Return Airport Transfers.
LOCATIONPyrenees, France
PAYMENTS
Bookings are open!
No hidden Credit Card fees.
- 4 DAY TOURSeptember, 2023
Dates: Placeholder Dates Only [TBC] Friday 1st – Monday 4th, September 2023 (Exact dates TBC as soon as the Marmotte Grandfondo event organiser confirms the date for 2023).
• $750 AUD – Deposit
• $1995 AUD – Per person twin share*
• $725 AUD – Single supplement
- 8 DAY TOURAugust | September, 2023
Dates: Placeholder Dates Only [TBC] Monday 28th, August – Monday 4th, September 2023 (Exact dates TBC as soon as the Marmotte Grandfondo event organiser confirms the date for 2023).
• $750 AUD – Deposit
• $3,950.00 AUD – Per person twin share*
• $1,350 AUD – Single supplement
- SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
* Our twin share prices are per person based on two people sharing one room. If you are traveling alone select and pay the additional single supplement you’ll have a room to yourself.
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Join us on our Signature Tour to the French Pyrenees.
This Tour Includes Pyrenees Marmotte Granfondo.
Our longtime friend, Australian and Tour de France cycling legend Phil Anderson co-designed this tour and rides
Join us as we explore the beautiful Pyrenees, on many of the roads which helped make Phil Anderson a household name in Europe. This tour includes the Pyrenees Marmotte Granfondo, it’s a fantastic event which takes in some pure classics of the region including the Col du Tourmalet, Ancizan, Aspin and the Hautacam.
Our base in the French Pyrenees for this tour, is a beautiful Four Star Bike-friendly Hotel. The famed natural spring water in the town is the perfect way to rehydrate after a day on the bike. Its foremost destination is to visit the Grotto (Cave) of Massabielle, our intent is to showcase the region’s best riding, plus on and off-the-bike culture, history, artisan foods, cool drinks, wine and products.
Religion is part of the DNA of this Pyrenean town, it has a unique history that is worth experiencing, we intend to present a picture on and off the bike of a village and region that has so much to offer. We genuinely love this beautiful region of France, its superb produce and its fantastic cycling.
The Signature style of tour includes daily rides with team leaders, designed to prepare you for the Marmotte Granfondo while you explore the region’s finest delights. We have created a catalogue of ride options, with flatter rides, long hard rides and shorter mountain rides, whatever your preferred ride distance, or amount of climbing you like to do, we’ll have an option that suits you.
This Cycling Tour is designed to showcase the many stunning Pyrenees mountains, villages and valleys, each day we roll out on rides we’ve collaborated on with Phil that reflect his training routes of old, rides that will have you ready your big day at the Marmotte Granfondo Pyrenees. We’ve pre-prepared options to suit the individual for the Marmotte Granfondo day, whether you intend to tackle the complete distance or break up the day into smaller parts, we’ll have a great plan ready to suit your preferred distance and amount of climbing.
Phil Anderson is held in such high regard by the local Pyrenean communities, in 2019 they inducted him into the local cycling Hall of Fame prior to the Marmotte Granfondo.
Come Ride With Us.
Accommodation:
French Pyrenees, Four Star, Bike and Spa Hotel
This tour fits our chic 4-star model, we are based in one Hotel for the duration of the tour. We’ve formed a partnership with one of our favourite Bike and Spa hotels, a service course has been created at the hotel with bike rooms, massages and spa treatments available on request to enable you to ride/train and prepare for the Marmotte Granfondo Pyrenees in comfort and chic style.
Non-cycling options:
Non-riding partners are highly encouraged on this tour, ask us for some options based on your personal interests, we have some great recommendations in and around the region.
The region’s beautiful towns are rich in culture, history, outdoor markets, activities including walking, hiking, trekking and many other activities
All the elements of the package are available. It’s a perfect French immersion experience.
Meet your hosts
Our Team are some of the world’s most experienced and credentialed hosts, guides, coaches and all-around good people, they’ll guide you safely through your trip, and you’ll enjoy every minute with them on and off the bike.
