Day 1

SAT July 19th › Welcome....to Italy!

This year our KOM French Alps Tour actually starts in Italy. Our staff will be waiting to welcome you at Torino Airport before the short transfer to our hotel in Saluzzo which lies about 60km to the north of PRATO NEVOSO.

Lunch, orientation meeting, build up the bikes and then an afternoon ride through Piemonte. For those who're anxious to test their climbing legs we have the 10 mile climb to Pian del Re.....Enjoy!

Today's Major Climbs:

Day 2

SUN July 20th › PRATO NEVOSO!

Our Orbea-sponsored tents have become the envy of the mountain and today they'll be situated on a prime spot close to the top of the climb to PRATO NEVOSO. Enjoy a cool drink, picnic lunch and then enjoy an exciting afternoon including LIVE Satelite TV coverage in English!

Of course to get to that prime spot you'll have to climb to Prato Nevoso - check out the profile here...!!!

Today's Major Climbs:

Day 3

MON July 21st › Our Giro d'Italia "Etape"

Today you'll need your climbing legs as our ride follows the exact same route as Stage 12 of the 2007 Giro d'Italia where Danilo di Luca won the stage ahead of Gilberto Simoni.

First on the agenda is the mighty Colle del'Agnello which at 2744m was the highest point of the 2007 Giro. From the Agnello we descend into France before the 2nd challenge of the day: the 2360m Col d'Izoard.

Click here to view the route profile.

Today's Major Climbs:

Day 4

TUE July 22nd › A recovery day...???

With Alpe d'Huez on the schedule for tomorrow and probably a few tired legs around after yesterday's huge ride we've planned an easier ride over 2 medium-category climbs.

The route actually follows the "C" ride of the extremely popular Luc-Alphand Cyclo-sportif. From our hotel in Briancon we'll climb back into Italy over the Col de Montgenevre before dropping down to Bardonecchia. The route back into France includes the ascent of the spectacular Col de L'Echelle and a beautiful ride through the Vallee de la Claree.

Today's Major Climbs:

Day 5

WED July 23rd › ALPE D'HUEZ!

We don't really have to say much about today's destination.... ALPE d'HUEZ: the name says it all!

We'll ride direct from our hotel in Briancon and our first challenge is the long, gentle climb to the Col du Lautaret. The next 40km to Bourg d'Oisans are almost all downhill before we start the climb up the 21 legendary switch-backs to ALPE d'HUEZ.

Watch out for the blue & white Orbea tents that signal our picnic spot for the day!

Today's Major Climbs:

Day 6

THU July 24th › BOURG d'OISANS
....and our Annual Alpe d'Huez Time Trial

After breakfast we'll be holding our annual Alpe d'Huez Time Trial. Can anyone beat our fastest time of 57min 30sec?

In the late morning we'll descend to BOURG d'OISANS where Orbea has invited us to meet the Euskaltel pro team riders!

After watching the Euskaltel boys set off for another day's work join us on a spectacular 50km route over the Col de Sarenne (or rest up for tomorrow's big day!)

Today's Major Climbs:

Day 7

FRI July 25th › Au revoir

End of our standard trip and final transfer to Lyon St Exupery airport.

The majestic Col du Galibier

Day 7

FRI July 25th › Ride the Galibier!

What a way to end your trip! Join us for 1 extra day and ride the route of La Marmotte - the world's top cyclo-sportive event! 4 formidable climbs: Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier and the final climb to Alpe d'Huez!

For those who'd like a somewhat less strenuous ride how about the Mi-Marmotte! Jump in the support van to Valloire then ride Galibier and Alpe d'Huez - for a total of 2,500m of elevation gain.

Today's Major Climbs:

Day 8

SAT July 26th › Au revoir

End of our extra "Ride the Galibier" option and final transfer to Lyon St Exupery airport.