Tour de France 2012 in the Pyrenees

Sammy Sanchez blasts his way to victory at Luz Ardiden in the 2011 race

So the suspense and anticipation is over with and we now know that we have three Tour de France stages passing through the Pyrenees in 2012. As in previous years, a trip with PyrActif will get you right to the heart of the action whilst providing you with some superb riding opportunities & authentic Pyrenean hospitality.

After airport transfers from Toulouse on the morning of Saturday 14th July, our itinerary between through to Sat 21st July will include:

Sun 15th July - an initial warm-up ride aimed at giving guests the opportunity to sample the pre-Tour atmosphere, settle their legs into the rhythm of riding the great cols. We'll tackle the Col d'Aspin to give everyone a taster of a 'solid' Category 1 climb and to open up some of the best viewpoints in the Pyrenees.

Mon 16th July - the arrival of our first Tour stage. This one is more of a sprinters stage, just skirting the Pyrenees as it heads across from the East & culminating in a stage finish in the historic Tour city of Pau.

If necessary, we will transport guests & bikes by minibus leave ourselves a 30-40km ride to a top vantage point for the day's stage..

Tue 17th July - Tour de France Rest Day

Today, we'll head out for a ride over two of the many Tour climbs situated nearby. With over a dozen to choose from, we won't be short of options to suit any riding appetite.

Wed 18th July - Pau to Luchon - a 'classic' Pyrenean Tour stage successively climbing the Western slopes of the Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin & Peyresourde, before plunging down into the historic spa town of Luchon. Thomas Voeckler won the last stage to finish here, in 2010.

Guests will have the option to climb any of the last three key passes to reach their preferred vantage point. For us, the decisive climb will be the Peyresourde & we'll be riding there directly from our home base (a 40km ride) to secure some of the best viewpoints.

Thu 19th July - Luchon to Peyragudes. Only 15km 'as the crow flies', but with the ASO team sending the riders over the leg-sapping slopes of the Col de Mente (Cat 1) and the Port de Bales (HC) before the final ascent to the ski station at Peyragudes, this one has all the ingredients to be a potential race-decider.

Some guests will favour a vantage point on the upper slopes of the stunningly beautiful Port de Bales; others will prefer to head close to the stage finish by climbing the Col de Peyresourde. Both provide superb vantage points and either could see the decisive action of the day unfold. With both being within 30km, we will be spoilt for choice and there will be another exciting day's racing in store, for sure.

Fri 20th July - A 'Grand Finale' ride, with guests perhaps stringing together all three of the main climbs from Thursday's stage to give themselves a 'pro-level' challenge for the day, or we will happily tailor an alternative route to give riders access to others of the many iconic cols close by.

Sat 21st July - a.m. transfer back to Toulouse airport for departing guests.

Outside of the race days themselves, we can also map out options for some easier 'recovery' rides which loop you around some of the best local landmarks, cafes & restaurants. Or, if you prefer, you can use the non-racing days to sample the range of other activities available in the Pyrenees - hiking, kayaking, rafting, climbing and good old-fashioned relaxing!.

So why not join us for a week of outstanding action and the chance to ride some of the great 'Monument' climbs for yourself.

All of this combined with our usual mix of welcoming, homely hospitality & great food.

Dates & prices are shown below; contact us soon to book your place or to request more details.