Tour Manager - Andrew "Andy" Pike
Former Swiss National Champion & "BMC" Pro - Danilo Wyss [Swiss]
Alpine Expert & Chief Fun Officer - Thierry Favre [Swiss]
Directeur Sportif - Pat Fitzpatrick [AUS]
Our Tour
Late August each year signals a beautiful time to visit and ride in France. We’ll show you the smaller roads, charming villages and stay in our chic, bike-friendly Pyrenean hotel.
It’s without a doubt a great time to visit France, the villages, the cities are all coming back to life after the peak summer holidays.
There’s something beautiful about riding a bike in France in the sun drenched summer, the terrain is almost purpose-built for cyclists who love panoramic climbs, sweeping views and coastal roads, it’s stunning.
Southern France, the Midi Pyrenees was our base for over ten cycling seasons, we know it like the back of our hand, we’ve spent much of that time running speciality cycling trips and tours. We’ve hosted groups to all of France’s beautiful regions, ridden all the best roads, mountains and we’ll show you the best of the French Pyrenees.
We love everything about France, the Pyrenees, the people, its culture, its beautiful food, wine, history, the outdoors, the mountains and its love for the best sport in the world – cycling.
We look forward to showing you France and the Pyrenees, it’s sure to be exciting.
Ciao Pat and Grace Fitzpatrick, and the Ride International Tours Team
TOUR INCLUSIONS
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS ITINERARY
2023 Pyrenees Marmotte Granfondo
DAY 1 – MONDAY AUGUST 2023
Welcome to France.
Arrival Day: Grupetto Welcome Ride
Pick up locations:
9am: Lourdes TGV Trainstation.
10am: Lourdes/Tarbes Airport.
Bike Set Up and Lunch:
11am -12.30pm
Today’s Warm Up – Grupetto Ride:
1pm: Ride Start – 50km locals loop
Welcome Dinner: 7.30pm (Included)
Accommodation: Lourdes, Luxury Bike Friendly and Spa Hotel
Phil Anderson has created a wonderful first ride, reminiscent of our traditional welcome ride, today’s session is a little longer than usual and will start later in the day to allow time for your arrival and bike set up.
On and off the bike Phil will regale you with tales about the Golden Age of cycling in Europe. The Pyrenees are a region dear to Phils heart, he’s welcomed back to the region each year with open arms, the locals love and recall the incredible exploits of the young Phil “Skippy” Anderson.
Our Ride:
Today we have a 50 km locals loop that many will not have ridden if you’ve been in the region previously. We stay away from the high passes today and take you up through the small river valleys, around our local foothills, onto a wonderfull viewpoint while rolling the legs out gently, readying for the days ahead.
Après Bike:
7.30pm: Join us for a Welcome Dinner, meet up with your fellow guests – cycling and non cycling over a lovely French dinner.
DAY 2 – TUESDAY AUGUST 2023
HILLY DAY
Breakfast: From 7.30am
Today’s Ride: 90km – 1900m Col du Solour – Col du Aubisque
Our Ride:
Today we will be riding two Pyrenean Tour de France classics, the Col du Soulor and Col du Aubisque. We’ll warm up on small undulating roads getting good endurance kilometres in the legs before we begin the ascent of the Col d’ Solour – then traverse across the stunning balcony road to the Col du Aubisque.
Introduced into Tour de France folklore in 1910 a cyclists favourite ever since.
We are not out to break strava records today, more a good climb at a solid tempo all the way up this long climb. At 1709m with a tough gradient this climb is the hard steady effort you need at the start of the week.
With one of the hardest climbs ever introduced into Le Tour ticked we have a lovely descent back to the valley floor and home with time to recover for a long day tomorrow.
Après Bike:
7.30pm: Free program to explore the local town, it’s restuarants, bars and eateries. We’ll be heading out for a social /informal French dinner (non-inclusion), we’ll make a dinner plan, feel free to join us – or take time out for yourself.
