Helping you create a cycling trip of a lifetime on the top road cycling climbs in the French Alps

When we moved to the French Alps in 2007 we created cycling tours as an integral part of our luxury chalet business in the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley. During that time I gained a vast knowledge enabling guests to make the most of a cycling trip in the Alps and became aware that this base of knowledge was being tapped into on a free basis by friends and past clients since we sold the chalet business. Many indicated that this knowledge was invaluable to planning a cycling trip to the Alps and that they would be happy to pay for such a service. The knowledge and experience built up over 16 years is not something that can be learned in a couple of days!

Visiting the cycling cols of the French Alps, and climbing by bike is no mean feat. I can help plan, motivate, and support you and your group before your visit to the French Alps and also give you some inspiration for your alpine cycling challenge.

Many groups cycle the Cols of the French Alps with the flexibility of planning their own itinerary and accommodation however recognize that it's a challenge and sometimes a thankless task to plan their group cycling trip to the Cols of the French Alps without help from a local specialist.

From itinerary planning to discussing the severity of a specific Col, to airport transfers and hotel recommendations - I can help. Managing mixed ability group expectations, finding a bike hire in Chamonix, what gear ratios should you use on Alpe D'Huez? Just ask me. If you want a road support vehicle or a SAG wagon, we can organize it.

Drop me a line with an outline plan and I will come back to you with an overview of how I can help and an idea of my fees. I offer this service chargeable as an hourly rate - it's a flexible service and we can quote a day rate or a fee for a specific job.

Let's schedule a chat - you can reach me on France (WhatsApp) +33680926408 or email mike@breathebike.com

About me and my cycling palmares

I started cycling in 1986 and was a member of the Warrington Road Club in England and the Manx Viking Wheelers in the Isle of Man during my cycling career V1.0.

Fast forward to 2000 and I was living in the Isle of Man when I started riding again, initially mountain biking, and completed the Isle of Man End-to-End mountain bike event twice.

2007 we moved to France I switched back to road cycling and so began Version 2.0 of my road cycling career.

During my time in France, I have:-

finished the Marmotte Granfondo on 4 occasions ranging from 7 hrs 25 mins to 8 hrs 32 mins
7 rides in the Etape du Tour.
Multiple road races and local granfondo/sportive events which contrary to popular belief are very much a race here in France! I've won my age group a couple of times in local events.
I hold a French racing license being a member of VC Mont Blanc.

I'm not a natural climber however in a typical year I'll ascend over 100,000M in total and I'm equally happy in the mountains as I am doing a lap of Lake Annecy or Lake Geneva.

With my Wife Jude we've hosted groups for the Tour de France, Tour du Mont Blanc, Geneva Nice, Marmotte Granfondo and Etape du Tour and many Alpine Cycling weeks for private individuals and bespoke groups. We previously owned and ran a luxury catered chalet business 'hands-on' in the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley.

I hold a French transport license, similar to a taxi license, hence I am fully legal to transport passengers in France and I have a French Carte de Sejour (Brexit Withdrawal Agreement card) that means I am authorized to work and live in France post-Brexit with no additional visa requirements. I also hold a First Aid Qualification.