1
Day 1
Welcome to the Pyrenees!
Welcome to the Pyrenees and the start of a serious ride adventure tackling Tour de France famous, bucket-list cols!
Mid-morning, you will be collected at Toulouse airport/train station by the Mummu Cycling team who will then transfer you into the mountains to your base for the tour, at the beautifully restored castle of Château de Saint-Martory.
Take some time to check-in and settle. Our team will then assist with assembling and fitting bikes to prepare for this afternoon’s warm-up ride.
Pre-ride, explore the stunning castle and its idyllic grounds or the local village before we roll out into the lush countryside for a relaxed 50km spin, led out by your tour host for the trip – 17 x Tour de France contender, Stuart O’Grady. Included will be a local col to allow opportunity to test the legs and warm into things, ahead of some big days on the radar!
Tonight we will enjoy a private dinner prepared by an in house chef, paired with divine local French wine and hosted by Stuey who will no doubt have a Tour de France tale or two to tell.
1
Day 1
Welcome to the Pyrenees!
This tour is a very ride-focussed experience. If you are a partner or friend who wishes to join and not ride, please let us know and we will do our best to make arrangements, however itineraries will remain ride-focussed.
2
Day 2
Let's get conquering cols!
Today, it’s time to unpack your climbing legs, plus a bit of grit and determination while you’re at it!
Following a substantial breakfast, we’ll be setting out for a big day going head to head with the Pyrenees…
On today’s menu, we have the epic Col de Portel – a lengthy 16km, yet with a fairly calm, consistent average gradient of 5.7% , it deems the perfect ‘warm-up’ climb to kick start your week of conquering cols.
Your next challenge will come all-too-soon as you hit the stunning river valley approaching the Col d’Agnes. Another long and gradual ascent, yet incredibly scenic, travelling up to 1570m over 17km. Safe to say, you’ll be weary legged, a little exhausted, yet high on Cloud 9 following your first test in the mountains!
We will make a stop out on the road to enjoy the views and grab a spot of lunch before returning to the Chateau in time to hopefully catch the Stage 7 Tour de France finish together on TV over a deserved cool beverage.
The evening will then be at your leisure to explore the local village or rest up and unwind following a huge day on the pedals.
3
Day 3
Ride along the Stage 8 race route + VIP Finish line experience!
Today will be action-packed, as we combine an incredible ride along the relentlessly tough Tour de France Stage 8 route, paired with our first taste of live Tour de France action at exclusive finish line hospitality!
Fuel well at breakfast this morning as you’ll soon be battling up the Tour de France prominent Col de Menté that averages a gruelling 8.7% over 10km and the first uphill test of today’s stage. Yes – you’ll now be riding along the course, living and breathing the Tour de France madness. Make sure you take a moment to absorb it all in as you ascend, including the truly surreal Pyrenean back-drop!
Your next challenge lies on the slopes of the daring Port de Barles, just shy of 19km…If the Menté didn’t get to you, this one will certainly have you working hard!
Now’s your chance to quiz tour host, Stuey along the way for a few words of wisdom and a slab of advice. Having raced 17 successful tour’s throughout his career, we’re confident he’ll have a tip or two to share when it comes to the mountain stages and survival…although, we all know he prefers what comes down!
You final test for the day will be the Pyrenees icon – Col de Peyresourde. A daunting 15km in length and averaging just over 6%, it may well be a slog, but rest-assured, it’s all down-hill to the finish from there. Just think how fast the pros will have to be pushing – by now, hot on your tail!
On arrival to the finish in Loudenvielle, you will then have the incredible opportunity to pass the barriers at the flamme rouge (final km) to ride the last km of Stage 9 and cross the official finish line, not long before the winner claims the stage!
To top, you will then step onto the champions podium for a celebratory photo and pose, before exploring the ‘winners zone’ where post-race interviews take place. This is a very privileged experience granted to official tour operators of the Tour de France and one that we thrive off delivering every time!
Following your winning moment, there will be opportune to change before settling in for a highly anticipated thrilling battle to the line in Official Izoard hospitality…Now that you’ve ridden the vast majority of today’s stage, we’ll leave it in your hands to predict who the winner might be. Judging by the profile, it might be safe to assume that it will be a very select group of key overall contenders? Whoever it may be, you’ll be there toasting French champagne to the win, while enjoying canapés and local delicacies to pair.
Concluding the stage excitement we will return to the Chateau and enjoy a group dinner this evening. Cheers to a massive day out at the Tour de France!
3
Day 3
Ride along the Stage 8 race route + VIP Finish line experience!
4
Day 4
Stage 9 Start Experience + Ride the tantalising Tour-famous Tourmalet
Today, you will step right back into the Tour de France bubble – get set for another big day on tour!
Following breakfast, we will set out to the Stage 9 start in Pau. Here, you’ll be enjoying exclusive access to the official Tour de France Departure Village and rider pre-race zone. To start, you’ll be able to kick back over a coffee and local delicacies, while watching the riders sign on for the stage within close proximity and embracing the lively stage start atmosphere. You’ll then have VIP access to the team bus area, where riders tentatively prepare for the stage ahead. A unique opportunity that will allow you to see up-close, all the pre-race rituals, warm-up’s and routines, catch a glimpse of the latest high-tech, advanced equipment on display and if you’re lucky, get your photo with some of the sports biggest names!
Stick with your tour host, Stuey and we’re confident he’ll bump into an old mate or two of the pro peloton…
Concluding the Stage start, we will set off on our own ride adventure, in hot pursuit of the tantalisingly tough, Tour de France prominent – Tourmalet! When in the Pyrenees, this one’s a MUST. 35km at an average gradient of 4.1% and climbing up to 2,131m altitude – it’s the length that may eventually creep up on you. Pace yourself accordingly and you’ll be arriving to the top satisfied and on top of the world! Another col ticked off that quickly diminishing list…
After we summit and descend, we will drive home for our farewell dinner at the Chateau, enjoying some local Armagnac into the late hours, if you so desire…!
4
Day 4
Stage 9 Start Experience + Ride the tantalising Tour-famous Tourmalet
5
Day 5
Au Revoir
Following some huge days taking it to the Pyrenees, we’ll have a Plan A + B for this morning’s final ride.
After breakfast, if your legs are up to it, we will endure one last crack at the cols this morning on a 95km loop…and if you’re understandably a little weary, an alternative relaxed spin through the stunning surrounding, flatter countryside.
Post-ride our team will assist you with packing down your bikes before enjoying a final lunch at the Chateau. Perhaps time for one last swim in the pool before transferring to Toulouse and saying Au Revoir!
We trust you’ve had a memorable time on tour and hope to have you back touring with us in the near future.
