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Le Tour de France  '09
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Official Operator of Tour de France
96th Tour de France - 4th to 26th July 2009

Following one of the most exciting finishes in the 2008 Tour de France, since Lemond and Fignon, interest in Le Tour is at a new high, especially with the fantastic winning performances of Mark Cavendish and the possibility of Lance Armstrong making his comeback in 2009.

The route for the 2009 Tour de France was announced on October 22nd and brief details of our trips can be found below.

After 19 years of operating successful tours to the Tour de France, Sports Tours Cycling Graham Baxter has established itself as world leaders in this special type of cycling holiday. As a result we have been appointed by the organisation as the UKs Official Tour Operator to the 2009 Tour de France and we have incredible access to some of the Tour de France’s inner secrets.

For 2009 we expect to be operating no less than 14 different holidays to the Tour de France from weeks to weekends, and VIP special access tours, with or without your bike, there is something for everyone.










In order to cater for all budgets, in addition to our LIVE THE DREAM packages, we offer 2 further different quality levels of accommodation to our tours; QUALITY & STANDARD.

QUALITY TOURS:
These tours use quality 3* & 4*accommodation, e.g. Chain hotels like Novotel & Mercure as well as other 3* quality independant & family run hotels. Most hotel rooms have airconditioning. Dinner drinks are not included.
The trips also include guided bike rides.

STANDARD TOURS:
On these tours we use good standard 2* & 3* hotels, e.g. chain hotels like Ibis, Campanile, Kyriad as well as family run hotels (Logis de France). Not all rooms will have air conditioning.
Standard trips do not include guided bike rides.

We hope that you find these changes an improvement to what are very successful tours, and I shall look forward to meeting you on one of the tours in 2009.

Yours in Cycling, 
Graham Baxter

 

co Start and Early Stages:

THE WHOLE TOUR - MONACO TO PARIS (3rd to 27th July)
With the Tour de France organisers offering one of the most unusual and interesting routes for years, this trip follows the whole race, from the opening time trial on the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit at Monaco, to the cobbles of the Champs Elysees.

On a trip using 3* and 4* hotels throughout, you will see every stage, including the hotly contested sprints, the individual and team time trials, and of course, all the important mountain stages, culminating in the penultimate stage finish at Mont Ventoux, where the final yellow jersey of the Tour may be decided.

FIND OUT MORE: THE WHOLE TOUR >>

AVAILABILITY:
1 twin room available


THE START WEEKEND (3rd to 6th July)
The 2009 Tour de France will start with a touch of Chic as the Principality of Monaco will host the Grand Depart. The 2009 Tour de France will start with a 15km Individual Time Trial based upon the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, and the hilly course will make for an interesting 1st stage. The following day the 2nd stage will leave the Principality of Monaco, or Monte Carlo as some people prefer to call it, from the F1 start grid and will take in many famous landmarks that feature on the Grand Prix circuit including the Casino and the Mirabeau hairpin.
This is a great way of having a short break cycling holiday and our Tour de France start weekends will be based in Nice, and we have secured accommodation at hotels of a variety of standards, from basic 2* to luxury 4*.

FIND OUT MORE: THE START WEEKEND >>

AVAILABILITY:
2* & 3* FOR 4 NIGHTS: 1 TWIN (2 places) 1/2 TWIN FEMALE TO SHARE (1 place)
2* & 3* FOR 3 NIGHTS: 2 TWIN (4 places) 1/2 TWIN MALE TO SHARE (1 place)


MONACO TO THE PYRENEES (3rd to 14th July)
The first week of the 2009 Tour de France will be one of the most interesting for many years and features both Individual & Team Time Trials, as well as mountain stages and flat stages.

Starting from the chic Principality of Monte Carlo with a 15km Individual time trial, the 09 route hugs the Mediterranean coast all the way to Spain and the city of Barcelona, before it heads inland to the high Pyrenees. There is also the return of the Team Time Trial in Montpellier. The 2009 Tour de France hits the high mountains early and on the 6th stage the riders enter the high Pyrenees with a stage to the Principality of Andorra. This is followed by 2 more Pyrenean stages to St Girons and Tarbes before the riders take a well earned rest day.