We’ve got plenty of great suggestions, let us know your preferred food types, budget and dining style! We’ll point you in the right direction for great local places.
DAY 3 – WEDNESDAY AUG 2023
STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE
Breakfast from: 7.30am
Ride Start: 8am
Today’s Rides: 65km – 125km, 1500m/2500m climbing (multiple options & additional extra Km’s are available as required)
Our Rides:
We back up with another hard preparation day, the longest ride of our week and one which includes a couple of Hor Cat Climbs. Today’s ride is not not atypical of a Tour de France stage however today we focus on endurance and save our race face for the weekend.
We roll out on classic small roads before starting the ascent of the Col d’Aspin. At 1490m it is by no means the highest yet it would have to be one of the most beautiful ascents. The entire climb is through alpine pasture, free roaming Pyrenean cattle and the views from the top of the Col are memorable.
A superb day of steady riding, we’ll have shorter options/ shortcuts available depending on how much or how little you’d like to ride on the day. Today is also great preperation for doing the Granfondo!
Après Bike:
7.30pm: We’ll be heading out for a social /informal dinner (non-inclusion), we’ll make a dinner plan, feel free to join us
– or alternatively take time out for yourself, it’s a free program you can explore the local town, it’s restuarants, bars and eateries at your leisure. We’ve got plenty of great suggestions, let us know your preferred food types, budget and dining style! We’ll point you in the right direction for great local places.
DAY 4 – THURSDAY AUG 2023
EASY ROLL
Today’s Ride: 60km flat’ish
Our Ride:
We are starting to taper and a short ride without the prerequisite Cat climbs we ordinarily insist on is on our ride cards for today.
Phil has designed a 60km loop that exits Lourdes via country lane-ways to the North East. It is difficult to avoid some hills in the Pyrenees and so we begin the ride with an undulating 7km gradual climb. With very little variation in the gradient for the rest of the ride we can roll out some tempo kilometres early in the day while enjoying a sensational vista of the high Pyrenees all around us.
A stop in Tarbes is on the cards, perhaps a coffee or pastry before heading home for more recovery, perhaps a spa or massage but definitely feet up.
DAY 5 – FRIDAY AUG 2023
ACTIVE TAPER
Today’s Ride: 60km + elevation 1415
Our Ride:
As the Granfondo Marmotte Pyrenees looms closer and we start to worry about our form, Phil has included another 60km ride to the program but with the addition of a little mountain en-route. Its hard not to prepare for any climbing conquest in the Pyrenees without an assault of the Hautacam so, here it is.
A 15km climb up to 1635m summit the Hautacam is unpredictable and should be approached today as a test of your mental tenacity and ability to adapt to changing tempo’s. The average gradient is 7% but there are flatter sections, even the odd downhill reprieve suggesting a sharp ascent as we near the top.
The approach is flat, it is a short hard climb up the Hautacam, today is a great way to experience and prepare for the final climb of Sunday’s Granfondo. We descend off the mountain, then have a flat finish to home to cool down. Perfect.
DAY 6 – SATURDAY AUG 2023
SHARPENER WITH ADMIN
Today’s Ride: 55km.
Our Ride:
For those amongst you that are ever hungry for hills Phil has designed a spectacular little loop that will twist and turn, all the while climbing through small villages and hamlets to the Col de Lingus. There is an opt out before the top that will give you a 25km ride back to Lourdes.
There is a 30km addition to this ride, we turn and head to Luz Saint Sauver to collect race numbers and register. While in the region we head just out of town to visit the impressive Napoleon III Bridge which was built in 1861.
An easy – low stress ride back to our hotel along the lovely rail trail bike path, it’s a nice way to soak up and enjoy the Pyrenean landscape.
DAY 7 – SUNDAY AUG 2023
GRANFONDO MARMOTT PYRENEES DAY
Today’s Ride: 163km +5600m (Shorter options available, ask us how)
Dinner: 7.30pm
Our Ride:
The Granfondo will start in Luz St Sauveur and takes in a short lap of the village before the first climb of the day, the Col du Tourmalet, a Hors Cat. climb at 17.5km long. A fairly consistent gradient followed by a nice descent on a wide open road to the 1st cat Hourquette d’Ancizan.
