tour. Our Petite version will feature the easier route options and a slower pace. The Classic version will emphasize the harder, longer routes, and a more aggressive pace.
July 4-19: Petite French Alps:
Arrive Geneva, Switzerland on July
3 (early arrival) or July 4 and depart Geneva
on July 19. We'll be on the Col du Galibier July 13 to see the final climb
of Stage 11.
July 9-23: French
Alps
Classic:
Arrive Geneva on July 8 (early arrival) or July 9 and depart Geneva
on July 23. We'll stake out prime viewing spots on the beautiful Cormet de
Roselend as the Tour peloton challenges that climb on July 12, Stage 10.
Plus, we'll have the opportunity on July 13 to cheer on the peloton during the
brutal ascent of the Col de la Madeleine.
The price will be $2995 per person, based on double occupancy. Guaranteed single room occupancy (limited availability) will subject to a $500 supplement. If you are traveling alone and are willing to share a room with an appropriate roommate, and we are unable to fill the spot, you will not be subject to the $500 single supplement.
Itinerary details will be published mid- November; however, the scope and spirit of our Tour de France tours will be similar to our 2004 tours, which you can view on our website. The race route details can be viewed on the official Tour de France website: www.letour.fr