L’Etape du Tour 2008

The Etape returns once again to the Pyrénnées in a classic stage taking in the mighty Col du Tourmalet from Ste-Marie-de-Campan, and finishing at the ski-station of Hautacam, scene of Lance Armstrong's demolition of Marco Pantani en route to the second of his seven Tour de France victories.

The event looks easier than the previous two years, being a little shorter and with 2 major climbs, and would be a great event for those new to the Etape, and an opportunity for more seasoned campaigners to aim for a gold or silver medal.

For the event we will be staying in Lourdes, a short coach journey from the start in Pau and an even shorter distance from the finish at Hautacam. We have 3- and 4- day options in 3* and 4* hotels. All will be based on collection and return from the airports at Pau and Toulouse and Lourdes TGV station. The start day for all packages will be 4th July (Friday). As in previous years, we will be offering a bike transport service from our premises in NW London and Hertfordshire to and from the event for those who don't want to leave their bikes to the tender mercies of the baggage handlers.

For those staying on for an extra day, there will be ride-outs to conquer the Cols du Soulor and Aubisque on the Monday after the event.

PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to return your entry form (which will be sent out in December) stamped by a doctor confirming your fitness to ride the event, or accompanied by a copy of your BC UCI approved license before the end of January 2008.

The following options are available:

3 night standard package

Staying in 3* accomodation on a half board basis (dinner, bed and breakfast) with transfers to and from airport/railway station, transfers to and from start village for registration and to race sart and from race finish.

3 night standard package
Sharing in twin accomodation:	£565 per person
Single supplement :	£75
Non participating accompanying:	£375 per person

4 night standard package

Staying in 3* accomodation on a half board basis (dinner, bed and breakfast) with transfers to and from airport/railway station, transfers to and from start village for registration and to race sart and from race finish.

4 night standard package
Sharing in twin accomodation:	£615 per person
Single supplement :	£100
Non participating accompanying:	£415 per person

3 night luxury package SOLD OUT

Staying in 4* accomodation on a half board basis (dinner, bed and breakfast) with transfers to and from airport/railway station, transfers to and from start village for registration and to race sart and from race finish.

Prices :
Sharing in twin accomodation:	£635 per person
Single supplement :	£105
Non participating accompanying:	£450 per person

4 night luxury package SOLD OUT

Staying in 4* accomodation on a half board basis (dinner, bed and breakfast) with transfers to and from airport/railway station, transfers to and from start village for registration and to race sart and from race finish.

4 night luxury package
Sharing in twin accomodation:	£685 per person
Single supplement :	£140
Non participating accompanying:	£525 per person

Entry only

Entry only
Entry only:	£120 per person

What’s included

• Guaranteed entry to L’Etape du Tour 2008.
• Coach transfer to and from the local airport or major train / TGV station. *
• Experienced bi-lingual guides. *
• Welcome pack with information pack, route guides, training advice.*
• Luggage transfer from hotel in race start region to hotel in race finish region. *
• Coach transfers to and from: Start village (signing on); Race start and finish; Tour de France stage. *

* excludes Entry Only package

What’s not included

• Travel to pick-up points
• Bicycle (you will probably want your own best bike to tackle the etape; we do have a limited number of race bikes in a few sizes — please phone or e-mail to discuss)
• Lunches (we will advise on good spots for lunch)
• Beers, soft drinks and coffee.