CLASSIC COLS OF THE PYRENEES

Join us as we ride the legendary cycling routes of the Pyrenees on this 9 day cycling adventure. On this once in a lifetime experience, you will get the opportunity to ride 13 of the most famous climbs in Tour de France history, all the while being expertly guided and supported throughout. Whilst challenging, the tour blends the perfect balance of shorter and longer rides to ensure your enjoyment throughout. 715 June 2014

IN BRIEF
DAY 1 - 3: 100 YEARS OF TOUR HISTORY Welcome to the beauty of the Pyrenees Fully supported & guided rides - Take on the iconic climbs of Hautacam, Luz Ardiden and the Tourmalet - Visits to beautiful villages & great food DAY 4 - 5: ICONIC CLIMBS AWAIT Challenge yourself on the mythical climb to the Col d'Aubisque - Ride our 'Queen Stage' including 3 historic climbs - Reward yourself with thermal springs in Bagnres de Luchon

Classic Cols of the Pyrenees DAY 6 - 8: A REGION UNCHANGED Enjoy a well earned rest day in the spa village - Ride in to neighbouring Spain - Experience quiet mountain lanes & historic villages - Ride one of Europe's best climbs, Port de Bals - Celebration dinner

HIGHLIGHTS
Conquer over 13+ mythical climbs Enjoy full mechanical & guide support Ride quiet back roads with incredible views Cross the frontier on our Spain ride Great dining & hotels Tick off cols including Aubisque, Tourmalet, Bals, Hautacam & more Visits to historic towns preserved in time

SUMMARY
Dates: 07-15 June 2014 Tour type: Riding Accommodation: 8 nights (2 hotels) Start point: Toulouse/Argels Gazost Finish point: Toulouse Price per person: 1,890 Single Supplement 350

Tel: +33 6 66 87 46 96 Email: info@sportspulsions.com

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The Pyrenees has played host to the Tour de France for over 100 years and in 2014 we invite you to join us as we tackle the best cols of the region. Our tour has been designed for cyclists with a passion for riding on beautiful roads with incredible scenery. We have designed our tour to allow you 8 days of riding new and interesting roads without once needing to take a vehicle transfer and only having to move hotels once. This means more time for riding and more time for relaxing and reliving the incredible rides. You will pass beautiful rivers and ride through stunning gorges, cross panoramic mountain passes and get the chance to take a pause in the local villages, enjoy lunch at the local markets and taste the produce of the mountains. We hope that all our guests depart with fond memories of conquering the cols and enjoying the hospitality and culture of this beautiful corner of France. For further enquiries or bookings please contact will.maley@sportspulsions.com Arrival: Guests are invited to arrive either directly at the hotel or alternatively we will be offering a transfer service from Toulouse at midday (12pm) on the 7th June. Hotel check-in is at 2pm however should you arrive prior, the hotel is able to store luggage until your room is available. On arrival at the hotel you will be met by your guide team who will be there to assist as you require. Bike fitting: Following check-in, guests are invited to undertake bike fitting. For those renting one of our bikes (175 for the program), we will request your measurements in advance and then make a precise fitting with you in place. For those bringing their own bike, our staff will assist you with the preparation as you require. Group ride: On our first afternoon we will undertake an incredibly scenic ride to allow you to soak up the atmosphere of being in the Pyrenees and become ac08 June 2014 07 June 2014 Our tour commences in the stunning village of Argels Gazost. Located on the road between the Col du Tourmalet and the Col d'Aubisque, this pretty village famous for its hot springs and is steeped in Tour history. Post-ride:

Classic Cols of the Pyrenees

customed to your new bike. The ride follows the gorge to Lac d'Estaing before we then return via Saint Savin.

The group will enjoy a 3 course dinner at our hotel where you will take the chance to get to know your guides and fellow riders and also be briefed on the following day's ride and the activities for the tour.

