Etape du Tour Acte I Weekend

1 PLACE AVAILABLE AT HOTEL GOLF ONLY.

Okay it's not the longest stage at 140km, but you'd better believe you're in for a tough day writes Road.cc. From the start at 345m the first job is to crest the 2,000m Col de la Madeleine, so that's a vertical mile of climbing in the first 40km. Then a huge descent into St Etienne de Cuines before a second hike a mile into the sky, over the 2,067 Col de la Croix de Fer.

A quick bump of the Col du Mollard on the way down deposits you at St Jean de Maurienne, ahead of the final climb to the ski station at La Toussuire at an altitude of 1,705m. That looks like a hard day at the office for the pros, and promises to be a real grind for all you sportivistes too.

For 2012 we're determined to give you the best Etape experience. We've listened to your feedback and for next year we'll be limiting each of our Etape groups to 15 people, each with a dedicated team of staff to give you the best personal service and support. Each group will be based separately and we have a range of accommodation to suit your budget.

We'd like you to be aware that despite our best organisation, the Etape is always a busy weekend with a lot of travelling required to collect bib numbers the day before and travelling to and from the race start and finish. If you would like a more relaxed weekend but still with a big challenge we recommend the La Ventoux Sportive or Granfondo Giordana.

LUXURY PACKAGE - Hotel Fer á Cheval (4*) - Megeve

Megeve is a charming ski town which retains a warm welcome in Summer. It's also handily located for the Etape, one hour from Geneva Airport and only 30 minutes from the start in Albertville. The Fer á Cheval is decorated in traditional Alpine fashion and offers the warm welcome of a ski chalet. It has a truly fantastic spa and is easy walking distance of the town centre.

Visit the hotel website

VALUE PACKAGE - Hotel Golf (3*) - Brides Les Bains

1 PLACE LEFT

Hotel Golf is a regular stop on our Rapha Randonnée Alpine and offers a warm welcome to cyclists. The charming small town of Brides les Bains is only 30 minutes from the start and just over an hour from the finish. Hotel Golf sits overlooking the town and many of the rooms enjoy amazing views towards Meribel and Courcheval.

Visit the hotel website

PLEASE BE SURE TO INFORM US OF YOUR HOTEL PREFERENCE AT TIME OF BOOKING. PLACES WILL ALLOCATED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.

What’s Included?

Three nights half board accommodation
All breakfasts and evening meals at the hotel and restaurants
Airport transfer and travel to and from race
Experienced guide and dedicated support car on each ride
Complimentary Energy Drink and Bars
La Fuga Pro Support on the course
Cyclefilm Etape du Tour Reconnaissance DVD
La Fuga Welcome Pack

What’s Not?

Flights
Lunchtime meals
Travel Insurance
Drinks with evening meals
Incidental Expenses
Tips and gratuities
Race registration*

* Please note - our package prices do not include race entry. We encourage you to obtain your entry via the Etape du Tour website. Entries go on sale on 17 November. Entries are cheaper through this route than booking through us. If you are unable to obtain an entry via this route we can still provide guaranteed entries for an additional fee. We are awaiting for costs to be confirmed by Etape organisers. Please remember to inform us if you need an entry from us, otherwise we will assume you've managed to get an entry via the official website.

The Knowledge

• Event: Etape du Tour Acte I - Alps
• Airport pickup: Please contact us before booking
• Hotel Fer a Cheval Single Occupancy: £1495
• Hotel Fer a Cheval Double Occupancy: £TBC
• Hotel Golf Single Occupancy: £1145
• Hotel Golf Double Occupancy: £995
• Partner prices: Please contact us

Etape du Tour Acte I Weekend

Friday

Arrival at designated airport (we will give details of flight transfer times at time of booking. We can't guarantee a timely pickup from every flight so please check before booking flights).  Transfer by minibus to our base for the weekend. Dinner will be enjoyed at the hotel.

Saturday

Your bike will be unpacked and ready to go. We will enjoy a gentle ride in the morning . The aim is to spin the legs and loosen things up for the challenge tomorrow. Lunch will be had at a cafe en route. In the afternoon we will visit the race village, pick up race numbers and sample the pre-race atmosphere. Our visit will be brief to allow sufficient rest back at the hotel. Your bike will receive a final check over from one of our members of staff and your race number fitted.

Sunday

The Big Day! Having slept in comfort and style, the hotel will serve a breakfast suitable for the day's activities with generous helpings of pasta. We will drive to the race start and arrive with enough time to get you a good position in your designated pen. Your guide will be on hand to collect warm clothing and pass on last minute encouragement.

The La Fuga Pro Support stations will be en-route to stock you up with the best energy and motivation to complete the course.

After a tough (and hopefully enjoyable) race, we'll meet you at the finish with some cold drinks and congratulations. After relaxing and exchanging stories we'll make the journey back to the hotel for a well earned dinner.

Monday

Your bike will be packed ready for the flight home. With any luck you'll be returning home as a successful finisher of the 2012 Etape du Tour!

Etape du Tour Acte I Weekend