Tour de France (8d -grad C/D)
Mange av sykkelturene våre er for den vanlige marka-mosjonist, men dette er en tur for de tøffe. Vil du teste løypene som proffene følger i Tour de France? Nå har du sjansen. Turen starter/slutter i Toulouse (Frankrike), og syklingen foregår i Pyreneéne. Det er 5/6 dager med sykling og snitt 70km sykling pr dag, stigning på 800-1450 høydemeter hver dag, med mulighet for opptil 3000m. Og ned igjen...
Turprogram i korte trekk:
Dag 1: Møtes på Toulouse flyplass.
Transfer til startsted Ax-Les-Thermes. This is a lively thermal spa town on the
banks of the river Arige surrounded by roads heading up in all directions - the perfect
place to start our Tour.
Dag 2: After breakfast
there will be plenty of time to assemble your bikes or make any necessary adjustments
to your hire bike. It is important that we warm up gently and the Col du Chioula (1431m,
830m climb over 18km, 3rd Category) from the west provides us with the perfect gradient
(max 5%) on a beautifully quiet back road linking together ancient villages. The view
from the Col makes the effort well worthwhile and plate of pasta in the mountain top
restaurant is sure to restock you fuel reserves for the second part of the day. After
lunch we return to Ax where we have the options of relaxing, riding the beautiful
Orlu valley (a further 200m of ascent) or taking on the challenging TDF stage ending
of Ax Bonascre (1380m, 670m climb over 8km, 1st Category). Basic route: 50km with
830m of ascent.
Dag 3:Today’s ride starts along
the ‘Route de Corniche’, which undulates its way along the south-facing
side of the valley of Ax, with constant views to Tarascon. From here our basic route
takes us over the Col de Port (1250m, 770m climb over 15km, 2nd category). Those with
a bit more energy to spare have the option of detouring from the Route de Corniche
and taking on the much feared TDF stage ending of the Plateau de Beille (1800m, 1250m
climb over 16.5km, H Category). From Massat we follow the river down to our hotel
near St Lizer, whose hilltop monastery is well worth a visit. Basic route: 109km with
1411m of ascent.
Dag 4: With two days under
our belt our legs are now ready to take on two of the most popular cols in the Pyrenees.
Climbing gently through ancient farmsteads, we barely notice the incline to the Col
du Portet d'Aspet (1075m, 535m climb over 5.8km, 2nd category). A short descent
through mixed forest (past the memorial to Fabio Casertelli) prepares us for the never-ending
Col de Mente (1345m, 716m climb over 7km, 1st category). After a pleasant winding
descent we can stretch our legs with a very gentle (almost flat) finale into the bustling
spar town of Luchon. There is, however, an option of heading into Spain and ticking
off the Col de Portilon (1293m, 630m of climbing) before rolling into town. Basic
route distance: Basic route: 79km with 1585m of ascent.
Dag 5:
A free day in Luchon, giving us an opportunity to rest aching limbs in the thermal
baths. Alternatively, why not try paragliding, 'Le Hot Dog' (inflatable canoe)
or mountain biking. The die-hard tour enthusiasts could take in the stage-end of Superbagnères
(1200m climb).
Dag 6: The toughest day of our tour.
Starting with the Col de Peyresourde (1565m, 829m climb over 13km, 1st category),
even the support bus struggles up this one! The incentive to get to the top comes
in the form of a cafe selling fine pastries. Those that really want to abuse their
bodies could take in the Col D'Azet (615m climb 7.8km, 1st Category) or even the
Pla d'Adat (900m climb over 11km, H Category). Next up is the beautiful Col de
Aspin (1490m, 789m climb over 12.1km, 1st category) where large-horned goats have
been known to charge flagging cyclists! A spectacular downhill takes us to the small
and quaintly bizarre town of Campan. Basic route distance: 64km with 1700m of ascent.
Dag 7: This day sees the ultimate challenge! The punishing
Col du Tourmalet (2115m, 1515m climb over 23km, H Category). From here we can enjoy
a 35km downhill all the way to our finishing line at Argelés-Gazost. Those
with some energy could always make a slight detour up to Luz-Ardiden (1735m, 1000m
climb over 13.4km, H Category). Basic route distance: 60km. Total up: 1515m. Total
down: 1630m.
Dag 8: A free morning to take
it easy, visit the marmot sanctuary and pack up the bikes. However, the really keen
could have time to take in the stage-end of Hautacam, (1618m, 1200m climb over 13.5km,
H Category). After lunch we transfer 2.5 hrs to Toulouse
Overnatting:
Enkel overnatting da vi er utenfor turistløypene. 6 netter 2* hotell, én
natt 1* hotell. Alle frokoster og 6 middager inkludert.
Antall
deltakere: 4-16 deltakere + sykkelguide & følgebil.
Sykkelleie i Frankrike. Sykler leies lokalt via spesialbutikken
A Sport. Pris GBP105 (ca kr 1000), betales før avreise. Du oppgir høyde
ved bestilling slik at sykkel er tilpasset deg.
Pris pr person:
ca NOK 6990 + flyreise t/r Toulouse.
