This year we have master guides Frank and Dana leading our trip to the Tour de France. According to Outside Magazine blogger David Cox, they have already been amazing to get the Ciclismo group on mountain passes where it wouldn't otherwise have been possible.
Today the Tour finishes on the Alp d'Huez and tomorrow our Ciclismo guests get to ride this famous climb!
Trip R&D specialist Enrico Pizzorni spoke with us prior to the trip's departure, we thought we'd share what he had to say. As we get pictures back from the trip, we will post those for you to see!
Tell me about the Ciclismo trip to the Tour.
Enrico: The Tour de France is one of the biggest annual events, second only to the World Cup soccer and the Olympics. The number of fans is enormous. For that reason, there are certain stages of the tour that are better when watched on tv like the Alp d'Huez. It's no fun to be stuck at the top of the mountain for hours after the racers have passed through. We often take the road and climbs that are the best for viewing the race and having fun--not being crushed by the crowd. We make sure people have the richest memories of being part of the race to bring back from the trip, that's what's most important. We see more sprint finishes and time trials at the TDF.
What are you looking forward to for this year's TDF?
Enrico: This year the Tour has a significant portion in Italy, so the first few nights are there where we enjoy Italian food and tradition. Then we get into the French alps where they feature 2 amazing climbs--the Col d'Agnello & Col d'Izoard. Col d'Izolard is an icon in cycling, an Hors category climb and it has been raced in the TDF since 1922. Made famous by Fausto Coppi in the 1952 tour. When we're in France, we eat great French cheeses and a diet that includes veggies, meat, fish and alpine cuisine.
What is the atmosphere like at the Tour de France?
Enrico: This takes place when the French are off from work so many people follow the TDF. We see many families and people who don't particularly care about the race, but who want to be there. It's similar to the American's 4th of July, it's like a 3-week national holiday. It's definitely a cross-cultural event, we meet people from all over France, Italy and the world. Because it's such a well-attended event, it's a little harder to be as close to the racers as you can be at the Giro d'Italia, but still, the feeling is similar when waiting for the racers to come, that time when the time stands still...it's priceless and the adrenaline can't be beat.
Who is this trip for?
Again, the trips where we follow the races are unique and different from the other Ciclismo Classico trips because they are for people with a passion for professional cycling or the curiosity to be part of the event. They are for advanced riders and we get good, quality miles in on our bikes when we aren't watching the stages.
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