On this tour you will see a whole variety of stages from Time Trials to all the Pyrenean stages of the 2009 Tour de France (Andorra, St Girons, Tarbes). These will be the first Mountain stages of the 2009 Tour de France, and will give the first signs of whose hot and whose not…….

FIND OUT MORE: MONACO TO THE PYRENEES >>

AVAILABILITY:
1 TWIN (2 places)
1/2 TWIN MALE TO SHARE (1 place)
1/2 TWIN FEMALE TO SHARE (1 place)



The Mountain Stages

THE 2 PYRENEAN STAGES (ANDORRA & ST GIRONS) 9th to 12th July
This tour is designed for those people who don’t have the time to spend 10 days or 2 weeks following the Tour de France but want to see some of the most exciting mountain stages. On this tour you will see the first Mountain stages of the 2009 Tour de France, Andorra & St Girons

FIND OUT MORE: THE 2 PYRENEAN STAGES >>

AVAILABILITY:
SORRY, THE 2 PYRENEAN STAGES PACKAGE IS FULLY BOOKED


THE 3 PYRENEAN STAGES (ANDORRA, ST GIRONS, TARBES) 9th to 13th July
This tour is designed for those people who don’t have the time to spend 10 days or 2 weeks following the Tour de France but want to see some of the most exciting mountain stages. On this tour you will see the All the Pyrenean stages of the 2009 Tour de France (Andorra, St Girons, Tarbes). These will be the first Mountain stages of the 2009 Tour de France, and will give the first signs of whose hot and whose not…….

FIND OUT MORE: THE 3 PYRENEAN STAGES >>

AVAILABILITY:
SORRY, THE 3 PYRENEAN STAGES PACKAGE IS FULLY BOOKED


[LIVE THE DREAM] - LES PYRENEES PACKAGE 9th to 13th July
Have you ever dreamed of riding a stage of the Tour de France, crossing the finish line with your hands in the air, and climb the Tour de France podium to have the yellow jersey put on? Well dream no more, with our [Live the Dream] package, dreams become reality.

As an Official Tour Operator of Le Tour de France, we are able to offer you this fantastic and unique opportunity to ride a Classic Pyrenean stage of the Tour de France, from St Gaudens to Tarbes the very same day as the Tour riders themselves.

FIND OUT MORE: [LIVE THE DREAM] - LES PYRENEES >>

AVAILABILITY:
SORRY, THE [LIVE THE DREAM] - LES PYRENEES PACKAGE IS FULLY BOOKED


[LIVE THE DREAM - LES ALPES PACKAGE - 18TH to 24th July
Have you ever dreamed of riding a stage of the Tour de France, crossing the finish line with your hands in the air, and climb the Tour de France podium to have the yellow jersey put on? Well dream no more, with our [Live the Dream] package, dreams become reality.

As an Official Tour Operator of Le Tour de France, we are able to offer you this fantastic and unique opportunity to ride an Alpine stage of the Tour de France, from Bourg St Maurice to Le Grand Bornand the very same day as the Tour riders themselves. On arrival in Le Grand Bornand you will cross the finish line and have your photo taken on the Tour de France podium.

FIND OUT MORE: [LIVE THE DREAM] - LES ALPES >>


THE FINAL 2 WEEKS (LOIRE VALLEY, VOSGES, ALPS, MOUNT VENTOUX & PARIS) 13th to 27th July
On this tour you will see the 2009 Tour de France winner emerge, and it offers a variety of stages from flats to Mountains and Time Trials. This tour will start in the beautiful Loire Valley and the town of Orleans from where we'll see 3 flat stages, after which you will see all the crucial stages of the 2009 Tour de France, which includes the Medium Mountain stages of the Vosges, All the Alpine Mountain stages, the MAIN Individual Time Trial around Lake Annecy, as well as the spectacular summit finish on top of the mythical Mont Ventoux on the penultimate days racing. If this is not enough, we have reserved the fast TGV train from Avignon to Paris, so that you can see the final stage on the cobblestones of the Champs Elysees.

FIND OUT MORE: THE FINAL 2 WEEKS >>

AVAILABILITY:
SORRY, THE FINAL 2 WEEKS PACKAGE IS FULLY BOOKED


THE ALPS, ANNECY TIME TRIAL & MONT VENTOUX - THE FINAL WEEK (17th to 27th July)
On this tour you will see all the crucial stages of the 2009 Tour de France, which includes All the Alpine Mountain stages, the MAIN Individual Time Trial around Lake Annecy, as well as the spectacular summit finish on top of the mythical Mont Ventoux on the penultimate days racing. If this is not enough, we have reserved the fast TGV train from Avignon to Paris, so that you can see the final stage on the cobblestones of the Champs Elysees.

