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Tour Magazine

2014 Classic France & Italy

14th – 22nd June

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Classic France & Italy experience the famous routes from the

Tour de France AND Giro d’Italia

We are often asked which country is better for a cycling holiday, France or Italy and it’s indeed a difficult question to answer. They are both truly magnificent in their own special ways. So for those who want to taste it all, we have created something unique combining two cultures, two countries and delivering the usual high-end service and attention to detail that we are known for.

Ride some of the classic cycling routes made famous by the 2013, 100th edition of the Tour de France & Giro d’Italia races and relive some of the incredible moments at YOUR pace!

And best of all, we have the roads to ourselves, with June being one of the best months to ride through the Alpes - sunny days, splashes of snow on the mountain tops and little traffic to worry about.

As with all procyclingtours holidays, we ensure your time off the bike is just as memorable, soaking up the French & Italian scenery & culture and savour amazing cuisine. Partners who ride a little or not at all are always welcome and you are all guaranteed a great and memorable time.

Alpe d’Huez

Mont Ventoux

Col du Galibier

Col d’Agnel

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Upon your arrival we will welcome you at Lyon International Airport or St Exupery TGV Station and take you to our premium 4 star hotel located nearby. Known for its historical and architectural landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage status, Lyon is the second largest city of France behind Paris. Fortunately for us, it has also built up a reputation as being the capital of gastronomy and where we will enjoy a wonderful welcome dinner tonight.

Once checked in we will be available to help you set up your bike or introduce you to your hire bike. Depending on how you feel, we will go for a gentle ride into the countryside to stretch out the legs and grab a coffee or two and your first of many ‘pain au chocolat’.

Over tonight’s welcome dinner we will chat about the great

holiday we have to look forward to.

RIDE INFO: up to 2hrs / 50kms / 400m elevation

!DAY$2$ $ PROVENCE$ALPES$$$$$ !!!!!!!!!!!!!!(Stay!Vaison!la!Romaine)!

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This morning we will transfer by executive vans, watching the scenery change from lush countryside to more rustic provincial terrain.

It’s here we will see the might of the Mont Ventoux appear in the distance. On arrival into the historic and fully preserved medieval village of Grignan, we will enjoy morning tea and a stroll around this most beautiful village. We then set off by bike through classic Provence to Nyons and onto one of our procyclingtours favourite France destinations, Vaison la Romaine, where we will spend the next 2 nights. A great located near the base of Mont Ventoux!.

Today is a day of rolling hills and a chance to ride yourself into some form before our climb of the Mont Ventoux tomorrow.

Tonight we will enjoy a delicious dinner in the medieval town of Vaison la Romaine

RIDE INFO: up to 3hrs / 70kms / 500m elevation

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DAY$1$ $ WELCOME$TO$LYON$$$$$ $ $ $$$$$$$$$$(Stay!Lyon)!

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DAY$3$ $ MONT$VENTOUX$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$(Stay!Vaison!la!Romaine)!

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Mont Ventoux has become legendary as the scene of one of the most grueling climbs and combat zones in the Tour de France’s history. Ascended fourteen times since 1951 and again in 2013, the rocky landscape (said to have occurred when the forest was stripped to build Napoleon’s flotilla and with subsequent winds removing all of the top-soil) it provides wonderful breathtaking views of the French Alpes. And even if you have conquered this giant in the past, it’s always great to show her you mean business …..and perhaps beat your time! Depending on how you feel, you may have the option to tackle Ventoux by two or even all three different ascent routes. However just reaching the summit once is an amazing and extremely rewarding experience. As with everyday there are multiple ride options for you and option off the bike too. For those not riding, Vaison la Romaine has one of the best weekly markets in the Provence and perhaps in France and is also held today! Stepping back in time & discovering hidden gems is also a must in the medieval village

RIDE INFO: 3hrs to 6hrs / 70-130kms / 1600-4000m elevation

Today we farewell Provence and say ‘buongiorno’ to Italy! Following a drive through rugged stunning southern alpine country, we will arrive in the picturesque old town of Guillestre for what will be another hi-light of the holiday –conquering of the Col d’Agnel (or Colle di Agnello from the Italian side).

As one of the highest passes in the Alpes (2744m) and last featuring in the 2012 Tour de France, it’s also one of the longest climbs. So expect to be climbing for around 3 hours (with picture taking stops along the way). Enjoying the magnificent views to Monte Viso (3800m) ahead of you there is the unusual photo opportunity with a leg in both France & Italy to be had! All this followed by one of the classic descents of the Alpes.

Arriving by bike into the charming town of Saluzzo, feels like stepping back in time, particularly at our superb 4 star hotel located in the town centre. This evening we will enjoy a well-earned dinner showcasing delectable regional produce. What a day!

RIDE INFO: 3hrs to 5hrs / 70-100kms / 2000m elevation

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DAY$4$ $$$$$COL$D’AGNEL$(COLLE!DI!AGNELLO)!&$ITALY$$$ $$$$$(Stay!Saluzzo)!

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DAY$5$ $ A$DAY$IN$SALUZZO$$$$$$$ $ $ $$$$$(Stay!Saluzzo)!

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Saluzzo is divided into two distinct sections; the old town, bordered in parts by the remains of its town walls built in 1201, and its ‘modern’ town, several centuries old. The sections are located a leisurely stroll from one another.

Once a medieval stronghold, the town maintained its independence until the Savoys won it in a 1601 treaty with France. There is so much to experience in this wonderful setting and the perfect place to relax and recharge the batteries in preparation for continued great days ahead.

For those that want to ride on this official rest day, you can enjoy an easy pedal today through the local Piedmont vineyards and villages before taking in the many historic monuments in the afternoon and naturally a long lunch!

REST DAY !