Another long climb at 17km’s but its not as severe as some and should be ridden in reserve with an eye to the scenery on the ascent but on the road on the more technical descent to the base of the Aspin. Familiar with this climb now you need to hold yourself in check before your second ascent of the approaching Tourmalet.
As we approach the Tourmalet again we are now having to dig deep into reserves. Whatever pace you ride the pain will be tearing through your legs but as you press on and up approaching La Mongie you will realize that there is only 3 kms to the top followed by a reprieve – descent and only one more mountain, just one.
The climb to Hautacam 14.7km’s and only 7% average grade, however the 4 climbs preceding will have taken a toll and this will be one hell of a climb to the finish.
We will facilitate a transfer or roll back on the flat to the luxury of our hotel.
Après Bike:
7.30pm: Tonight we’ll celebrate a great week in the Pyrenees with a final group dinner.
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS ITINERARY
2023 Pyrenees Camp – Marmotte Granfondo, Long Weekend
DAY 1 – FRIDAY AUG 2023
Welcome to France.
ARRIVAL DAY– Grupetto Welcome Ride
Pick up locations: 9am: Lourdes TGV Train station.
10am: Lourdes/Tarbes Airport.
Today’s Warm Up Ride: 50km loop
Today’s Ride: 60km + elevation 1415
Welcome Dinner: 7.30pm
Accommodation: Lourdes, Luxury Bike Friendly and Spa Hotel
Phil Anderson has created a wonderful first ride, reminiscent of his traditional welcome ride today’s session is a little longer than usual and will start later in the day to allow time for your arrival and bike set up.
Phil also welcomes his right hand man, Rudy Rogiers to the camp. Rudy is your typical Belgian hardman who placed second in 1984 to Sean Kelly in a notoriously muddy Paris-Roubaix. You can look forward to his stoic attitude to cycling induced pain and who with Phil will regale you with tales about the Golden Age of cycling in Europe.
Our Ride:
As the Granfondo Marmotte Pyrenees looms closer and we start to worry about our form, Phil has included another 60km ride to the program but with the addition of a little mountain en-route. Its hard not to prepare for any climbing conquest in the Pyrenees without an assault of the Hautacam so, here it is.
A 15km climb up to 1635m summit the Hautacam is unpredictable and should be approached today as a test of your mental tenacity and ability to adapt to changing tempo’s. The average gradient is 7% but there are flatter sections, even the odd downhill reprieve suggesting a sharp ascent as we near the top.
The approach is flat, it is a short hard climb up the Hautacam, today is a great way to experience and prepare for the final climb of Sunday’s Granfondo. We descend off the mountain, then have a flat finish to home to cool down. Perfect.
DAY 2 – SATURDAY 22 AUG 2023
SHARPENER WITH ADMIN
Today’s Ride: 55km – plus extra’s as required.
Our Ride:
For those amongst you that are ever hungry for hills Phil has designed a spectacular little loop that will twist and turn, all the while climbing through small villages and hamlets to the Col de Lingus. There is an opt out before the top that will give you a 25km ride back to Lourdes.
There is a 10km addition to this ride if there is any interest. Both rides need to turn and head to Argelès-Gazost to collect race numbers and register which adds another 10km to the ride chosen.
Finally you can simply ride to Argelès-Gazost on the bike path and ride home, easy easy.
DAY 3 – SUNDAY AUG 2023
GRANFONDO MARMOTT PYRENEES DAY
Today’s Ride: 163km +5600m (Shorter options available, ask us how)
Dinner: 7.30pm
Our Ride:
The Granfondo will start in Luz St Sauveuralong before the first climb of the day, the Col du Tourmalet, a Hor Cat. climb at 17.5km long. A fairly consistent gradient followed by a nice descent on a wide open road to the 1st cat Hourquette d’Ancizan. Another long climb at 17km’s but its not as severe as some and should be ridden in reserve with an eye to the scenery on the ascent but on the road on the more technical descent to the base of the Aspin. Familiar with this climb now you need to hold yourself in check before your second ascent of the approaching Tourmalet.
