Current as of: July 22, 2019 - 09:22 Valid for departures: From January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2021

Alpine Cols of the Tour de Trip Notes

 Ways to Travel: Guided Group 8 Days Land only Trip Code:  Destinations: Italy, Adventure Holidays in Min age: 16 MWU Challenging / France Tough  Programmes: Cycling

Trip Overview

This epic ride starts in the charming Italian town of Cuneo, before climbing into France in search of some of the most iconic climbs in cycling history. The rst big challenge is the Col de la Bonnette, at 2802m the highest col in Europe and a favourite of Robert Millar. From here on the legendary climbs come in quick succession as we make our way across the spectacular cols of Vars, Izoard, Galibier and Croix de Fer. We nish the route by tackling the famous 21 hairpins bends to Alpe d’Huez, a memorable nish to a memorable trip!

At a Glance

 6 days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)  100% tarmac roads  Climbs are long and steady (average 7%)  Group normally 4 to 16 plus leader in support vehicle  7 nights hotels

 Countries visited: Italy, Adventure Holidays in France Trip Highlights

 Cycle through the Italian and French  Conquer the highest paved road in Europe  Finish with an ascent of the iconic Alpe d'Huez

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is classied Drop Bars

Activity Level: 6 (Challenging/Tough)

6 days cycling with partial vehicle support (limited seats)

Average daily distance of 72km a day (45 miles) with an average elevation gain of 1900m a day. The riding on this trip can be accomplished by any t cyclist, but it is as much a state of mind as your tness that will see you up and over the cols. The secret to making it up the mountains is to plug away at a steady pace and stop whenever you feel tired. We cover the same routes as the but this trip is denitely not a race!

On all our drop bar trips the guide does not cycle with the group but leads from the support vehicle. This enables them to carry any spare parts, snacks and drinks whilst also being able to lter through the group on long climbs and react quicker in the case of an emergency.

The roads are good quality - they just aren't at! Although the gradients do not get much steeper than 10%, they can be long (up to 26km). Daily distances are realistic and there are plenty of opportunities for stronger riders to add more kilometres if they wish. The support vehicle is always available for riders who have achieved their personal goal and require a lift up or down any of the hills.

Please note: Breakaway drop bar cycling holidays are not run in a training camp style, all our daily rides are group rides and we aim to cycle as a group wherever possible. The days are broken up with food and coffee stops so it is likely that we will be outside for the majority of the day (sometimes between 9am – 5pm). It is common for the group to split on the longer climbs, please keep in mind that if you are looking to push yourself on the climbs you might have a wait at the top for other members of the group, however the support vehicle will be there to offer warm clothes and snacks.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Group

Between 4 and 16 plus leader.

Adult min age: 16 Min group size: 7 Max group size: 16

Itinerary Land Only Itinerary

Day 1 Start Cuneo in the Italian Alps.

Cuneo is a provincial capital in western Italy whose old town centre dates from the 12th Century when it was a fortied town. The Renaissance style arcaded main street is lined with shops and cafés giving it an elegant appearance. Cuneo was made famous in the cycling world in 1949 when the legendary dominated the stage there to win the Giro d'Italia. More recently it was a start town for the Tour de France stage to Jausiers in 2008. In the evening there will be a welcome meeting and a chance to check bikes and make any nal adjustments. Standard Hotel

Day 2 Ride from Cuneo to Isola across the Col de la Lombarde.

In the morning we enjoy a nice gentle warm up cycling along the Stura Valley to the village of Pratolungo. From here we start the Hors Category climb of the Col de la Lombarde (21.3 km, avg. 6.8%), located on the French/Italian border at 2351m. The climb was last used during stage 16 of the 2008 Tour. From here we are rewarded with a long downhill to the ski resort of Isola 2000. We then descend further down to to the village of Isola where we spend the night.

Standard Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 79 km / 49 miles Altitude gain (m): 2390 Altitude loss (m): 1486 Day 3 Ride to Jausiers over the Col de la Bonnette.