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!DAY$6$ $ COL$DU$MONTE$CENISIO$&$GALBIER$$$$$$$$$(Stay!La!Grave)!

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Yet another tour highlight in store for us today with the classic double of the Monte Cenisio (or Mont Cenis) and Col du Galibier, a ride route that featured in the 2013 Giro d’Italia (and the Galibier in the 2012 epic stage finish for the TDF).

Our long ride option will begin in Susa Valley in Italy and the base of the Monte Cenisio. As an option, you can be taken to the summit to start your ride from there, as there is still quite of bit of riding to come! With a stunning lake at it’s summit and marmots scurrying around, it’s a superb climb with a strong recommendation to relax at the summit and soak it all in.

The ascent of the Galibier (via the Col du Telegraphe) is one of the most incredible experiences on a bike and will remain with you forever; everything pales into insignificance as you ride through this dramatic glacial landscape. All followed by an exhilarating descent to La Grave, a stunning medieval village nestled in the heart of the Alpes looking onto the ancient Girose Glacier.

RIDE INFO: 3hrs to 6hrs / 70-100kms / 3000m elevation

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!DAY$8$ $ COL$DE$LA$CROIX$DE$FER$$&$LYON$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$(stay!Lyon)!!

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Some may say we’ve saved to best ‘till last…having featured in both the 2012 & 2013 TDF, the Col du Glandon and the Col de la Croix de Fer is a ‘must do’ combination and one of our favourite rides in the Alpes. What better way to end your alpine experience by bike than riding this classic double act.

The Glandon is briefly visited on our way to the summit of the Croix de Fer. At the summit we will relax for lunch (the omelettes and pizzas are terrific!), soak up the breathtaking views and reflect on our incredible time riding in the French and Italian Alpes. After descending back off the Glandon, we will transfer by van back to our hotel in Lyon and to enjoy our delicious farewell dinner tonight.

RIDE INFO: up to 3hrs / 60km / 1400m elevation !

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DAY$7$ $ ALPE$D’HUEZ$&$COL$DU$SARENE$$$$$$$$ $$$(Stay!La!Grave)!

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The day many of you have been waiting for, the chance to climb the most famous road in the French Alpes, Alpe d’Huez. Having featured in the Tour de France countless times, the 2013 edition has the peloton riding up the 21 switchbacks twice in one day, via the Col de Sarenne. Indeed, why not replicate that feat OR after riding over the Sarenne, return to La Grave for a relaxing afternoon. There will also be the option to climb Les Deux Alpes, another classic climb in the region.

We are literally in the payground of some of the great climbs of the Alpes and will be sure to have a super day on the bike!

For partners not riding, a walk on the glacier via the cable car is a great way to soak up the surrounding alpine countryside or a leisurly day in the magnificnet village of La Grave.

RIDE INFO: up to 5hrs / 50-100kms / 2500m elevation !

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DAY$9$ $ BON$VOYAGE$$$$$$$$$ $ $ !

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Today we bid adieu to what has been an amazing tour where we have taken in the many legendary roads made famous by the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, enjoyed fabulous French & Italian cuisine, stayed in wonderful accommodation and hopefully learnt a bit more about how to get the best of your cycling.

As a unique procyclingtours benefit, If you do plan to extend your holiday by a few days, perhaps taking time to explore Lyon or beyond, we can gladly help with arranging any onward travel plans.

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To guarantee your place on this tour, simply register and pay your deposit of $1,000 (per person) through our secure on-line payment system located on the tour page on our website at www.procyclingtours.com

Final balance is only required 3 months prior to the Tour start.

For any questions please feel free to email us at info@procyclingtours.com and we would love to help make sure this tour is exactly for you.

For full terms & conditions, refer to our website @ www.procyclingtours.com

HOW$TO$BOOK!

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! Slumber in splendid accommodation procyclingtours is renowned for and sample mouth-watering cuisine through some of France and Italy’s most scenic alpine locations.

! Ride classic roads of the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia without the crowds and traffic AND at your own pace.

! Experience the best of the French & Italian Alpes notably Mont Ventoux, Alpe d’Huez, Croix de Fer, Monte Cenisio and some the highest passes in Europe including Col du Galibier and Col d’Agnel.

! Experience Provence at its best, enjoying many a good coffee in some of our favourite (and spectacular) locations including Vaison la Romaine, Grignan and Nyons.

! Delicious and filling buffet breakfast on ALL mornings ! Delicious dinners on many of the nights INCLUDING selected beverages. ! Ample things to do for partners and non riders, 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. ! 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 if required. ! You receive the PRO treatment. Our professional Soignier support includes transfer of

luggage, expert handling of your bike, hotel check-ins and taking care of any dietary needs.

! On road supplements including energy bars, drinks, mechanical, first aid and vehicle support throughout your ride (not just at the start and finish of each days ride)

! 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 ! Welcome pack, including a procyclingtours jersey, water bottle, cap, ride maps and

much more. ! Picnic lunches on selected days, where café lunch stops are not possible. ! Flexible ride options each day, from challenging to nice and steady. ! Quality 2013 BMC bikes available for rent and includes full set-up, helmet, spares,

bottles & insurance option. ! Challenge yourself whilst knowing that you are fully supported by procyclingtours every

step of the way.

TOUR$HIELIGHTS,$INCLUSIONS$&$DETAILS!

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TOUR COST: $4850 valid until 31st August then subject to

exchange rate review.

HIRE BIKE PACK OPTION: $585 ($675 with insurance)

SINGLE ROOM OPTION: $1100

TOUR DATES: TBC 14th June to 22nd June 2014 (9 days/ 8 nights)

START / FINISH: Lyon International Airport, France

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For more information please contact us by email at

info@procyclingtours.com

or visit us at

www.procyclingtours.com

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