Le Tour - 100th Edition Iconic climbs of Provence & the Alps the with optional Paris extension 13 - 20 July

2013

To book or for further information please contact: Will Maley p. +33 (0) 6 66 87 46 96 e. will.maley@sportspulsions.com

Tour Summary & Highlights

13 July 2013: Arrival transfer from Aix-en-Provence Bike fitting and warm-up ride Race viewing with welcome drinks and dinner at the hotel 14 July 2013: Ride directly from the hotel and climb Mont Ventoux from Sault Intercept the race route at Chalet Reynard & climb ahead of the pros Watch the race from the summit or the slopes of Ventoux Group dinner 15 July 2013: Visit France's most beautiful village, Gordes Ride from Gordes to Bedoin before tackling Ventoux on the traditional race route Group dinner 16 July 2013: Ride on the Tour de France race route ahead of the pros Watch the race finish in to Gap from the 'Technical Zone' next to the finish line Transfer after the race to Les Deux Alpes and group dinner 17 July 2013: Departing directly from our hotel, climb the iconic Col du Lauteret and Col du Galibier double Enjoy the time trial viewing on television from our hotel or even go skiing on the glacier! Group dinner 18 July 2013: Descend from our hotel at Les Deux Alpes to the village of Bourg d'Oisans Climb the mighty Alpe d'Huez ahead of the pros in front of close to a million spectators Watch the race from one of the many famous switchbacks or from the village at the top

19 July:

Ride the stunning Col du Glandon ahead of the pros having intercepted the race route at the start village of Bourg d'Oisans Cheer the pros as they summit the first of their 5 climbs of the day Return to the village of Bourg d'Oisans to enjoy an afternoon relaxing and watching the race live on the television at a local cafe/bar. Group dinner at the hotel

20 July:

Challenge yourself on the final ride of the tour to see what time you can climb the famous Alpe d'Huez Enjoy a farewell lunch atop the mountain Transfer to Grenoble for your onward travels

Staff based on 24 guests: 5 Optional Paris Finale extension: 20 July: Take the TGV high speed train from Grenoble to Paris in the afternoon Transfer with your guide to our stunning 4* hotel by the Eiffel Tower Evening at leisure in Paris 21 July: Enjoy the day in the beautiful city of Paris Watch the excitement of the conclusion of the race from reserved prime seating on the Champs Elysees by the finish line Experience the post race fireworks spectacular 22 July: Conclusion of tour

About Sports Pulsions

The team at Sports Pulsions has been involved in cycling at all levels in Europe since the 80's. Our goal is to provide 'pro-cycling based experiences' to all our guests whether we are hosting them around a pro-tour event or on a riding experience. We have partnered with the leaders in cycling to provide the direct support to make your tour incredible. Whether it is the Trek Madone bike you ride (replaced every 12 months), the Skoda support vehicles we drive or the Performance Nutrition energy bars and gels you enjoy, you will feel like a pro. Our team is built of top level highly cyclists that are in the experienced riding

guiding with years of experience roads of Europe. We believe in keeping a tight knit team who work with us year round to ensure your safety and enjoyment. All our staff live in Europe and so our backyard is your playground. We build our tours through our experience in the regions, ensuring that you ride the unique roads and visit both the key places in cycling history as well as the beautiful villages en route. We are also a technical partner to the Tour de France organisers ASO, providing riding experiences for their top clients and also arranging the annual ASO ProAm. This close work allows us to give our guests the best support throughout their tours with us.

13 July 2013 Stage 14, Saint Pourcain sur Sioule - Lyon, 191km
Our tour commences in the stunning region of Provence. We invite you to join us directly at the hotel or alternatively we will be providing a complimentary transfer from Aix-en-Provence TGV station at 2pm. On arrival, guests will be fitted to their Trek Madone bikes or our mechanics will assist to assemble your bikes for you should you wish to bring your own. In the late afternoon we will take a leisurely ride through the surrounding countryside. Our support vehicle will be en route with you should you wish to make any adjustments. We will be sure to be at the hotel though to watch the closing stages of the day's Tour action on television. In the evening you will enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel. During each dinner you will enjoy a recap on the day's Tour de France action and a briefing on your following day's activities.

