OFFICIAL TOUR OPERATOR

Thomson Bike Tours is one of only 3 tour operators worldwide to hold the "Master" Licence as Official Tour Operator for the Etape du Tour and all other ASO organized cycling events including the Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana and Paris-Roubaix.

As Official Tour Operator we can offer you guaranteed entries to the Etape du Tour.

ETAPE - ACT 2: Pau to Luchon

Following the route of Stage 16 of the Tour de France, Act 2 of the Etape du Tour will take riders over the Col d'Aubisque, Col du Tourmalet, Col d'Aspin, Col de Peyresourde before dropping down for the finish in Bagneres de Luchon.

Ride distance = 198km, Elevation gain = 4,800m

Please note: this is a huge ride and we recommed that only the strongest riders sign up for this event.

Click here to view the ride and elevation profile on Mapmyride

Our package is based in Montory, just 50km from the start in Pau. After the event we'll stay in Vielha, just 30km from the finish in Luchon. Our program includes pick-up and drop-off at Toulouse Blagnac airport, transfers in our private shuttles to the start/finish of the event and a program of warm-up and final preparation rides to ensure you're in the best possible condition for the big race on Saturday.

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1: WED July 11

› Pick-up at Toulouse Blagnac Airport
› Transfer via private shuttle to Montory (please note our shuttle will leave the airport at 1:00pm)
(alternatively, you can meet us directly at the hotel in Montory)
› Build up the bikes
› Short warm-up ride around Montory
› Dinner at our hotel in Montory

DAY 2: THU July 12

› Morning ride over the Col de Marie-Blanque
› Lunch at our hotel in Montory
› Short drive over to Pau to sign on to the Etape du Tour at the Start Village
› Dinner at our hotel in Montory

DAY 3: FRI July 13

› Short Morning ride around Montory - final tapering before tomorrow's Etape
› Lunch at our hotel in Montory
› Free afternoon - relax before tomorrow's big day
› Dinner at our hotel in Montory

DAY 4: SAT July 14

› Early breakfast and transfer to Pau
› ETAPE DU TOUR Participation
› After arrival in Luchon - private shuttle to our hotel in Vielha
› Dinner at our hotel in Vielha

DAY 5: SUN July 15

› Breakfast, then transfer to Toulouse Blagnac Airport
› Expected Time of Arrival at Toulouse Blagnac Airport = 10:00am

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Entry to the Etape du Tour Act 2 (Optional: Deduct $100 if you already have your Etape Entry)
• 5 days / 4 nights fully accompanied trip
  
• All accommodations (4-star & 3-star hotel)
• All breakfasts
• 2 lunches (Thursday & Friday)
• All dinners
• Pick-up and drop-off at Toulouse Blagnac Airport
• Van transfer to Pau for the sign-on (Thursday) and race start (Saturday)
• Van transfer to our hotel in Vielha after the event
• Services of our expert guides
• All luggage transfers
• Experienced mechanic
• Support vehicles on the warm-up and preparation rides
• Thomson Bike Tours maps, cue sheets and elevation profiles
• Top-of-the-line rental bikes available at extra charge

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare
• Travel and personal insurance
• Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities