Lance Armstrong put many of his Tour de France victories down to reconnaissance trips to both the Alps & Pyrenees. Since then most of the top teams organise reconnaissance trips to the key mountain stages of the Tour de France.

Just like the pros……we are bringing to you an Etape du Tour reconnaissance weekend whereby you will be able to pre ride all or part of the 2008 Etape du Tour route. Whether you are an Etape veteran that wants to pre ride the full route to see if you are on target to achieve your Etape goal, or whether you are an Etape virgin and want to check out just the climbs of the Tourmalet and Hautacam, this will be a very beneficial weekend.

You will get first hand experience of both the climbs and the descents. You’ll learn how to pace yourself on the 18km climb of the Col du Tourmalet and watch out for the danger points on its descent.

So come Etape du Tour on the 6^th July, you’ll know exactly what is required to achieve your goal, whether its to beat the broom wagon or get a gold standard…….you’ll be prepared.

Our reconnaissance weekend will be based on the outskirts of Argeles Gazost at the excellent 2* Hotel Pierre d’Agos, which is located close to the base of the climb to Hautacam.

We shall offer 2 reconnaissance rides, the first for those who want to ride the full 154km route from Pau to Hautacam, and the second will be 115km from the first small climb of the route at Labatmale.

The training rides will be backed up by vehicular support and food & drink stations will be provided by SiS (Science in Sport).

In the evening their will be informative seminars, where the 2008 Etape du Tour route will be discussed by a panel of experts who have ridden the Etape du Tour, and have knowledge of the 2008 Etape route. We will have a route & profile analysis as well as a list of top tips on how to ride the Etape.

There will also be a very informative seminar on what you need to eat & drink to get you through the Etape.

Friday 6^th June:
Arrange your own flight or drive to either of the following airports, Toulouse or Pau. Alternatively drive direct to the hotel in Argeles Gazost.

Check out the following airlines for flights to Toulouse & Pau

Easy Jet www.easyjet.com   Jet 2 www.jet2.com   BMI www.fly-bmi.com   Fly Be www.flybe.com
BA www.ba.com  Air France www.airfrance.com 
Ryan Air www.ryanair.com operate direct flights to Pau from London Stansted

We shall only operate 2 coach transfers from Toulouse airport 13.00hrs and 17.00hrs.
We shall operate 1 coach transfer from Pau to coincide with the flight from London Stansted.

Please make sure that you book your bike onto the flight (this maybe at an extra cost). Flights are going to be in high demand, so please book early to secure a seat and get the best rate.

Those choosing to drive can leave their car at any of the airports (Toulouse & Pau) or at the hotel in Argeles Gazost.

On arrival at your chosen airport you will be met by our reps, who will show you to the awaiting coach  that will take you to your hotel near Argeles Gazost, where we shall spend 2 nights on Half Board basis (Dinner, B&B) at the excellent 2* Hotel Pierre d’Agos.

Saturday 7th June:
After an Early Buffet Breakfast we will split into 2 groups. Those wanting to ride the full route will be taken the short distance to Pau for the start, whilst those wanting to ride the last 115km will be taken to their start point (Labatmale).
Each group will be fully supported by a vehicle supplied with SiS products, and will be available for the deposit and collection of clothing.
After finishing the ride on the mountain of Hautacam, you will be able to descend and ride back to the Hotel Pierre d’Agos.
In the evening we shall have a debrief / discussion session over the route.

Sunday 8^th June:
After breakfast we shall offer transfers back to the airport of Toulouse at the following times (07.00hrs & 13.00hrs) and to Pau for the Ryan Air flight back to London Stansted.

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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