Following breakfast at the hotel we will undertake the first day of climbs on the tour. Group ride: The initiation to the mountains comes on two famous climbs. After departing the hotel we will get the legs pumping by tackling the Hautacam. Located between Lourdes and the Col du Tourmalet, the Hautacam is one of the most famous ski resorts in the Pyrenees. In summer it opens its roads to the cycling fraternity for good reason. The climb starts at le Pont du Gave de Pau and winds its way 15.5km to the ski station with a consistent pitch of 7.3% which extends to 11% towards the summit. Surprisingly given its proximity to a number of major

Tel: +33 6 66 87 46 96 Email: info@sportspulsions.com

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climbs, the Hautacam has only been used a few times since its first appearance in 1994. In 2014 it will play host to a mountain top finish in the final day of racing in the mountains. For the cycling enthusiast, the Hautacam offers a nice warm up to the bigger climbs of the regions but dont underestimate it as pound for pound it is not far shy of more famous climbs such as lAlpe dHuez. Descending back to the valley floor, we will then head up the valley towards the Col du Tourmalet. From the village of Luz Saint Saveur our parcours then takes us up to the ski station of Luz Ardiden. Much like the Hautacam, Luz-Ardiden is often forgotten given its more famous neighbours. The ride itself is magic, the road climbs from Luz Saint Saveur in a series of dramatic switch-backs that give riders stunning views down the valley to Argeles Gazost and upwards to the Tourmalet. At 13.4km, averaging 7.7% with sections of 12%, LuzArdiden offers riders a challenge particularly when ridden from further down the valley. The ski station was introduced in 1975 when the road was extended further up the mountain side, the Tour de France then followed for the first time in 1985. For those wishing to ride a shorter distance, they will join the group after the Hautacam for the climb of Luz Ardiden Group ride: On this day the group will cross the highest road of the Pyrenees, on the famous Col du Tourmalet. Riding directly from the hotel you will follow a quiet mountain road to Bagners 9 June 2014 Breakfast will be served at the hotel before we take on the King of the Pyrenees. Post-ride: The group will be free to relax prior to enjoying a 3 course dinner at the hotel. or alternatively return to the hotel following the first climb. the Tourmalet.

Classic Cols of the Pyrenees

de Bigorre and on to Saint- Marie de Campan at the base of

As the only pass in the Pyrenees above 2,000m and the first true big climb used in the Tour de France, the Tourmalet holds legend status amongst riders the world over. The Tourmalet was first used in the 1910 Tour de France and has since been used in on average 3 out of every 4 times the 'Grand Boucle' is held. The Col du Tourmalet is served by two faces, very similar in difficulty but often experiencing completely different weather patterns. The East face from Sainte-Marie de Campan is a 17.1km ascent at an average pitch of 7.5% whilst the Western face from Luz Saint Saveur is an 18.7km climb with the same average pitch. The Eastern face contains a marginally higher maximum pitch at 11%, but it is on the last kilometre of the Western face that the toughest section as it finishes with a section over 10% at the conclusion. Both faces are very consistent though and a rider in a good rhythm will find the Tourmalet an enjoyable challenge. On the summit is a great little restaurant full of cycling memorabilia where we will pause for lunch (subject to the restaurant being open). There is also a monument to Jacques Goddet, director of the Tour between 1936 and 1988. After summiting the Eastern face we will then descend to

Tel: +33 6 66 87 46 96 Email: info@sportspulsions.com

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our hotel via a beautiful long & winding descent. Post-ride: The group will be free to relax prior to enjoying a 3 course dinner at the hotel. 10 June 2013: Breakfast will be again enjoyed at the hotel in preparation for a new day of climbing the famous roads of the region. Group ride: The group will head West on today's ride as we take in the Col du Soulour and the Aubisque. Located between Laruns and Argels Gazost, the Aubisque plays host to the Tour de France on average 3 out of every 4 years. The road itself has given rise to some of the most amazing images in the Tours history as it winds its way along the cliff face. The more ridden side is from Argels Gazost. This Eastern aspect also takes in the Col du Soulour. From Argeles Gazost, the initial section is very steep but it quickly eases back providing a false flat before pitching again to overcome the Soulour. After summiting the Soulour, riders are welcomed with a small downhill section before a steady Group ride: On today's ride we will follow an incredible ride route that has featured regularly in Tour history. First we will traverse the Hors Category Col du Tourmalet and the Cat 1 Hourquette d'Ancizan and Col de Peyresourde. In what will be a tough yet rewarding day you will experience 3 of the most famous climbs in the world. 11 June 2013 Guests will enjoy a big breakfast at the hotel in anticipation of the biggest ride of the tour, prior to checking-out and loading luggage in our support vehicle. Post ride: Guests will enjoy a 3 course dinner at the hotel, our final evening in Argels Gazost. climb to the Col dAubisque. After reaching the col, we will descend part of the way down the Aubisque towards Argels Gazost before taking a great little mountain road to the valley floor close to Lourdes. Guests will be invited to enjoy some time in Lourdes before we take the bike path which leads back to Argels Gazost via the valley. Guests wishing to have a shorter day in the saddle will have the option to ride directly back to Argels Gazost from the Col de Soulour or Aubisque, however they will be without vehicle/guide support.

