FULL ITINERARY
DAY ZERO TUE 4 JUN | ARRIVAL
Arrive into Annecy and settle into our excellent start hotel. Your guides will be arriving today as well, and in the afternoon can assist with ensuring bikes are ready to roll tomorrow.
Welcome and Tour Briefing over dinner, the first of many great nights ahead.
DAY ONE WED 5 JUN | ANNECY TO ALBERTVILLE
A short warm-up along the lake shore before we begin our first real ascent of the tour. A series of solid climbs that take us from Haute-Savoie to the Savoie region of France, culminating in the green slopes of Col du Frene. A huge descent and rolling terrain to our next stop in Albertville.
DISTANCE | 75KM | 47MI
ELEVATION | 1200M | 3900FT
DAY TWO THU 6 JUN | ALBERTVILLE TO SAINT-JEAN-DE-MAURIENNE
First of the classic TDF ascents, as we ride south up and over the Col de La Madeleine, the gateway to the legends of the Alpes. This lady is not to be trifled with, her reputation being tough but beautiful. The journey is eased with majestic scenery - green forest, cascading waterfalls and the spectacular summit.
DISTANCE | 80KM | 50MI
ELEVATION | 2300M | 7550FT
DAY THREE FRI 7 JUN | LOOP RIDE
We're fast running out of superlatives as this tour unfolds. Today we tackle two legends that conveniently roll into one - the Col du Glandon and Col de la Croix de Fer. The average gradient on this climb is not easy, so pace is the key - and the views!
DISTANCE | 65KM | 40MI
ELEVATION | 1950M | 6400FT
DAY FOUR SAT 8 JUN | SAINT-JEAN-DE-MAURIENNE TO BOURG-D'OISANS
Serious Tour de France territory today with two halves. Our route heads ever upwards from the start. First summit is the Col du Télégraphe, and then the famous Col du Galibier. After such a mighty effort, the second half is a wonderful downhill run to the charming town of Le Bourg d'Oisans.
DISTANCE | 95KM | 59MI
ELEVATION | 2700M | 8850FT
DAY FIVE SUN 9 JUN | ALPE D'HUEZ LOOP
Spectacular day as we ride a loop to Alpe d'Huez, and then just a little higher to the Col de Sarenne. We're up around 2000M above sea level today, before a scenic return to our hotel for dinner and recounting of the day's adventures.
DISTANCE | 60KM | 37MI
ELEVATION | 2100M | 6900FT
DAY SIX MON 10 JUN | BOURG-D'OISANS TO BRIANçON
Farewell to the French region of Isere, as we ride through the Haute-Alpes, over the Col du Lautaret to Briançon. One of the easier climbs of the Tour de France, consider this your 'rest day'.
DISTANCE | 65KM | 40MI
ELEVATION | 1750M | 5750FT
DAY SEVEN TUE 11 JUN | IZOARD LOOP
Mythical route for the final day of your tour. Undulating start and gradual downhill trend as we wind round to the Col d'Izoard for the traditional, brutal southern ascent. The terrain is unique, spectacular and will give you goosebumps. This is a true battleground of the Tour de France legends.
DISTANCE | 90KM | 56MI
ELEVATION | 2150M | 7050FT
DAY EIGHT WED 12 JUN | DEPARTURE
Early morning transfer for the group to Chamonix. The trip will take about four hours.
Then it's time to say farewell, until next time!
Ride safe Puntos.