After breakfast we descend to Isola (862m) where we reach the Tinée Valley. The valley is very narrow and typically alpine, with superb views and some attractive waterfalls. A relatively gentle climb brings us to Saint Etienne from where we tackle the infamous Col de la Bonnette (26km, avg. 6.5%), one of the highest paved cols in Europe (2802 m). This climb has only been used a few times during the Tour (in 1962, 1964, 1993, 2008 and 2016) but really is one of the highlights of the trip. After catching our breath we descend to Jausiers, where there'll be the option to climb to either Super Sauze or Praloup. Standard Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 67 km / 42 miles Altitude gain (m): 1820 Altitude loss (m): 1746

Day 4 Climb the Col de Vars en route to Guillestre. Today's ride is a little shorter but still very challenging! In the morning we ride up to Jausiers and then climb the beautiful Hors Category Col de Vars, climbed 20 times since 1947 in the Tour de France. (2108m, 15km, avg. 5.5%). Here we enter the spectacular Hautes Alpes and enjoy some great mountain views on the ride down to Guillestre on the border of the Queyras Regional Park. If you'd like to do a few more miles then in the afternoon there's the option of a nice steady loop to Embrun or the more challenging climb to the ski resort of Risoul. Standard Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 59 km / 37 miles Altitude gain (m): 1070 Altitude loss (m): 1050

Day 5 Ride to Briançon across the Col d'Izoard.

The Hors Category Col d'Izoard (2360m) is a unique place to cycle and one of the greatest cols of the French Alps (32km, avg. 4.5%). The Tour organisers clearly agree as it has been included 23 times in the race since 1947! The scenery here is beautiful, from the sandy coloured eroded cliffs above the 'Casse Deserte' near the summit to the green wooded mountainsides above Briançon where we stay. From Briançon you have the option to continue on a relatively at ride along the Clarée valley, or to climb the Montgenevre pass on the Italian border. Standard Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 58 km / 36 miles Altitude gain (m): 1520 Altitude loss (m): 1250 Day 6 Climb the famous before descending to Saint Jean de .

This morning the 'Giant of the Alps' awaits us, namely the Hors Category Col du Galibier (2645m). It is a mammoth 37km of climbing from Briançon, but it is the nal 21km where the effort really kicks in at an average gradient of 6%. In 2011 the summit saw a solo stage win for , but the real drama was a little further down the mountain as Thomas Voeckler heroically retained the yellow jersey with a mere 15 seconds to spare. A monument in homage to Henri Desgranges, the founder of the Tour, sits at the top of the Galibier. A seemingly endless descent brings us to where we have a short 4km uphill section to the Col du Telegraphe (1566m). We can stop here for an Orangina and take in the spectacular view over the valley below. From here we still have about 11km of descending down to the Maurienne valley and Saint Jean de Maurienne, where we spend the night. It is possible to extend the ride with a nice circular route to Bonvillard, or we can cycle up the Lacets de Montvernier, a spectacular climb which featured in the . Standard Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 75 km / 46 miles Altitude gain (m): 1750 Altitude loss (m): 2419

Day 7 Climb the and the legendary Alpe d'Huez; descend to Bourg d'. For our nal days ride, two superb challenges are on the menu! We warm up on the Hors Category Col de la Croix de Fer (2067m, 30km, avg. 5%). This is a lovely peaceful climb that has featured 15 times in the Tour since 1947. But no cycling trip to the Alps is complete without tackling the legendary 21 hairpin bends on the iconic climb of Alpe d'Huez (1845m, 14km, avg. 8%). From Bourg d'Oisans the road immediately ramps up with some of the steepest sections and is often the scene for the rst attacks. 'The Alpe' has been climbed 29 times in the Tour since 1952 and the names of many of the winners are marked on plaques on the hairpins. The late 's record of 37 minutes 35 seconds in 1997 is quite humbling! Tonight we celebrate the weeks achievements in Bourg d'Oisans at the foot of Alpe d'Huez. Standard Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 74 km / 46 miles Altitude gain (m): 2599 Altitude loss (m): 1394

Day 8 End Bourg d'Oisans.