Classic Cols of the Pyrenees

The day will start out with the Western face of the Col du Tourmalet which you will have descended earlier in the tour before continuing to the Hourquette d'Ancizan and Peyresourde. The Ancizan offers a truly stunning ride, over less demanding terrain than some of the nearby climbs. Its location close to the key climbs of the Pyrenees has seen the Ancizan featuring in the Tour de France regularly. It is less commonly used than its neighbour, the Col d'Aspin, but it is our belief that it is one of the most beautiful climbs in the region and a must for the program. . Following passing the village of Arreau we will then climb again to the Col de Peyresourde. With over 60 inclusions in the Tour de France this climb late in many stages has made many legends. With 18km of ascent at around 5% incline on average this will certainly be a good challenge late in your ride. Our ride concludes in Bagnres de Luchon which will be our home for the following 4 nights. Another spa village, Luchon is a beautiful town in a valley surrounded by snow capped mountains. Throughout the ride our support vehicle will be onhand should you wish to shorten the ride. As we have no time constraints, guests will also be able to enjoy the ride at

Tel: +33 6 66 87 46 96 Email: info@sportspulsions.com

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their own speed and take the necessary breaks they require. Post ride: On arrival we will check-in to our new hotel where your luggage will be waiting. In the evening we will enjoy a 3 course dinner at a local restaurant. We will be sure to celebrate the conquering of our 'Queen Stage' in style! Group ride: Starting from the hotel today's ride takes on 2 significant cols in tour history. The Col de Ment is a sharp climb with a large amount of switch backs that has featured many times in Le Tour. Typically found in the middle of stages, it does not hold the same notoriety as its more famous neighbours. It is however not one to be taken lightly. Following Col de Ment we will ride to the famous pass of the Portet d'Aspet. 12 June 2014 Following our big ride the previous day, guests will enjoy a rest day in the beautiful village of Bagnres de Luchon. Luchon is the home of natural thermal spring, great restaurants and a host of other activities. For those that can't resist the call of the bike, we will offer a 60km loop ride. The ride will take guests on a quiet valley road looping in to nearby Spain. The return will offer the chance to climb the Col du Portillon which provides the border with Spain. This climb will feature in the 2014 Tour de France. In the evening, guests will have dinner at leisure. A chance to enjoy one of the many excellent restaurants in the hotel. The Western face averages 5.4% but dont let that fool, the final 5km gains roughly 550m and has sections that reach 15% giving rise to a significant challenge to even the strongest riders. The Eastern face is more forgiving with an average of 3.6% but like the West, averages around 10% for the closing kilometres. Group ride: Like no other climb in the Pyrenees, the Col de Portet dAspet offers a unique profile that sneaks up on riders. From both directions, the road gently climbs for the first two thirds before pitching at an incredible rate to the summit. First used in 1910, the Portet dAspet has featured on average every second year of the Tour de France and its ability to split the riders on the steep pitch has made it a crowd favourite. 14 June 2014 Post ride: 13 June 2014 Breakfast will be enjoyed at the hotel prior to the day's ride.

Classic Cols of the Pyrenees

It was here that Fabio Casartelli tragically lost his life descending in the 1995 Tour de France. A wonderful memorial can be found at the base of the climb in his honour. Following our climbing of the Portet d'Aspet we will retrace our route in the opposite direction to reach our hotel after a challenging day on the bike. Those looking for a shorter ride are able to shorten the ride distance at their preferred point as we will re-trace our ride route.

A 3 course dinner will be held at the hotel.