Overnight: Saint Etienne les Orgues, Provence Ride distance: 20-30km

14 July 2013 Stage 15, Givors - Mont Ventoux, 242km

Le Tour arrives in to Provence on this day in emphatic style, taking on one of the most revered climbs in Tour history, Mont Ventoux. After enjoying breakfast, we will ride directly from the hotel to take on Ventoux. Following a scenic and undulating warm-up, our climb will start via the village of Sault which is the more sheltered and gradual approach but still a good challenge as your first climb on the Tour. Prior to starting your climb, we invite you to take your lunch musette which will be available from the support vehicle waiting in Sault. Our climb intercepts the stage route approximately 2/3rds of the way from the summit at Cha teau Reynard and from there you will be able to watch the race from a point of your choosing. For those wishing to shorten the ride, you will have the choice of being dropped closer to the start of the climb. Following the conclusion of the race, we will descend by bike back to the village of Sault where our coach will be waiting to transfer the group back to the hotel for a group dinner. Overnight: Saint Etienne les Orgues, Provence Key climbs: Mont Ventoux, via Sault Ride distance: Options between 60 and 95km

15 July 2013 Tour de France Rest Day

As the pro's take their final rest day of the Tour, we will take the opportunity to climb Ventoux from Bedoin, the traditional starting point of the climb in Tour history. Our morning will start out with a drive to the village of Gordes in the heart of Provence. This stunning hilltop village is rated number one in France for its beauty. After time to explore the town we will then take to the road. From Gordes to the summit of Ventoux is approximately 51km that is undulating for the main part until Bedoin which will give you a nice warm up before the challenge is faced. At the summit, you will have the chance to take photos and admire the view which stretches from the Mediterranean to the Alps and central France. We will then descend back to Bedoin to enjoy a rewarding drink before our coach takes us back to the hotel. In the evening we will enjoy our final dinner in Provence at our hotel.

Overnight: Saint Etienne les Orgues, Provence Key climbs: Mont Ventoux, via Bedoin Ride distance: 71km

16 July 2013 Stage 16, Vaison la Romaine - Gap, 168km

Today, we will rejoin the race on the stage route through to Gap. Depending on the specific roads the stage takes, we will either ride directly from our hotel or take a short transfer to our start point. Our ride will take in the last 70-80km of the stage route, with you riding on the course just hours ahead of the pros and the caravanne. The riding for this stage will be a steady rise before we a quick descent prior to the final climb of the day, the Col de Manse. It was in Gap in 2011 that we saw one of the Tour's most exciting finishes as Thor took the win whilst Contador, Evans, Voeckler and Schleck fought it out over the final climb. Those that wish to bypass the Col du Manse will have the option to ride directly in to Gap as the route skirts the town. In Gap, the group will have access to the Technical and Media zone. Located on the finish straight, the 'ZT' is a restricted area that offers you some of the best viewing of the finish. (Image above taken on our 2012 tour from the tech zone) Following the jersey presentation ceremonies, we will make our way to our new hotel in the high alpine village of Les Deux Alpes where we will enjoy a group dinner. Overnight: Les Deux Alpes, Rhone Alpes Key climbs: Col de Mense Ride distance: Options between 60 and 80km

17 July 2013 Stage 17, Embrun - Chorges, 32km ITT

With the race being fought at the individual time trial, our attention will turn to one of the most iconic climbs of the Tour de France. The Col du Galibier is the highest pass in France and is on the bucket list of most cyclists in the world. Standing at over 2600m, it is truly an incredible ride. Riding directly from the hotel, we will descend to the Lac du Chambon before starting the climb. Following the valley floor the ride slowly rises before you start to climb more steeply to the Col du Lauteret. Flanked by waterfalls and snow capped mountains it is a stunning ride. The final 8km from Lauteret to the Col du Galibier are the fiercest of the climb and will make you even more satisfied to accomplish this monument. On the descent we will stop to view the monument to Henri Desgrange and take a break at the cafes at Lauteret. We will enjoy the well-earned descent before the climb back to our hotel at Les Deux Alpes. For those looking to shorten the ride or take a rest day this will be on offer. In the evening we will enjoy a bbq dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Les Deux Alpes, Rhone Alpes Key climbs: Col du Lauteret, Col du Galibier, Les Deux Alpes Ride distance: Up to 86km

