Retracing the 2016 Tour de France; A week in the Alps focusing on the climbs of the 2016 Tour de France and riding your own 'Etape du Tour' , the full stage Stage 20 from Megeve to Morzine
Tour de France Cols Challenge is available as a bespoke trip with flexible dates or join one of our scheduled dates. 2017 advanced booking available - please email
Ability level - strong riders able to climb a minimum 2500M per day, more on some days
The 2016 Tour de France focused heavily on the Mont Blanc region of the French Alps. In recognition we have created a week in the Alps to challenge you on many of the Cols visited in the race.
Our week culminates in a 'feel like a pro' experience riding the route of Stage 20 from Megeve to Morzine.
What's included....
Return transfers from Geneva Airport
7 nights at Chalet Annabelle in a double or twin room with private facilities
Cyclists breakfast
Apres bike cakes and/or carbs (usually a pasta salad)
Amazing evening meal on 6 nights with Chalet wine selection. One night is free to sample a local restaurant
Hot Tub
Full Vehicle support on every ride with experienced cycling host
Optional on-bike guide (for group bookings)*
Optional pro-bike mechanic support (for group bookings)*
Motivation!
This tour if offered on a bespoke basis with flexible dates, or you can join one of our scheduled dates
Am I fit enough? What gearing should we use? We have written a series of articles that may help you in planning your cycling trip in the French Alps and these can be accessed by clicking here
*on-bike guide and pro-bike mechanic support at additional cost
If you have any questions please drop Mike an email click here or call France +33 450 585672 UK 0161 408 5600
You will ride this stage
Outline Schedule
With the paint still drying from the road grafitti, here's our outline schedule (and remember we have van support each day and its not critical to ride back up to the Chalet each day!);-
Saturday Arrive Geneva International Airport for our short inclusive transfer to Chamonix Mont-Blanc. Build bikes. Hire bikes can be booked prior to arrival. Opportunity for a short shake down ride before dinner. Week briefing and safety overview.
Sunday Ride from our Chamonix base down into the Sallanches Valley and ride the route of Stage 18 time trial from Sallanches to Megeve in full and compare your time with the pros. Descending back to the Valley floor we then take on the final climb of Stage 19 to St Gervais Bettex. Ride back to Chamonix or jump in broom wagon. 100kms. 3000M ascent.
Monday Ride from Chamonix heading to Switzerland over the Col des Montets and through the Swiss border before ascending the Col de la Forclaz and descend to the Roman garison town of Martigny. Then its the climb back up the other side of the Forclaz and onto the brutal climb of Emosson Dam, the final 2 climbs of Tdf Stage 16 2016. 108km 4000M ascent (some options)
Tuesday Descend from Chamonix Valley and take an alernative route to Megeve and onto the Col des Saisies, descending into Beaufort before ascending the Col de Bisanne (TdF 2016 stage 19), and back through Saisies village. 150KM 3900M ascent.
Wednesday day off to explore Chamonix. Dinner this evening in Chamonix town at a restaurant of your choice.
Thursday Our Queens stage riding the entire route of TdF Stage 20. 146km, over 4 mountain passes, the Aravis, Colombiere and then the HC Ramaz and Joux Plane and the breathtaking descent into Morzine 140kms, 4000M ascent. Van transfer back to Chamonix
Friday A more relaxing day as our finale! Drop down into the Sallanches valley and climb the Col des Arraches for the obligatory cake stop and then descend back through Cluses and a final blast up the steep Col de Romme both used in the 2009 Tour de France. 123km 2900M ascent
Saturday Transfers to Geneva Airport for flights leaving lunchtime onwards
You will ride the final 2 climbs , Col de la Forclaz and Emosson Dam
Through the week you will ride Montee des Bisanne, Col des Saisies, Cote des Amerands and St Gervais Bettex
Stage 18 Time Trial - test ourselves against the Pros
