 
Aug 9th - Aug 15th - practicebicycle.com - Tour de l'Ain 2010 For those of you looking for that special bike tour holiday in August and an opportunity to see some of the best professional racing cyclists close up and in a very relaxed environment, then the Tour de l'Ain is for you! practice bicycle - Tour de l'Ain is the last opportunity for 2010 for that unique, quality cycling holiday, riding as much or as little as you wish with a small group and fully supported by our experienced team. This event follows our previous International race event bike tours to the Criterium du Dauphine Libere (June) and Tour de France (July), with a date in August you can expect slightly less people than in the height of summer in France. This wonderfully relaxing time of year offers a superb cycling holiday week including the opportunity to get close to the professional peloton as they race on the roads approaching the Grand Alps. This fully-guided cycling holiday week with personalised service, an unique opportunity for escapism with practicebicycle.com in Annecy. 
 
The "Tour de l'Ain" race The Tour de l'Ain international category event started in 1989. The 2010 edition will be the 21st and the biggest yet, this years route includes the amazing climb of the Col du Grand Colombier (1531m) from the difficult side, before then descending to the finish line in Belley. The International governing body of cycling has also upgraded the Tour de l'Ain to a 5 stage event for 2010. With it's traditional place on the Continental Circuit calendar two weeks after the Tour de France from August 10th - 15th, it guarantees over 100 of the best riders on the start line. Each year many of the protour teams are represented at this event last year this included Quick Step, Astana, Rabobank, AG2R, FDJ and all the major French teams. Last years event was not decided until the final stage and the final climb up to the finish line at the summit of the Grand Colombier (1531m), with the first win of his career going to Rein Taaramae (EST), from Chris Horner (USA) and David Moncoutie (FRA) third. 
Your "Tour de l'Ain" holiday tour includes: 6 nights 3*** perfectly equipped comfortable air-conditioned apartment accommodation (New options available 2010) centrally located in the heart of Annecy. Continental buffet breakfasts each morning French style. Unique and Spectacular live viewing of 3 contrasting stages of the Tour de l'Ain 2010 including breathtaking scenery each day from a variety of different geographical locations around Annecy. 6 days (or as required) of superb guided rides, carefully planned, designed and structured with the highest level of safety and tailored for your enjoyment throughout the tour. Qualified professional coaching services and full support of Paul Hughes (highly experienced, qualified Level 2 Australian cycling coach). Experienced female cycling guide and highly acclaimed International bike racer Bridget Evans and your discoverer of fine gourmet experiences. Support vehicle, mechanical assistance and a selection of sports drinks & nutrional bars. Professional "practice bicycle" cycling jersey. "practice bicycle" - welcome pack!. Welcome Aperitif followed by a superb gourmet experience of a traditional French dinner upon arrival in one of the fine Annecy restaurants. French gastronomic midday cuisine experience of "Menu du Jour" in one of the fabulous French restaurants or "Haute-Savoie" gourmet picnics on the 3 stages of the Tour de l'Ain. Small group tailored personal service. Access to local professional French mechanic. Airport pick-up & drop-off at Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) and practice bicycle transfer to your Annecy accommodation (tour arrival & departure days). Cost per person (twin share) - AUD $3940.00 - Luxury Accommodation (Suite) AUD $3670.00 - Superior Accommodation (Studio 40m2) AUD $3535.00 - Quality Accommodation (Studio 30m2)
(For your convenience click-on the Cost of your chosen tour & Optional Extras to see the price in your local currency.) Optional Extras Single person/room supplement - AUD $700.00 (Luxury), AUD $580.00 (Superior), AUD $450.00 (Quality) Professional "practice bicycle" - bib knicks - AUD $220.00 Bike Hire for the tour - AUD $350.00 Accompanying non-cycling person (twin share) - reduction of AUD $500.00 To view the Booking Conditions of your cycling holiday click here.  The "Tour de l'Ain region The department of l'Ain is named after the Ain River on the eastern side of France and in the region of the Rhone-Alps. It is also bordered by the rivers Saone and Rhone and centrally positioned between both Geneva (Switzerland) and Lyon (France).  
Like many departments of France, l'Ain is made up of different areas; Bresse, Dombes, Bugey and Pays de Gex. Each area offers something uniquely different; the culinary speciality of the Dombes is "Grenouilles" (Frogs) a must try accompanied with garlic and parsley. Where as Bugey is the wine producing part of l'Ain with it's two original "cepages" (Grape variety) of the red "Mondeuse", ideal to accompany pheasant, red meats and strong cheeses and the white "Altesse" perfect accompaniment with the local dishes of the area, raclette, fondue and also fish. l'Ain offers a contrasting variety of terrain following rivers to the West of the French Alps with a wonderful network of roads ready to be explored all within easy reach of your accommodation in the beautiful town of Annecy. 
Your "Tour de l'Ain" brief tour itinerary for 2010 Mon Aug 9th - Arrival day in Annecy, Ride around spectacular Lac Annecy & Evening Welcome drinks & dinner. Tue Aug 10th - Ride/relax and view Tour de l'Ain opening Prologue - Amberieu-en-Bugey 3km CLM (Time Trial) Wed Aug 11th - Ride the spectacular Barrage de Genissiat. Thu Aug 12th - Ride around the Mountain du Gros Foug to the beautiful neighbouring Lac Bourget. Fri Aug 13th - Ride/relax and view Tour de l'Ain Stage 3 Montmerle-sur-Saone - Arbent 154km. Sat Aug 14th - Ride/relax and view Tour de l'Ain Stage 4 Culoz - Belley 126km (Col du Grand Colombier (1531m)). Sun Aug 15th - Departure day from Annecy and "Bon voyage". PLEASE NOTE: The carefully designed ride options of all the practicebicycle.com itineraries are flexible and can be tailored to meet the requirements and abilities of the specific tour guests. Each day you have the option to either ride or relax and enjoy the comfort of the support vehicle ( also, ideally suited for the accompanying non-cyclist) we believe that everyone can practicebicycle...as much or as little as you wish. For those of you looking for a greater challenge, then living in the French Alps allows us to offer you..........endless climbing options and there is "always another hill" should you wish! Should you wish to extend your practicebicycle.com tour with additional days, please contact us. For the detailed itinerary for the Tour de l'Ain 2010 contact us Click Here
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