FIND OUT MORE: THE ALPS, ANNECY TIME TRIAL & MONT VENTOUX >>

AVAILABILITY:
SORRY, THE FINAL WEEK PACKAGE IS FULLY BOOKED


A WEEK IN THE ALPS - FIXED CENTRE (17th to 25th July)
On this tour you will see all the crucial Alpine stages as well as the all important Annecy Time Trial and the stage start in Bourgoin Jallieu.

Those with bikes have some fantastic rides, as many of the famous Tour de France climbs are on the door step of the hotel (Col du Forclaz, Col des Saisies, Cormet du Roseland, Aravis, Colombiere).

Apart from the first and last nights in Paris at our transfer hotel this tour will be based at a fixed centre in the French Alps for 6 nights from where you will travel each day to see the Tour de France.

We have chosen the small town of Faverges (between Albertville and Lake Annecy) to base ourselves, as this will provide good access to all the Alpine stages. You will be based at the 3* Best Western Hotel Florimont on Dinner Bed & Breakfast.

FIND OUT MORE: A WEEK IN THE ALPS >>

AVAILABILITY:
SORRY, THE WEEK IN THE ALPS PACKAGE IS FULLY BOOKED


ALL THE ALPINE STAGES (18th to 24th July)
On this tour you will see all the crucial Alpine stages (Verbier, Les Arcs, Le Grand Bornand) as well as the all important Annecy Time Trial.

Those with bikes have some fantastic rides, as many of the famous Tour de France climbs are on the door step of the hotel (Col de la Colombiere, Col des Aravis, Col de Joux Plane, Col des Saisies, Col du Forclaz).

Flights to Geneva airport, from where we shall meet you.

We have chosen the pretty town of Faverges to base ourselves, as this will provide good access to all the Alpine stages.

FIND OUT MORE: ALL THE ALPINE STAGES >>

AVAILABILITY:
SORRY, THE ALL ALPINE STAGES PACKAGE IS FULLY BOOKED


2 ALPINE STAGES (LE GRAND BORNAND & ANNECY TT) 21st to 24th July
This tour is designed for those people who don’t have the time to spend 10 days or 2 weeks following the Tour de France but want to see some of the most exciting mountain stages. On this tour you will see the final Alpine mountain stage to Le Grand Bornand as well as the crucial Annecy Time Trial.

Flights to Geneva airport, from where we shall meet you.

FIND OUT MORE: 2 ALPINE STAGES >>

AVAILABILITY:
3 TWINS (6 places)
1/2 TWIN FEMALE TO SHARE (1 place)


THE DECIDING STAGES (LE GRAND BORNAND, ANNECY TT, AUBENAS & MONT VENTOUX) 21st to 26th July
This tour is designed for those people who don’t have the time to spend 10 days or 2 weeks following the Tour de France but want to see some of the most exciting mountain stages. On this tour you will see all the decisive stages of the 2009 Tour de France, the final Alpine mountain stage to Le Grand Bornand, the crucial Annecy Time Trial, transitional stage to Aubenas and the spectacular Mont Ventoux…..

Flights to Geneva airport, from where we shall meet you.

FIND OUT MORE: THE DECIDING STAGES >>

AVAILABILITY:
2nd coach now booking - 4 twin rooms available (8 places)


AUBENAS & MONT VENTOUX (3* & 2* Options) - 23rd to 26th July
This tour is designed for those people who don’t have the time to spend 10 days or 2 weeks following the Tour de France but want to see some of the most exciting mountain stages.

You will spend 3 nights in the beautiful roman town of Avignon, and you will see the most crucial and definitely the most exciting stage of the 2009 Tour de France, Le Mont Ventoux. The day before the stage to Mont Ventoux you will also see the stage finish into Aubenas.

You will have the opportunity to bring your bike and ride the beautiful Ardeche Gorges enroute to Aubenas as well as climbing the mythical mountain of Mont Ventoux.

