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"The Race" Announcement
Dear Traveler,
It's out! The official route for the 2012 World's Greatest Bike Race has been announced, and our experienced trip planners have crafted four incredible itineraries in the Alps and the Pyrénées to get you right into the action. Will Cadel Evans successfully defend his 2011 triumph and seize his second victory or will Andy Schleck finally have his day? What new stars will shine? In just seven months from now, you can be there to see for yourself. And with Backroads as your guide, you can count on phenomenal race viewing, stellar riding, ideally situated hotels and, of course, world-class support and service.
The 99th edition of the World's Greatest Race will feature more time trial kilometers (double the amount from 2011), tipping the balance in favor of riders like Cadel Evans, Bradley Wiggins and Alberto Contador. This puts the Schleck brothers and climbers like Robert Gesink and Jurgen Van Den Broeck on their heels. Overall we're expecting a closer, tighter race than in past years. Join us to be a part of the excitement!
In 2011, we quickly sold out of space on the World's Greatest Bike Race so call us today at 800-462-2848 to reserve your spot.
Best regards,
Tanya Nygaard
France Regional Manager
Christopher Carey
European Logistics Manager | |
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| Choose From Our Four Exciting Itineraries |
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The Alps with Casual Inns
Trip Dates: July 9-14, 2012
Meet/Depart: Grenoble/Chambery
Route Rating: 3-5
Pricing From: $3,998 - $4,598
After gathering in Grenoble, gateway to the French Alps, the Backroads vans whisk us to Les Deux Alpes, a stage finish town in 1998 and 2002. From here we tackle stunning and epic alpine routes, including the famous hairpins of l'Alpe d'Huez, as well as Deux Alpes itself. Pedal over Col du Glandon and Col de la Madeleine, two hors catégorie climbs, and be perfectly situated for race viewing the following day. We'll witness the excitement of Stage 11, a short, explosive stage that packs in four rated climbs, as well as Stage 12, from an ideal viewing spot on Col du Granier. Please note that the hotels on this trip are casual and were chosen not for their character, but because of their superior proximity to the race route.
 View the itinerary
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The Pyrénées with Casual Inns
Trip Dates: July 17-22, 2012
Meet/Depart: Lourdes/Toulouse
Route Rating: 3-5
Pricing From: $3,998 - $4,598
We gather in Lourdes, a city known for its pilgrimage sites and commanding position amid the Pyrenean foothills. Many race officials—and sometimes even the teams—stay here, so we anticipate infectious enthusiasm when we arrive. Choose between a scenic warm-up ride that includes the Col du Soulor or explore Lourdes on foot. The next morning, we ascend the legendary Col du Tourmalet, a classic climb that first appeared on the Tour in 1910. Once we arrive on the mountain, we settle in for Stage 16, the first Pyrénées mountain stage of this year's race. Then we're off to Aspet, where you'll have several options for race viewing. Once the riders pass and the roads are open, we'll make our way to Saint-Girons and climb the challenging Col de Portet d'Aspet. The following day is all about pure Pyrénées riding without any race disruptions or schedules, the highlight being an 11-mile climb to Col des Marrous, Col de Joules and Col de Péguere. Ready for more incomparable Pyrénées riding? Trace a portion of Stage 14 from the 2011 race, which includes Col de la Core, a Category 1 climb, and Col de Latrape. As the peloton sets its sights on Paris, you can enjoy a scenic morning spin around Saint-Gaudens. Please note that the hotels on this trip are casual and were chosen not for their character, but because of their proximity to the race route.
View the itinerary
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The Pyrénées & Dordogne with Casual Inns & a 4-Star Finish
Trip Dates: July 17-22, 2012
Meet/Depart: Lourdes/Brive-la-Gaillarde
Route Rating: 3-5
Pricing From: $3,998 - $4,598
The excitement begins in Lourdes, in the foothills of the Pyrénées, where we jump right into the action with a warm-up ride that includes the ascent of Col du Soulor. We'll be there to catch the unfolding drama of Stage 16 as the pro riders tackle both the Col d'Aubisque and the Col du Tourmalet before a downhill finish into Bagnères-de-Luchon. Stage 17—the last opportunity for the climbers, with the third and final summit finish—brings opportunities for more riding and viewing. We head northward along with the pros, as the race leaves the mountains and makes its way to Brive-la-Gaillarde. We ride to Sarlat, an enchanting town boasting more medieval, Renaissance and 17th-century buildings than any other city in France. Next, we pedal into the heart of the Dordogne to the bastide town of Domme, a charming 12th-century hamlet named one of the most beautiful villages in France. If you want to be on the Champs-Elysées to greet the pros, you'll have time to travel there by train on the morning of July 22. Allez! (This will be an early morning train with no time for riding on the last day.) Please note that the Pyrénées hotels on this trip are casual and were chosen not for their character, but because of their proximity to the race route.
View the itinerary
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GUEST QUOTE
"Phenomenal. Some of the hardest miles I've ever ridden on a bike, given the terrain, but I was ready to do it all over again by the time we were packing up to go home. In
fact, a few of us were already talking about where we might meet up next year. Perhaps the French Alps? Gotta climb
those hills!"
Nancy Tammi - Verona, NJ
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CALL 800-462-2848 or your travel agent to reserve your trip. Open daily from 7 am to 5 pm, PT.
All contents and photography © 2011 Backroads | 801 Cedar Street, Berkeley, CA, 94710 | 800-462-2848
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