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CRITERIUM DU DAUPHINE & Time Megeve Sportive

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THIS%IS%OUR%2013%ITINERARY.%OUR%2014%WILL%BE%RELEASED%VERY%SOON%FOLLOWING%THE%

RACE%ROUTE%ACCOUNCEMENT%

GROUP!SIZE:! Maximum!only!14!guests!!

START/FINISH:! Geneva,!Switzerland!(Geneve!!Airport)!

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For!our!extensive!procyclingtour!inclusions,!including!dinners!and!accommodation,!refer!to!our!wesite’s!FAQs!page.%

This fully supported 10 day French cycling holiday has everything you would hope for. Wonderful days riding some of the classic climbs of the northern alpes, watching the world’s best cyclists race in the lead up event to the TDF, the Critérium du Dauphiné, then finishing with participation in a cyclosportive like no other.

Your cycling prowess will be put to the test at the ever popular Time Megeve Mont Blanc Cyclosportive. This cycling event attracts over 3,000 riders and 2013 will be the 10th edition. This proved a very popular tour for us in 2012 with two of the procyclingtours team taking home trophies and the others personal bests.

This magnificent package is full of excitement and challenge while balanced with luxurious accommodation, superb cuisine and all while relaxing and immersing yourself in the French way of life. For an amazing cycling holiday with a twist, this one is for you. Non cyclists are definitely welcome and as with all of our tours, are very well catered for.

(please note the following itinerary may alter slightly pending the final race route announcement in March 2013)

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DAY%1% % WELCOME%TO%SCIEZ% %%%%%% %%%%%%%%%%%%%(Sciez)!30 minutes from Geneva and sitting directly on the shores of Lake Lehman (Lake Geneva), is the little town of Sciez and the perfect location for the start of our tour. On arrival into Geneva, you will be collected by procyclingtours staff and be taken the short distance to our amazing accommodation in a 12th century Château. We will also return to this ‘humble’ abode at the conclusion of our tour.

After we have assisted with setting up your bike or hire bike, we will blow out the cobwebs with a leisurely ride along this beautiful lake, taking in some picturesque medieval and quaint towns along the way. At the days end we will dine in style in the Château where your meals will be prepared by top chef Marina Laden (3 hats in Guide Gault Millau).

DAY%3% %%% COL%DE%LA%CROIX%FRY%%%% % %%%%%(Stay%Annecy)!

Today we leave the shores of Sciez and our Château and ride to one of the most famous lakes in the

Alpes, Lake Annecy. Well known for being the cleanest lake in Europe, our 4 star accommodation is

right on the foreshore, with only a bike path separating the hotel from the water’s edge. On-route,

we expect to dissect the Criterium du Dauphine as it makes its way west.

By bike or van depending on how far you wish to ride today, we make our way to the base of the Col

de Croix Fry. A very achievable climb, you will be well rewarded by an exhilarating descent of some

30km to the lake. You will have to look twice to believe the brilliant blue of the lake is in fact real! A

wonderful dinner tonight created by a Maîtres Cuisiniers de France.

RIDE TIME up to 2hrs

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RIDE TIME up to 4hrs

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DAY%2% %%% STAGE%1%CRITERIUM%DU%DAUPHINE%%%%%%%%%%%(Stay%Sciez)!

We are perfectly located today to ride to the opening stage of the Criterium du Dauphine. Early reports indicating that the premier stage will take place in the ski village of Champery, across the Swiss border and amongst some of the most stunning alpine scenery.

Our ride from our hotel will take us through wonderful farmland, before entering the Abundance Valley, famous for it’s cheeses. Our climb today takes us to the French / Swiss border and the Pas-de-Morgins (1369m). Fortunately we take the easier side before a thrilling descent to Champery, where we will watch the very best tackle a difficult mountainous stage! Those for a short option will ride from the base of the Pas-de-Morgins. After getting up close with the riders, we’ll transfer by van back to our Chateau. RIDE TIME up to 3hrs

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DAY%4% % COL%DE%L’ARPETAZ%/%ARAVIS%%%%%%%%%%%%(Stay%Annecy)!

