Provence Preparation Week and La Ventoux Sportive

ur Provence Preparation Week is the ideal way to maximise your performance on the big day. Over the seven days we'll enjoy the variety of terrain Provence has to offer and pick up some top tips from the La Fuga guides about training, nutrition, bike set up and a whole lot more. Preparation for your best ever Étape ride starts here!

And to top all that, we've timed our Preparation Week to coincide with La Ventoux Sportive, classic on the French calendar featuring an ascent of the fabled "Giant of Provence" and offering you the chance to get some invaluable sportive experience in advance of the main event in July.

And because it’s a La Fuga tour, it won’t be all hard work. Our hotel, situated close to the legendary climb of Mont Ventoux, is a perfect place to relax after a long day in the saddle. Whether you want to relax by the pool or explore the charming local villages, our hotel is the perfect location. Over the week we'll visit a variety of carefully selected local restaurants to fuel your cycling and give you an authentic taste of typical Provencal cuisine.

Highlights of the week include:

• On the bike advice on riding technique, bike fit and race day tactics
• Group rides tailored to your fitness level with following car support
• Full mechanical backup
• Complimentary sports drinks, bars and gels.
• Participation in La Ventoux Sportive
• Eating out in specially selected local restaurants
  

BOOK NOW AND OUR FIRST TWO BOOKINGS WILL RECEIVE A FREE ROOM UPGRADE

What's Included?

Four star accommodation (single occupancy double room)
All breakfasts and evening meals at the hotel and restaurants
Airport / station transfer
Experienced guides and dedicated support car on each ride
Complimentary Energy Drink and Bars
Cyclefilm L'Étape du Tour 2010 Reconnaissance DVD
La Fuga Welcome Pack
Event entry

What's Not?

Flights / train travel
Travel insurance
Alcoholic drinks
Incidental expenses

The Knowledge

• Accommodation: 7 nights at 4 star hotel (single occupancy double room)
• Enjoy: Provencal cuisine and Cote du Ventoux wine
• Travel: Fly to Marseille / Eurostar direct from London St Pancras to Avignon (not included)
• Price: £1695 (double occupancy £1495)
• Event: La Ventoux Sportive
• Event website: www.sportcommunication.com/GT/index.php?langue=2

Provence Preparation Week and La Ventoux Sportive

Tuesday - Thursday

Over the three days we'll take in a variety of terrain in the local area including an ascent of the legendary Mont Ventoux. Ride lengths will be tailored to the ability of the group but will generally be in the range of 100 - 130km. Depending on the range of ability of our guests, we may divide into two ability groups, each with ride backup.

Lunch will either be had en-route at a cafe or back at the hotel, depending on the timetable for the day. For evening meals, we will explore restaurants in the local area to give you a real taste of Provence and also enjoy the excellent hotel restaurant to give you the opportunity of a couple of quiet nights in should your body demand it!

Monday

Arrive at Marseille Airport / Avignon TGV Station. Transfer via minibus to our base in Mazan. Your bike will unpacked and checked over ready for the week ahead. Time permitting, we will take a short ride to loosen the legs.

Friday

Today we will have a recovery day in anticipation of the weekend's exertions. We will do a short ride of approximately 90 minutes to ease tired legs. In the afternoon you have the option to relax by the pool or join us for a guided tour of a local vineyard.

Saturday

The Big Day! The hotel will serve a breakfast suitable for the day’s activities with generous helpings of pasta. We will then take the short minibus ride to the race start and arrive with enough time to grab a pre-race espresso or two. Your guide will be on hand to pass on some last minute words of wisdom and escort you to the starting area. After a tough (and hopefully enjoyable) race, we’ll meet you at the finish with some cold drinks and congratulations. 

A refreshing shower and perhaps a power nap await you back at the hotel. The rest of the evening will be spent toasting our success and enjoying some great food and drink in the hotel restaurant.

Sunday

One last ascent of Mont Ventoux is offered today by the Grimpe du Ventoux event, a timed hillclimb of the "Giant of Provence" Depending on how the legs are feeling after yesterday, you may prefer to opt for a more leisurely ride giving you one last day out in Provence.

Monday

Our final day in Provence. Your bike will be packed up ready for the flight home. Our minibus will take you the transfer to Avignon TGV Station or Marseille Airport.

Provence Preparation Week and La Ventoux Sportive