T O U R D E F R A N C E 2 0 0 6
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 the Discovery Team and Lance Armstrong's success in achieving a record 7 consecutive Tour wins, we were thrilled with the show, from start to finish. This year, the Tour organizers have done their best to create a route which hopefully leaves the outcome in Paris wide open. Lance has retired but leaves behind his well-oiled Discovery team. 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 1-15: Pyrenees Classic: Arrive June 30 (early arrival) or July 1 at Pau, France, and depart July 15 from Pau. On July 13 we'll be perfectly positioned to see stage 11 as the peloton climbs the highest pass in the Pyrenees, the Col du Tourmalet. At 208 km (130 mi) and with five hard climbs, this will be one of the key stages, where the day’s winner may be the eventual champion .
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 8-22: Petite French Alps: Arrive Geneva, Switzerland on July 7 (early arrival) or July 8 and depart Geneva on July 22.
On July 20 we will have the opportunity to watch the peloton on its last day in the Alps, stage 17 to Morzine. We will be on the Col de la Colombiere, the 3rd climb of the day where the attacks should be fast and furious as it will be the last day for the climbers to make up lost time on the leader.
July 10-24: French Alps Classic:
Arrive Geneva on July 9 (early arrival) or July 10 and depart Geneva
on July 24. From le Bourg d'Oisans, we'll stake out prime viewing spots on the
Alpe
d'Huez where we will have the opportunity to watch the peloton climb the 21
switchbacks of l’Alpe d’Huez. The following day we will also have the
opportunity to see the stage start in Bourg d’Oisans, or catch the action
somewhere along the route to la Toussuire
The price will be $3095 per person, based on double occupancy. Guaranteed single room occupancy (limited availability) will subject to a $550 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 $550 single supplement.
The race route details can be viewed on the official Tour de France website: www.letour.fr
Lance Armstrong and Discovery Team