As we approach the Tourmalet again we are now having to dig deep into reserves. Whatever pace you ride the pain will be tearing through your legs but as you press on and up approaching La Mongie you will realize that there is only 3 kms to the top followed by a reprieve – descent and only one more mountain, just one.
The climb to Hautacam 14.7km’s and only 7% average grade, however the 4 climbs preceding will have taken a toll and this will be one hell of a climb to the finish.
We will facilitate a transfer or roll back on the flat to the luxury of our hotel.
Après Bike:
7.30pm: Tonight we’ll celebrate a great week in the Pyrenees with a final group dinner.
Advance Bookings:
We open up our Advance Reservations for trips early so you can book and plan well ahead. We guarantee your position by booking prior. If you’d like to organise and book your trip further out than the dates/years we have listed on our website, please contact us via email, phone, & or video call and we’ll arrange everything so you can place an advanced booking.
An advance booking, accompanied by a fully refundable $750 AUD (Australian Dollar) ensures priority booking status when the trip details are announced. Note, an advance booking is not considered final until payment is received.
Once specific trip itinerary details are finalized, we’ll contact everyone on the advance reservation list via email, we’ll include the itinerary and offer a priority booking position before opening up bookings to the wider community.
If a trip fills – as it often does in the advance bookings, we create a waiting list and then offer reservations on a first-come, first-serve basis (based on the date the advance reservation was made) once our advanced booking guest have finalised.
To cancel an advance reservation a cancellation request must be submitted in writing/ via email within 14 days of the trip details being published. The (AUD) $750 advance reservation payment will be immediately refunded for any cancellation received within this 14-day period.
Travel Insurance:
As a Ride International Tour participant, it is compulsory to have your own travel insurance. We recommend activating your travel insurance as soon as you’ve placed your booking deposit to ensure you are covered from the outset. Please ensure that your policy includes coverage for:
- Cancellation charges
- Medical expenses in the event of an accident or illness.
- Baggage
- Cycling activities and associated risks
- Cycling equipment
We encourage each participant on our tours to contact your travel agent, and or travel insurance provider directly. Your travel insurance experts are best equipped to provide clarification, recommendations for best providers and or further information on the cover that suits your specific needs.
Final Payments:
The balance of your trip payment is due no later than 120 days prior to your trip departure date, we will forward via email your final payment invoice. You can choose to make full payment earlier if you prefer to finalise your trip payment early, contact us and we will arrange for an invoice to be sent.
What if I have to transfer, change or cancel my trip:
We understand you may not be able to go on your trip, cancel, change or transfer due to personal or medical reasons. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to transfer to another trip that has places available. If you have a question give us a call or email.
Due to the high demand, limited hotel availability and the advance payments expected by our hotels and restaurants we use, the following cancellation conditions apply to all of our trips.
* PLEASE NOTE: For Phil Anderson to attend this tour, there needs to be a minimum of 4 guests booked. In the event that Phil does not attend this tour, our experienced, professional team of Australian and local on and off-bike guides will host your tour.
AFTER BOOKING, IF YOU CANCEL:
| 120 – 91 days prior to departure | 50% cancellation fee of the trip price |
| 90 – 61 days prior to departure | 75% cancellation fee of the trip price |
| 60 days and less prior to departure | 100% cancellation fee of the trip price |
10
Years of Experience
63
Tours Completed
1,384
Tour Guests
32,926km
Cycled on Tour
238
Hotels Visited
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ABOUT US
We are a passionate family business that prides itself on hosting exceptional cycling vacations since 2007.
Whether it’s your first time cycling abroad, or you’re an experienced rouleur, our team takes care of all the details on and off the bike to create wonderful travel experiences.