Spend the morning relaxing in Bourg d'Oisans before the trip ends here.

Meals included: Breakfast Accommodation Hotels

We stay in traditional alpine 2-star hotels throughout the trip; all are ideally located along the route and most have private facilities. Rooms are allocated on a twin and sometimes triple share basis, single rooms are available on request.

On Day 2 twin accommodation will be in rooms with bunk beds (2 people per room) and with shared bathrooms. The bathrooms are on the same oor: 2 shower rooms with 4 showers; and 4 toilets. The oor will be exclusive to our group and bathrooms will be shared only between members of the group. Single rooms will be en-suite.

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Single supplement from $519.25 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

All breakfasts are included.

For breakfast you can expect a continental style buffet with cold meat, cheeses, bread, eggs, jams and pastries as well as tea and coffee. Throughout the trip you can expect really good food with strong inuences from Spain and France. Lunches and dinners are not included in the trip price to allow you to take advantage of the local restaurants and cafes along the route and give you freedom over what you eat. Our guide will be able to recommend the best local restaurants and will have planned some stops at good coffee shops to break up the days rides.

Transportation

For airport transfers we use a bus. The rides are supported by a van; there is limited space for clients and bikes in the support vehicle. The vehicle will sweep through the group during the day offering encouragement, water and access to your snacks. A comprehensive tool kit and rst aid kit is carried and the leader is a qualied rst-aider. Lifts up or down the hills are naturally offered, if this is your desire.

Weather & Seasonality

Weather Information

This part of the Alps can get rain throughout the summer, although mostly at night time and afternoon thunderstorms. Maximum temperatures can be up to 30ºC, but this will vary with altitude. If we are riding through low cloud it can get very chilly on the descents, but these should be short spells only. There is of course the possibility of wet weather so you should come prepared for this.

Weather Charts MWU Joining Instructions

Traveling land only: 8 days starting in Cuneo and ending in Bourg d'Oisans Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Cuneo in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our ofce or your travel agent. Transfers Details Airport transfers are included for those able to meet the group timings. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving at any other time, even if Breakaway has booked it.

If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged at designated times, subject to change - please check the group ight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.

Location start: Cuneo Location end: Bourg d'Oisans

What to Take Essential Equipment You will need to bring the following equipment with you: Normal daily clothes Cycle helmet (compulsory on this tour) Sunglasses/eye protection Base layers Short and long sleeved jerseys Windproof Gillet Lightweight waterproof jacket The best quality padded cycling shorts you can afford Full length tights or knee/Leg warmers Cycling gloves Arm warmers Chamois cream Energy drink powder Energy bars and gels Sunscreen

Please note that all bikes are supplied with at pedals and only a limited number of clipless pedals are available from the hire company. Because of this we recommend bringing your own shoes and pedals for all drop bar cycling holidays.

If you are bringing your own bike we recommend packing the following items: Spare tyre Inner tubes Brake pads Correct length spokes (especially if using Mavic wheels) Multi tool Mini pump Tyre leavers Puncture repair kit

The support vehicle carries a range of tools and 2 track pumps that you are free to use during the trip. Basic spares are also carried, but we are never too far from a bike shop, in the case that you require a specialist replacement part.

Every night the bikes will be put in a garage/shed, but it is best to bring a lock, just so that you can be sure yours is safe. Your bike box / bag will be transported to the end hotel on the roof rack of the support vehicle.

On all departures of this trip we can expect to be cycling in just shorts and a short-sleeved jersey. The temperature is naturally dependant on the altitude, so on some of the higher cols it can get fairly chilly. Unfortunately rain cannot be ruled out but the showers tend to be fairly short.

Wearing a helmet is mandatory for anyone taking part in any guided Breakaway cycling holiday. Group members must bring their own helmets, as they are not available for hire, even if they are hiring a bike from Breakaway.

