Tours Preview for 2009 TDF

We are looking at some early information that says Mont Ventoux will be on the 2009 Tour route - FINALLLY! We are holding tight to the dates and so on we have pieced together for now, but we are looking to propose 4 tours because of the way the route will go. Each of these tours will be small groups, supported, guided, and affordable! We hope to cover more of the race this way without killing everyone in the process. The route we see makes this manageable. Here is a brief outline of our plans:

Week 1 - Opening of the TDF in Monte Carlo
We'll offer a trip here for the start and then move on to the Provence/Languedoc area. We believe that with a start in the sunny and beautiful French Riviera region we will have more interest. That as opposed to more traditional starts and a first week over flat and relatively less attractive ride routes.

Week 2 - Stay in the South of France, maybe cross over into Spain and the Pyrenees

Week 3 - 2 tours; one starting from the French Pyrenees and one starting in the French Alpes and both converging at Mont Ventoux before going to Paris.

Minimum group sizes will be 6 persons, max group size 12. A number of private groups and past travelers are already in line for what we are working on. Lance Armstrong has given a boost - of course - to the race and more people are relooking at coming to France in 09!

L

Armstrong to Astana

Its official, and we can let the frenzy begin. And why not! Lance Armstrong is a star - clearly - and its just fine because cycling benefits and Lance gets to promote his cancer message.

Today it has been confirmed that Armstrong will race for Team Astana, the same team of Alberto Contador who just claimed his own thunder in the Vuelta and at 25 looks to be a future cycling star in his own right for many years to come. So, undoubtedly they are talking about tensions between Armstrong and Contador. There has to be some drama somewhere doesn't there?!

So, what will be available to watch Astana and Lance Armstrong in 2009? It starts with the Tour Down Under in Australia, in January. Velonews reported previously that the list of races targeted would also include Paris-Nice, the Dauphine Libere, and of course the Tour.

Anyone interested in attending any of these races as part of a tour group to do some hard core cycling at the same time, please contact us with your interest. We are holding space and will be forming tour groups to announce later when dates and events are confirmed.

Go Lance!

Loren

Lance is Back

New blog starting; transferring content from the Discover France Adventures blog over to this for when it pertains to Challenge Tours in France.


Yes, OMG, Lance has announced his return! Its great news for cycling fans and travel companies for sure. Since the rumor on Monday and the official news on Tuesday, our inquiries for going to see the Tour in 2009 have taken a 5 fold increase in a few days.
So, to add momentum to the mounting frenzy, here is the best place to get info on the 2009 Tour - what we know for the moment:
http://www.letour.fr/2008/TDF/COURSE/us/grand_depart_2009.html
The Tour will start in Monaco on July 4th and do a 2nd stage on July 5th. Team presentations and lots of activities will preceed the July 4th start. The first 2 stages will be impressive with a beautiful seaside city of royalty hosting including the use of part of the Monaco Grand Prix course. Oh, and it isn't flat on that coastline!
The rest of the route remains a mystery until it is announced officially at the end of October in Paris. We are making advance preparations, including the blocking of space, but there is still time to quote and book private group trips. There are a number of ways to see the Tour, and we have some ideas on how to do it without it being too exhausting.
All of our tours for 2009 at the "French Grand Tour" will be cycling tours. We have no plans to offer spectator tours. Contact us if you have a private group and want to quote a program, or if you want to join a group and need details about what will be available.
info@cyclingclassics.com
Alright now, can we be patient and wait til the end of October?
Regards,
Loren
www.cyclingclassics.com
800-960-2221