Since the official Etape du Tour event moved 1 week away from the Tour de France it has been impossible to watch the Tour de France riders complete the same stage that you rode within days of you riding the Etape.
Sports Tours International have brought to you the new concept of riding a mountain stage of the Tour de France 2 days before the Tour completes the same stage and staying on to watch the pros complete the same stage.

For the 2008 Tour de France we have chosen stage 17 from Embrun to L’Alpe d’Huez. It is 210km long and is an absolute classic stage that takes in some of the most monumental climbs in cycling, including the Col du Lauteret / Galibier and the Col de la Croix de Fer before finishing up the 21 hairpin bend switchbacks of L’Alpe d’Huez.

Although we don’t require a medical and there is no broom wagon chasing you, you must be in good enough condition to be able to complete the ride. We will set some timing guidelines and should you fall behind these you will be required to get in the support vehicle.

Not only will you see the Tour de France stage to Alpe d’Huez, you will see the first Alpine stage between Digne les bains and Prato Nevoso (Italy).

Savines Le Lac is in the Hautes Alpes region, 28km from Gap and 8km from Embrum. The hotel Eden Lac is located with views over the Lac Serre Poncon. Not only is it perfectly situated for the start of our Alpine Etape du Tour it is also perfectly located for accessing tomorrows stage of the Tour de France between Digne les Bains and Prato Nevoso (Italy).

Sunday 20th July: Watch the Digne les Bains to Prato Nevoso stage
Day to assemble your bike and stretch your legs with a short ride from the hotel to see today’s stage of the Tour de France, between Digne les Bains and Prato Nevoso. Today’s stage passes within 25km of the hotel.

After seeing the stage we shall return to the hotel, rest up and get ready for our own Alpine Etape du Tour.

Monday 21st July: Ride the Embrun to L’Alpe d’Huez stage
After an early breakfast we shall take you the 8km to Embrum where you will start this classic Alpine Mountain stage of the 2008 Tour de France. The route will take in the mythical climbs of the Col du Lauteret (2,058mt) which also forms part of the Col du Galibier (2,645mt), Col de la Croix de Fer (2,067mt) and the 21 hairpin switchbacks of L’Alpe d’Huez (1,860mt).

You will be supported throughout the stage with a Graham Baxter Sporting Tours vehicle.

After finishing the stage we shall spend the next 3 nights on L’Alpe d’Huez and wait for the Tour de France to arrive.

Tuesday 22nd July: Rest Day
After yesterday’s efforts, today will be a rest day at L’Alpe d’Huez and you will be able to watch stage 16 from Cuneo to Jausiers on the t.v. as well as sample the special atmosphere as the Alpe awaits Le Tour.

Wednesday 23rd July: Watch the Embrun to L’Alpe d’Huez stage
You rode the stage 2 days ago, you know what it feels like to complete a 210km classic Alpine stage of the Tour de France. Now watch the riders as they face up to the hardest stage of the 2008 Tour de France.
Our location in L’Alpe d’Huez could not be better for accessing the stage as the hotel is located on the stage route, approx 1km from the stage finish near to the final hairpin bend.
After seeing the stage we shall spend the night on L’Alpe d’Huez.

Thursday 24th July: Bourg d’Oisans stage start
After breakfast we shall descend L’Alpe d’Huez to the town of Bourg d’Oisans where we shall see the stage start.
After seeing the stage start which is expected to take place approx 12.30hrs we shall leave Bourg d’Oisans and return to Geneva airport. Approx arrival at Geneva airport will be 17.00hrs. If this is too late for your flight then we have reserved a hotel at the airport (see supplement).

Order a full Graham Baxter Sporting Tours cycling kit (short sleeved jersey, bib shorts, socks and cap) for only £70 (list price £85) when purchased with your holiday booking. See clothing page for clothing details and sizes. Clothing order must be paid in full and sent with holiday booking. The offer does not apply if ordered separately from holiday booking.

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