2012 Signature Series Jura, Burgundy

July 6th to July 10th, 2012

Itinerary - What's Included - Options

This trip features great experiences of the race as it goes through the Jura mountain range and Burgundy, with a Time Trial thrown in for good measure, all of which while enjoying the comfort of 4* hotels.

The mountain top finish on the Plateaux des Belles Filles is one of the steepest the Tour de France has offered. The stage into Porrentruy will also be a great challenge and riders contending for the overall GC will need to stay fresh for the Time Trial taking place the next day.

The stages in the Jura may not have the same name recognition as the big names of the Alps, but are some of the most important stages in 2012!

VIP access to 2 stages and viewing of 3 stages are planned on this trip!!!

2 ride distances will be offered daily and those not riding will be taken on the stage itineraries witnessing all the pageantry of a Tour stage.
Please read below for a daily itinerary.

 

Registrations:
A 25% deposit per person is required to reserve a spot. If places are still available when we receive your application along with deposit, you will receive notification of your registration. If the trip is sold out, you will be given the option to be placed on a waiting list or choice of another trip. Waitlist order is on a first come first serve basis as well.

 

ITINERARY
2012 TOUR DE FRANCE - Signature Series Jura, Burgundy
Rate : $3795.00/person
4 nights, 5 days - July 6th to July 10th
Pick-up in EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse (MLH) and Drop-off in Beaune Train station
Highlights: The "new" mountain top finish at Plateau des Belles Filles, Time Trial, VIP access, Burgundy region.
OPTIONS: Trip insurance / Bike Rental / Signature Series Pyrenees to Paris July 13th to 25th

 

July 6th

Hotel Location: Alsace region


We will be picking up at Euroairport Mulhouse-Basel-Freibourg (!!!) around noon and make our way to our first hotel located nearby in the Alsace region.

 

Once at our hotel, we'll check-in and those who wish to ride can assemble or get fitted for their bikes (if renting). Our mechanics will be there to assist in any way possible.

 

A short - but hilly ride - will follow to ensure proper operation.

 

Those who prefer not to ride will be able to relax a bit and we'll also take a bit of time to watch today's stage finish on TV!

 

It will then be time to get together over a welcome toast, do proper introductions and go over the next few days' fun and action... of course a nice dinner will follow!

 

   
July 7th

Hotel Location: Alsace region

 

Our first day on the Tour will prove quite exciting as today's stage is the first time the Tour de France tackles the Planches des Belles Filles which is a very "serious" climb in the area! The existing climb is already quite difficult and the road is being extended up as we type these words.

 

We'll leave the hotel and ride another great climb in the region; the Ballon d'Alsace. The climb itself is a challenge, but you will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views atop. Looking south, one can see the Jungfrau, Monch and other +4000m Swiss mountains!

 

We'll make the descent and rally the base of the Planches des Belles Filles - time and legs allowing, those who wish to ride up can do so and those who prefer to call it a day and drive up can enjoy a ride in one of our vehicles with on-course credentials.

 

Once at the summit, we'll gain access to the exclusive VIP Izoard hospitality area located about 50-75 yards from the finish line and overlooking the course.

 

Here hostesses will serve drinks and snacks while you watch the live broadcast on Big Screen TV. After seeing the stage finish from this exclusive viewing area champagne will be served to celebrate the stage winner.


The Izoard is among the more exclusive areas at stage finishes and you should expect to see/meet plenty of Tour celebrities.





   
July 8th

Hotel Location: Beaune


We saw a mountain top finish yesterday - today we will view the race on one of the climbs in the middle of the stage. The pageantry and excitement is well worth the experience in mid-stage climbs.

Since the race is going into Switzerland we figured it would be fun to ride across the border ourselves and we will plan on starting the ride in France, viewing the race in Switzerland and finally making our way back into France. We'll have setup our own private viewing location where a picnic lunch will be served and TV's setup!

 

The publicity caravan will go past us throwing "valuable" swag and the race will follow.

 

Once the broom wagon has gone by, we'll finish our ride heading East and board the vehicles to make our way East to the wine-capital of Burgundy; Beaune. Our hotel is right in the heart of the old Beaune and a Luxurious property which we love stopping at.

   

   
July 9th

Hotel Location: Beaune


What a stage this promises to be! The 2 previous days were mountainous and we fully expect those with more climbing than time-trial abilities will have had to make their presence known already.

 

Today the power role shifts to the likes of Evans, Wiggins or perhaps Contador.

Will any time gaps taken in the "hills" hold today? Can this time-trial equalize things? We will find out today!

 

We'll plan our ride around the time-trial schedule and will either ride before or after as we have great VIP access to the start village and won't want to miss much of the action.

 

Starts in general offer great interaction, during a time trial it is even better as we have access to the rider's enclosure where each warm up on trainers by their buses.

 

 

   
July 10th

Hotel Location: N/A

 

We'll be dropping off at the train station in Beaune at 8:40am as there is a 9:00am train to Paris.

   

 WHAT'S INCLUDED

- Transfer from Mulhouse airport and to Beaune train

- All transfers throughout trip as needed

- Hotel rooms based on double occupancy (4 nights) in 4 or 5 star properties
- All breakfasts at the hotels
- 3 Dinners

- picnic Lunch on July 8th

- Air-conditioned Minibuses with on-course accreditations for support

- Visit of technical/media areas

- VIP access to Izoard pavilion at mountaintop finish (Stage #7 - July 7th)

- VIP access to start village and rider's enclosure on time trial (stage 9 - July 9th)

- Viewing of 3 stages in total

- Bi-lingual and bi-cultural group Leader

- Bike Mechanic and guides

- Tour de France welcome package

- Discount card for Official Tour de France stores

- Cycling Jersey

- 2 ride distances daily

- Detailed cue-cards, directions, maps, profile of stages, etc.

- Special Tour de France gift

- Memories to last a lifetime!

 OPTIONS

Rental Bikes. Full carbon Frame w/ Ultegra group with compact cranks (34x 25/27 low gear)
- Trip Insurance