This tour is also ideal for non cycling partners as there are lots of things to do in Avignon city, and the world famous Avignon Theatre Festival is being held throughout July.

FIND OUT MORE: AUBENAS & MONT VENTOUX >>

AVAILABILITY:
2* Hotel Package - Fully Booked
3* Hotel Package - Fully Booked


The Paris Finale

Final Weekend in Paris (3* Hotel)
As an Official Tour Operator of Le Tour de France, we are able to offer you this fantastic package to the final stage of the 2009 Tour de France.
Includes grandstand seats in the official tribune “Grand Palais” located at the lower end of the Champs Elysees on the opposite side to the finishing straight.

FIND OUT MORE: THE FINAL WEEKEND (3* HOTEL) >>

AVAILABILITY:
ON REQUEST - Contact Us


Final Weekend in Paris (4* Luxury Hotel)
As an Official Tour Operator of Le Tour de France, we are able to offer you this fantastic package to the final stage of the 2009 Tour de France.
Includes grandstand seats in the official sheltered tribune “Tuileries” located on the Place de la Corncorde looking up the Champs Elysees.

FIND OUT MORE: THE FINAL WEEKEND (4* LUXURY HOTEL) >>

AVAILABILITY:
ON REQUEST - Contact Us


Champs Elysees Hospitality VIP Packages & Grandstand seats:
As an Official Tour Operator of Le Tour de France we are able to offer you a range of VIP Hospitality packages on the Champs Elysees, from where you will see the final stage of the 2008 Tour de France.

These range from a basic Grandstand seats to Hospitality packages with a gastronomic lunch and some of the most prestigious grandstand seats available.

FIND OUT MORE: CHAMPS ELYSEES FINAL STAGE VIP PACKAGES >>


Live the Dream VIP Days on the Tour de France

VIP DAY TO REMEMBER - MONTELIMAR TO MONT VENTOUX
Would you like to experience a day on the inside of the Tour de France?
Your day will start with a visit to the Official Start Village then you will travel in an official vehicle along the route before the race and finally be taken to our exclusive Izoard Hospitality Area just near the finish line to see the finish of the race. Limited to 6 persons.

FIND OUT MORE: VIP DAY ON THE TOUR DE FRANCE >>

AVAILABILITY:
SORRY, THE VIP DAY TO REMEMBER - [MONTELIMAR TO MONT VENTOUX] PACKAGE IS FULLY BOOKED


FOLLOW A RIDER
See the torture of the time trial first hand by following a rider in the time trial at the Tour de France.
Your day will start with access to the riders’ enclosure where all the riders will be warming up for the Time Trial, then follow the rider through the stage to the finish and finally with access to the finish area. Definitely a Day to Remember! Limited to 3 persons.

FIND OUT MORE: LIVE THE DREAM [FOLLOW A RIDER ON LE TOUR] >>

AVAILABILITY:
SORRY, THE LIVE THE DREAM [FOLLOW A RIDER ON LE TOUR] PACKAGE IS FULLY BOOKED


VIP HELICOPTER FLIGHT PACKAGE
As Official Tour Operators to the Tour de France, Sports Tours International are able to offer you this fabulous day at the Tour de France.

"Bespoke helicopter flights" is a new VIP programme enabling customers to be invited to enjoy an outstanding day following the route of the Tour, including flying over it in a helicopter.

FIND OUT MORE: VIP HELICOPTER FLIGHT PACKAGE >>


RIDE LE TOUR
“Ride Le Tour” is the ultimate challenge..........where you will be able to ride the whole or part of the 2009 Tour de France route, 2 days ahead of the Pro Peloton. You will ride the exact stage route as the pros and take rest days when they do.

We have divided the 2009 Tour de France route into 3 Challenge rides, broken up by the 2 rest days, and you can ride just one challenge, or all 3.

Monaco to the Pyrenees 1st to 11th July (9 stages) - Places available
Limoges to Verbier 11th to 18th July (6 stages) - Places available
Martigny to Paris 18th to 25th July (6 stages) - Fully Booked

Each tour will be limited to 5 riders.

You are not obliged to ride the whole stage each day, and you can travel part way in our support van and ride the distance that suites you.

Throughout each stage you will have the full vehicle support with energy products, and 2 Sports Tours staff to look after you.

FIND OUT MORE: RIDE LE TOUR >>


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