Bordeaux & St Emilion Explorer

28 May - 01 June 2013 A degustation of stunning rides, wine tastings and exploration

Take a pause in the world's most famous wine region as we discover France's most beautiful city and the surrounding countryside.

Join Sports Pulsions Commercial Director and Bordeaux resident, Will Maley as he shows you all this region has to offer. You will dine in fantastic local restaurants, have tours of prestigious wineries and ride roads flanked by vineyards and chateaux.

To book or for further information: Will Maley p. +33 (0) 6 66 87 46 96 e. will.maley@sportspulsions.com

Tour highlights: 28 May 2013: Arrival day Check-in to the 4* Mercure Cit Mondiale Afternoon walking tour of Bordeaux Group welcome dinner Group ride on the 'Route des Chateaux' Cellar tours & Wine Tasting Chateau visits Group ride to the UNESCO listed village of St Emilion Cellar tours & tastings in an ancient monastery Conclusion of the tour following breakfast Transfer to Argels Gazost for those continuing with Pyrenees Tour

29 May 2013:

30 May 2013:

01 June 2013:

About SportsPulsions.com: The team at Sports Pulsions has been involved in cycling at all levels in France since the 80's. Our goal is to provide 'pro-cycling based experiences' to all our guests whether we are hosting them around a pro-tour event or on a riding experience. We have partnered with the leaders in cycling to provide the direct support to make your tour incredible. Whether it is the Trek Madone bike you ride (replaced every 3,000km), the Skoda support vehicles we drive or the Performance Nutrition energy bars and gels you enjoy, you will feel like a pro. Our team is built of top level cyclists that are highly experienced in guiding with years of experience riding the roads of France. We believe in keeping a tight knit team who work with us year round to ensure your safety and enjoyment. All our staff live in France and so our backyard is your playground. We build our tours through our experience in the regions, ensuring that you ride the unique roads and visit both the key places in cycling history as well as the beautiful villages en route.

About the tour: Bordeaux is renowned around the world for its premier wines but still remains a relatively quiet destination for cyclo-tourists, however this is beginning to change as awareness grows about this incredible region. Recently awarded the most beautiful city in France, Bordeaux will be our base for 3 nights as we explore both the city and its nearby wine regions. This short tour is designed to give you the chance to ride the best routes of the region and tour the top wineries of the area along with dine at unique locations off the main tourist trail. If you are joining our Classic Cols of the Pyrenees tour it will also provide a great way to settle in to France and get to know your Trek Madone. All components of the tour have been personally selected by your local guide who lives in Bordeaux and rides the roads year round.

What level cyclist do I need to be: Our Bordeaux region rides are more of a leisurely experience than some of those held in other regions and the terrain is flat to undulating. Ride distances are on average around 80km per day however these include breaks for lunch, chateau visits and take place over morning and afternoon. Like all cycling experiences, a good level of fitness will always assist to increase your level of enjoyment. We invite you to contact us should you have any concerns or questions.

28 May 2013: We invite you to arrive in Bordeaux where hotel check-in time is 2pm. Should you arrive prior, the hotel is able to store your luggage should your room not be available. Bordeaux is serviced by an International Airport and TGV train service (3h20m from Paris). At 3pm you are invited to join your guide for a relaxed walking tour of Bordeaux which will take in the key sights plus some interesting local highlights. In the evening, the group will enjoy a 3 course welcome dinner in the heart of Bordeaux where you will also receive a briefing on the days ahead. Overnight: Mercure Cit Mondiale (4*)

29 May 2013:

Following breakfast at the hotel you will be fitted to your Trek Madone 5.2. Group ride (approx 80km): Located to the West of Bordeaux is the Medoc wine region. Renowned for producing the world's most prestigious wines, it is also an amazing region to visit by bike. Our ride will start directly at the hotel. Following the river and the bike paths we will exit the city on our way to the 'Route des Chateaux'. We will take our first break at the Chateau de Lamarque. An ancient fort, with sections dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, the Chateau was transformed in to a winery and has been in the same family for many years. Here we will join the owners for a guided tour of the Chateau and tasting of their wines. We will then continue on to the town of Pauillac where we will enjoy a light lunch by the river. Following lunch we will continue our exploration of the region with a stop at the most picturesque winery of the region, Chateau Pichon-Longeville. This stunning property produces some of the leading wines of the Bordeaux region and will welcome our group for a tour of their facility. Our ride will then take us back to Bordeaux via the local roads and bike paths. Dinner will be at leisure however should you need any suggestions on dining options these will be happily provided. Overnight: Mercure Cit Mondiale (4*)

30 May 2013: Following breakfast at the hotel we will take to the bikes again and head to the East of Bordeaux. Group ride (approx 85km): After traversing the river, we will track its bank as we exit the city to the undulating roads that link Bordeaux to St Emilion. The roads of this region are through a mix of farming, vineyard and natural forest with many small family owned chateaux to be found. The architecture of the buildings and villages through this region is very appealing as most properties are made from stone and often set on the ridges with stunning views. Our premier destination is the UNESCO heritage listed village of St Emilion. One of France's most beautiful villages, St Emilion welcomes many guests every year, so our visit at the end of May is well timed. The city is built on a hill with views across the region. Whilst in St Emilion, the group will enjoy lunch and the chance to explore this ancient village before we take a guided tour of an ancient monastery that makes sparkling wine in the old caves under the city. As part of the tour you will enjoy tastings in the gardens. Following the visit, we will continue our ride back to Bordeaux via more rolling hills and ultimately a nice descent back to the heart of the city. In the evening the group will enjoy dinner at their leisure. Overnight: Mercure Cit Mondiale (4*)

31 May 2013: Following breakfast at the hotel the tour will conclude. For those continuing on to the Pyrenees, you will be transferred to Argels Gazost for the continuation of your riding experience.

About the bikes: SportsPulsions.com is a partner of Trek France. Through our agreement, guests will all have use of the Trek Madone 5.2, a top quality, full carbon fibre bike with excellent running gear. Throughout the tour, our guides will clean and service the bikes for the guests and make any fitting service adjustments they may need. We request that guests provide their own pedals, bike computers, helmets and cycling shoes.

About the hotel: Mercure Cit Mondiale (4*) A modern hotel located in the heart of the 'Chartrons' quarter of Bordeaux, the Hotel Cit Mondiale has been chosen as it provides excellent value and service in fantastic location. The Chartrons is a favourite area of your guide as it it a peaceful area with interesting boutique shops, and is only metres from the river. It is also the original heart of Bordeaux's shipping industry and many of the buildings used to be home to the wine warehouses of the region's producers. The hotel itself has a rooftop terrace with views over the river and city, all rooms are air-conditioned and have all the modern amenities of a 4 star hotel.

Price per person: Single supplement:

695 150

Whats included: 3 nights accommodation at the Mercure Cit Mondiale Buffet breakfast daily and welcome dinner Guide and vehicle support for duration of tour Guided tours and tastings at 3 different wineries Additional wine tastings Use of Carbon Fibre Trek Madone 5.2 road bike with fitting at commencement of tour Tour guide and maps Local taxes Transfer to Argels Gazost for those joining the Classic Cols of the Pyrenees Tour Whats not included: Lunches daily Two dinners Drinks not included with meals Personal expenses, tips, laundry, etc Transport to/from Bordeaux for the tour Travel/medical insurance Please bring your own pedals, helmet, bike computer and cycling apparel

To book or for further information: Will Maley p. +33 (6) 6 66 87 46 96 e. will.maley@sportspulsions.com