Day 1 - Madrid - Sun 8 July, 2012

Following an early morning pick-up from central Madrid we have a 6hr transfer to Urzainki which is located in the mountainous northern Spanish province of Navarra. We will stop half-way to visit Soria which is one of Spain’s premiere red wine regions. Here we will enjoy lunch at a bodega (wine cellar) and have time to visit a beautiful Romanesque style church.    

We will check-in to our hotel in Urzainki during the afternoon and have time to set-up the bicycles. A gentle late afternoon ride will be available for those who want to stretch out their legs and test their bikes before Stage 1 of the cyclo-sportive. 

Sleep:   Urzainki

Meals:   Lunch / Dinner with beer & wine provided

Day 2 - Stage 1 - Urzainki to Luz (163km) - Mon 9 July, 2012 

Cycling from northern Spain we will cross the border into France. Awaiting us are the famous climbs of Marie Blanque and Col d’Aubisque. Today is the longest stage of the cyclo-sportive and will take us to Luz St Sauveur in the heart of the French Pyrenees.

   Full Cycling Profile







Sleep:   Luz

Meals:   Full-board

Day 3 – Stage 2 - Luz to Luz (110km) - Tues 10 July, 2012

Today the challenge of Boucharo awaits us! The first 31km climb to ‘Boucharo’ means that it will be a challenging day. We also have the chance to climb the picturesque Troumousse before returning to Luz for a well deserved rest.







  Full Cycling Profile

Sleep:    Luz

Meals:    Full-board

Day 4 – Stage 3 - Luz to St Lary (108km) - Wed 11 July, 2012

The Tourmalet is always a favourite amongst recreational cyclists! The 18km climb at almost 8% will get our cycling off to a solid start. As you climb you gaze down over the valley where we started out from! The views are amazing and all of a sudden the cycling begins to feel a lot easier! Following the Tourmalet we still have three more climbs taking us to approximately 3600m of elevation gain in one cycling stage!

  Full Cycling Profile








Sleep:  St Lary

Meals:  Full-board

Day 5 – Stage 4 - St Lary to Bielsa (118km) – Thur 12 July, 2012 

The climb Cap d’Aumar will be our biggest challenge for the day. The 25km long climb at 5.7% will be challenging but rewarding after the three previous days of accumulation. We will also enjoy cycling through the Bielsa tunnel where we will cross back into Spain in readiness for Stage 5. 






  
   Full Cycling Profile

Sleep:   Bielsa

Meals:  Full-board

Day 6 – Stage 5 - Bielsa to Formigal (134km) – Fri 13 July, 2012 

Today’s ride takes in some of the best of the Spanish Pyrenees. The climbs are very scenic and not overly taxing as the average grades range between 3.5 – 5%. This is a day of cycling to really enjoy! The final climb up to the Spanish ski resort of Formigal is something to behold as you may mistake the views for Austria or Switzerland!





  Full Cycling Profile

Sleep:  Formigal

Meals:  Full-board

Day 7 – Stage 6 - Formigal to Urzainki (136km) – Sat 14 July , 2012 

This stage of cycling sees us take in two border crossings. Starting from Spain we cross into France and enjoy a thrilling 30km descent down the famous ‘Portalet’. The ascent of Marie Blanque is attacked from the east which is slightly gentler in grade than the western approach experienced during Stage 1. The final climb to Piedra San Martin (Rock of San Martin) will provide a fitting finish to what has been a truly amazing cycling journey. The 26km climb will take us back to the Spanish border and bring us full circle as we enjoy the final descent to our start/finish point in Urzainki. What a great 6 days of cyclo-sportive action!

For those continuing on with our ‘2012 Tour de France’ cycling tour package we will leave for Toulouse late afternoon on Day 7. All of our other guests will relax for 1 more night in Urzainki before a morning transfer back to Madrid by one of our trusted transport providers. 





  Full Cycling Profile

Sleep:  Urzainki

Meals:  Full-board

Day 8 - Madrid – Sun 15 July, 2012

Following breakfast you will check-out of the hotel. For those returning to Madrid we will organise for you a morning transfer. If you decide to stay on in the Navarrra or Pyrenees region you are free to continue your travels.

Meals:  Breakfast

Please let us know if we can assist you with any additional post-tour travel arrangements.

IMPORTANT

In order to secure your booking a 20% tour deposit is required. 

All prices are per person and are land-based only, including double occupancy (i.e. two sharing a room). Cash and direct deposit payments do not attract a fee. Visa/Mastercard payments incur a 2% fee and Amercian Express a 3% fee. 

                                      Contact Paul on (03) 9016 9830 / 0412 711 200 

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