Breakfast will be enjoyed at the hotel.

The final day on the bike sees the group ride one of the great roads of cycling. Departing from the hotel we will follow the valley floor to a beautiful village of Maulon Barousse built over the river before turning towards the Port des Bals.

Tel: +33 6 66 87 46 96 Email: info@sportspulsions.com

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First introduced in 2007 as prior it was just a dirt mountain road, Port de Bales is set to be regularly seen in the Tour de France in the future. Only recently bituminised, the road tracks the steep mountain face between Mauleon-Barousse and Bagneres de Luchon. The Northern face from below Mauleon-Barousse is 19.3km long with an average pitch of 6.3% however it is the section between kilometre 10 and 17 that is the most challenging. From the point where you bridge the mountain stream, the road averages around 9% for 7km on what is one of the most stunning roads to ride with views across the valley. 15 June 2014 Following breakfast at the hotel, guests will be transferred to Toulouse for their onward travel. Toulouse is a major international airport and train hub. Please don't make arrangements for travel prior to 3pm from Toulouse in case of traffic delays. Post ride: Following a well earned cold drink and rest, we will enjoy an end of tour dinner to celebrate our achievements. Not included: From Peyragudes we will then descend back to Luchon for the completion of our riding having conquered 15 major climbs. Local fees & taxes

Classic Cols of the Pyrenees

Transfers to and from Toulouse Guide support throughout

Lunch daily and one dinner Bike rental (additional cost of 175) Gratuities & spending money Transport to and from tour start point Personal travel insurance Drinks not included with meals About our hotels: Argles Gazost: (4 nights)

Toulouse is a beautiful city and the gateway to the Canal du Midi and many great places to extend your stay in France.

Hotel les Cimes http://www.hotel-lescimes.com Heated pool, sunny patio, peaceful garden, just steps from the town centre.

Inclusions: 8 nights accommodation with breakfast daily 7 dinners After descending almost back to Luchon we will turn off to climb the Col de Peyresourde and continue on to the ski town of Peyragudes. Peyragudes is featured for the first time in tour history as the end point of the final Pyrenees stage of 2012. For those looking to take a shorter ride they will continue to Bagners de Luchon rather than continuing on to Peyragudes. Daily guided rides with support vehicles Tour pack including jersey, shorts, cap & musette Road book including route maps, gradient charts and local information Nutrition pack including gels & energy bars Additional fruit, cereal bars & isotonic powders on ride days

Tel: +33 6 66 87 46 96 Email: info@sportspulsions.com

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Bagnres de Luchon: (4 nights) Hotel ALTI Luchon http://actaluchon.com/ Located in a spa and ski resort at the foot of the Pyrenees, this hotel ALTI offers luxurious accommodation with views of the mountains. Our programs are designed to give each individual the challenge they are looking for. If you are uncertain if your level of experience and fitness is suitable for the programs, please don't hesitate in contacting us to discuss. We can also assist in providing training ideas should you wish. On race days there may be the need to shorten the rides for some within the group depending on ride speeds in order to avoid road closures. This will be kept to a minimum however we appreciate your understanding on this should it need to take place. About the rides: Guests are invited to ride the length and speed that suits them individually. We structure our rides with a riding guide at the front, who goes at the pace of the faster riders and a guide at the rear who goes at the pace of the slowest rider. We will then have further guides within the group based on group numbers. In addition, our support vehicles are on the ride route with the group to assist in the situation of mechanical issues, to carry spare clothing, food, water, etc and to allow the option to shorten the ride if you wish. Bike rental: Enjoy the use of a top quality Trek Madone 5.2 or Trek Domane 5.2 with compact & 12-28 gearing for the duration of your tour. Cost: 175 We will send you the dimensions of the bikes to assist you in selecting the frame size that is right for you. Alternatively we recommend visiting a Trek dealer close to you to confirm sizing. All guests are required to bring their own pedals, cycling shoes, helmets and bike computers. Depending on the timings of the race on the day and the varying speeds of the group, on some days we may choose to break for a coffee in a nice village we know to regroup, and on other days continue to ride through to our final destination.

Classic Cols of the Pyrenees

Tel: +33 6 66 87 46 96 Email: info@sportspulsions.com