For self-guided cycling holidays wearing a helmet is highly recommended. Customers who choose to ignore our advice do so entirely at their own risk and on the understanding that it may affect the validity of their travel insurance. It should also be noted that in some countries we travel to wearing a helmet is already a legal requirement.

Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake.

Optional Equipment You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to t to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.

Equipment Hire

Local Bike Details: Bike hire is not included in the holiday price of our Drop Bar holidays.

Scott CR1 20 Carbon drop bar road bike available on request.

Breakaway Policy on Cycling Helmets

Wearing a helmet is mandatory for anyone taking part in any guided Breakaway cycling holiday. Group members must bring their own helmets, as they are not available for hire, even if they are hiring a bike from Breakaway.

For self-guided cycling holidays wearing a helmet is highly recommended. Customers who choose to ignore our advice do so entirely at their own risk and on the understanding that it may affect the validity of their travel insurance. It should also be noted that in some countries we travel to wearing a helmet is already a legal requirement.

Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake.

Recommended Cycling Clothing Padded cycling shorts (with loose 'over-shorts' where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances. Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum-bag or small close-tting daysack.

Bike hire should be arranged at the time of booking and the cost will be added to your invoice. We will take your height in order to reserve equipment. There may on occasions be insufcient bikes available in the correct size; we will endeavour to nd suitable alternative equipment but this cannot be guaranteed. We will tell you before you book whether suitably sized bikes are available.

Conditions

1. The equipment remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, hire out or part possession with the equipment. 2. You must not misuse the equipment and must return it in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted). The supplier is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire. 3. You must ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use. In the event of the equipment being lost or stolen, you may be liable for the replacement value of the equipment 4. You must not use the equipment whilst under the inuence of drink or drugs and should immediately notify the Supplier in the event of breakdown or loss.

Bringing Your Own Bike Drop Bars

If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may of course bring it along. Please advise us at the time of booking if you plan to do so. You will be responsible for any extra baggage charges, please speak to our Sales team for individual airline fees. Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist insurance policy as if Breakaway is condent that we have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft you will need to claim under you own insurance policy. Practical Information Passport Italy

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs of cials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

Adventure Holidays in France Most nationalities, including US, require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for US passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs of officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

Visa

US passport holders do not need visas for this trip. Other nationalities should check with the relevant embassies.

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

There are no specific health risks on this trip.

Vaccination

No vaccinations are obligatory.

Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to- date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Insurance - are you adequately covered? It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident of the United States, we recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip.

Local Time Italy's Timezone: Europe/Rome CET (GMT +01:00) Adventure Holidays in France's Timezone: Europe/Paris CET (GMT +01:00)

Electricity Italy's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins. Adventure Holidays in France's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins. 230 Volts AC.

230 Volts AC, standard European adapter required.

Money Italy's Currency

The national currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 10.9 to the US$.

Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.

Adventure Holidays in France's Currency The national currency of France is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication (October 2017) of approximately 0.84 to the USD, 0.67 to the CAD, 0.66 to the AUD and 0.59 to the NZD.

ATM Availability We recommend you bring your spending money in cash, but Visa / MasterCard credit or debit cards may be useful for shopping, extra excursions and withdrawing cash from ATMs (cash points). We do not recommend travellers cheques, as they may be difcult to change during the holiday. Cash points are available at the airport as well as most of the towns that we stay in.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Tipping This is entirely at your own discretion. However, as a guideline, we suggest you allow a few dollars each day for tips for the guide- about approx. US$6-7 a day per client would seem reasonable. Responsible Tourism

At Breakaway we believe in the power of Responsible Travel. Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage.

Important Information

On all guided trips

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

On all trips In booking this trip you should be condent in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway ofce and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our ofce or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be exible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

TRAVEL AWARE – STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD

The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/ travelAdvice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.

How to Book

Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286; International Tel: +1-843-856-9771. https://www.breakaway-adventures.com

Version 1