Today we will ride a little known col with some 34 switchbacks and indeed it was a tour highlight for many clients in 2012. We first ride along the lake on a converted bike path (once a railway line) and enjoy pristine lake views. That said, the views riding up the l’Arpetaz are even more astounding and can't even begin to be taken in without stopping. But as spectacular as they are, the best are still to come. Assuming we’ve chosen well and it's a silver dollar day, you're about to be richly rewarded with perhaps THE best views of Mt Blanc anyone on a road bike will ever have. For those that want more, you will have the option to also ride the Col des Aravis to complete a great Alpine loop.

DAY%5% % A%DAY%ON%THE%LAKE% %% %%%%%(Stay%Annecy)!

After 3 days on the bike, today is an opportunity to really enjoy the sights of Annecy and it’s surrounds. Considered one of the prettiest villages in France, Annecy is lined with wonderful shops, cafes & restaurants and indeed canals that meander through the old town. You may decide to hire a motor boat or paddle boat for those that want to loosen up the legs, and take in the surrounds from the lake itself. Make sure you have plenty of memory on your camera, you’ll need it today.

For those that simply can’t get enough cycling, there will be an option to ride around the entire lake, a 42km loop with compulsory coffee stops.

DAY%6% % ALPE%d’HUEZ%&%CROIX%DE%FER%%%%%%%(Stay%St%JDM)!

Today is a day you have been waiting for. A classic double of the Alpe d’Huez (1892m) and for those that are up for it, the Croix de Fer (2067m). We leave Annecy today and transfer by van to the Bourg d’Oisan, as the mountains close around us – you’ll start feeling the excitement of conquering THE most famous col ridden in the Tour de France. After a compulsory coffee stop in the old town, we’ll start our stop-watches and ride onwards and upwards to the Alpe d’Huez ski station. A 14km climb, be sure to take the first 2km nice and slow, as it ramps up to gradients of 10%. But don’t worry, you WILL make it! After a podium photo and lunch at the summit at a funky little café, we’ll ride the balcony road to the base of the Glandon / Croix de Fer – if you want to overcome your fear of heights, this road is the perfect remedy! Our ride up the Croix de Fer sees us ride through beautiful fields, lakes and glaciers – one of our favourite climbs in France. A memorable day for all ending in our hotel in St Jean de Maurienne where we will enjoy a fabulous dinner in our local restaurant offering fine cuisine. !

RIDE TIME up to 4hrs !

RIDE TIME up to 5hrs

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REST DAY !

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DAY%7% % MADELEINE%AND%STAGE%6%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%(Stay%Megeve)%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%(Bormio)!

Our ride today takes us over the famous Col de Madeleine, often featuring in the Tour de France and last used in 2012. We have good news and bad news, ok the bad news – you will be climbing the more challenging side of the Madeleine today, the good news, you will be better for it and have a far more enjoyable descent to look forward to! !

With cows mooing you on toward the summit, we’ll spend time soaking the incredible scenery at the summit, where on a clear day, we have wonderful views to the highest mountain in the Alpes, Mont Blanc.

Today it is rumoured the stage will start at the base of the Madeleine (on the other side) and depending on the course will somewhat dictate what we do. It may be we drive around the mountain to see the riders at the stage start, before climbing the Madeleine. After seeing the race and having some fun on the mountain, it’s a short van transfer to our beautiful 4 star chalet in the heart of Megeve OR the option to ride up the valley for those looking for more!

This hidden gem is situated right in the heart of the Mont Blanc valley an hour away from Geneva and just around the corner from Chamonix. Megeve was originally developed as a ski resort at the beginning of the 20th century when the Rothschild family chose to spend their winter vacations here after becoming disenchanted with the Swiss resort of St. Moritz. It’s now considered one of the most beautiful alpine villages in Europe.

DAY%8% % MONT%BLANC%CABLE%CAR%%%% %%%%(Stay%Megeve)

% %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%(Bormio)!Today we have something very special to offer….a well deserved rest day with a ride on the Mont Blanc Cable Car. Being so close to the base of Mont Blanc, this is a unique opportunity to rise to Aguille to Midi (3800m) then the option to take highest cable car in the world gliding over the Mont Blanc Massif. An unforgettable adventure.

For those that are interested in doing this, we will drive the short distance up the Mont Blanc Valley to the charming town of Chamonix where there is much to see and do – including a few very popular bike shops!

For those who can’t get enough of the bike and want to ride, we can take a short ride in the morning taking in the wonderful views of Mont Blanc, down to Sallanches for a morning coffee and a visit to a great bike shop for any final preparations before tomorrow’s sportive!

RIDE TIME up to 3hrs

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REST DAY !

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DAY%9% % TIME%MEGEVE%CYCLOSPORTIVE%%%%%%%%%(Stay%Sciez)!

The day many of you have been waiting for has arrived! Participating in one of Frances biggest cycling events, the Time Megeve Cyclosportive. The beauty of this event allows you to choose the distance you want to race en route. We will explain this and the day in more detail leading up to the event. With over 3000 participants you will feel like you are racing one of the classic TDF stages riding over the likes of the Col du Colombiere, Saises, Aravis and Croix Fry.

Last year’s clients saying this day has been the most memorable day on a bike! For those not riding, we will take you on-route to cheer the others on OR you may simply wish to stay in Megeve and enjoy a day of relaxing and meet the riders as they return home.

Following your post race recovery rub down and meal with the other participants, we will head back to our Château in Sciez for our farewell dinner tonight.

DAY%10%%%%%%%% %BON%VOYAGE%%%%%%%%%% !

Today we bid farewell to what has been an amazing holiday. If you need any assistance disassembling and packing your bike, we will be on hand to help. Airport transfers will be arranged and we can of course provide advice / assistance for any other onward journey plans.

RIDE TIME 4-6hrs

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" Slumber in splendid accommodation, including a 12th Century Chateau on Lake Geneva and sample mouth-watering cuisine through some of France’s most scenic locations.

" Ride classic climbs of the French Alpes notably Colombiere, Alpe d’Huez, Madelaine, Croix de Fer, Aravis and Saises to name a few.

" Ride around beautiful Lake Annecy, enjoying many a good coffee in some one of our favourite (and spectacular) locations .

" Get up and close with world’s best cyclists and see the Criterium du Dauphine, in a relaxed atmosphere.

" Participate in one of France’s biggest cyclosportives, the Time Megeve. " Delicious and filling buffet breakfast on ALL mornings " Delicious dinners on many of the nights INCLUDING selected beverages. " Ample things to do for partners, where we ensure your interests are very well catered for. " The OWNERS of procyclingtours create and personally host your holiday experience. " Modern, fully equipped, air-conditioned 9 seater vans. " Free WIFI in our vans, DVD players, Magazines, cool drinks and much more. " On-road PERSONAL coaching and advice by Steve Cunningham. All the support you

need to get the best out of your cycling. " Pre-tour training and holiday preparation advice. " You receive the PRO treatment. Our professional Soignier support includes transfer of

luggage, expert handling your bike right but doesn't stop at handing you your room keys and taking care of any dietary needs.

" We take care of the little details. Do you have a request? Please let us know. " Photography by procyclingtours. We provide you with up to 1000 precious memories of

your holiday with us on USB. " Picnic lunches on selected days, where café lunch stops are not possible. " On road supplements including energy bars, drinks, mechanical, first aid and vehicle

support throughout your ride (not just at the start and finish) " Flexible ride options each day, from challenging to nice and steady. " Quality hire bike option available including full set-up, helmet, spares, bottles. " Challenge yourself whilst knowing that you are fully supported by procyclingtours every

step of the way.

TOUR%HIYLIGHTS%and%KEY%INCLUSIONS!

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With number strictly limited, to assure your place on this tour, simply register and place the deposit, through the secure pay-pal system by clicking on the button above right and follow the links.

For any questions please feel free to email us at info@procyclingtours.com and remember to visit our FAQs page for all trip inclusions, bike hire details etc.

We look forward to welcoming you to an incredible cycling holiday experience.

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HOW%TO%RESERVE%A%PLACE! click%here%to%reserve%