18 July 2013 Stage 18, Gap - Alpe d'Huez, 168km

This would have to be one of the most anticipated stages in Tour history. Since the 50's, Alpe d'Huez has been an icon of cycling and the Tour. In 2013 there will be twice the excitement as for the first time it will be climbed twice on the same day! For a cycling enthusiast, there is no greatest experience than being on the Alp on race day. With up to a million people to descend on to climb for that one day, the chance to ride up ahead of the pros will be a lifelong memory. Our ride will start at the hotel with a long enjoyable descent to the town of Bourg d'Oisans, from there we will climb the famous switch backs, cheered along by the hundreds of thousands of loyal fans from all over the world. You will have the choice to watch the race from the location of your choice. Whether it be on one of the switch backs or at Dutch corner or in the village at the top, you will have the experience of a lifetime. Following the 2 passes of the pros and the conclusion of the race we will descend to our coach waiting at the base to transport you back to the hotel. Those that wish to ride back to the hotel will also have this option. Dinner will be enjoyed at the hotel.

Overnight: Les Deux Alpes, Rhone Alpes Key climbs: Alpe d'Huez Ride distance: 45 to 62km

19 July 2013 Stage 19, Bourg d'Oisans - Le Grand Bornand, 204km

With the race entering the final stages, the 19th stage will have a big impact on the overall outcome of the race. Featuring 5 categorised climbs, it will be a tough day in the saddle for the pros. Following breakfast, we will depart by bike through the valley to the start village of the day's stage, Bourg d'Oisans. For those wanting to soak up the atmosphere and have a more relaxed day, they will have the chance to stay in the village. For the rest of the group, the Col du Glandon awaits. The Col du Glandon is one of the most stunning roads in the Alps, with lush meadows and scattered forest through to rugged alpine landscapes. Guests will have the choice as to where they wish to watch the pros pass by. We will ride on the route of the course a few hours ahead of the pros with the option to watch the race from anywhere on the climb or at the col itself. Once the race has passed we will descend back to the village of Bourg d'Oisans where we will set up camp for a relaxing afternoon at a local cafe/bar to watch the race live on television before being transferred by coach to our hotel at Les Deux Alpes for dinner. Overnight: Les Deux Alpes, Rhone Alpes Key climbs: Col du Glandon Ride distance: Between 19 and 91km

20 July 2013 Stage 20, Annecy - Annecy Semnoz, 125km

Our final day on tour gives you the chance to test out the form you have built up over the week as we take on Alpe d'Huez minus the crowds! With an open run at the climb and the knowledge of having tried it out earlier in the week, you will have the chance to time yourself up this famous climb all the way through to the finish line at the top of the village. To warm the legs up, we will take a little known mountain road that skirts the mountain, before regrouping at the base of the climb. At this point it will be you and the mountain, with the choice to attack it or take the chance to soak up the atmosphere and take photos along the way. At the summit we will enjoy a shower and pack the bikes away before a farewell lunch atop this famous peak. Our tour then concludes with a transfer to Grenoble for onward travel. Grenoble is well connected to France through the TGV high speed rail network. For those wishing to see the conclusion of the race in Paris, we also have available Paris Finale packages including great accommodation and VIP race viewing on the Champs Elysees. All guests booking both packages will receive a complimentary TGV ticket from Grenoble to Paris. Key climbs: Alpe d'Huez Ride distance: 40km

Inclusions
3 nights 3 star accommodation, 4 nights 4 star accommodation 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 three course dinners 8 guided rides 4 live stage viewings with riding on the race route ahead of the pros Private transfers in our luxury coach Energy gels, bars and isotonic powders for each ride Use of a custom fitted Trek Madone 5.2 at no charge On road mechanical support from our race accredited support vehicles Technical and Media Zone access in Gap Tour jersey, musette and race pack, including maps and race information Discounts at the official Tour de France merchandise outlets Transfer on arrival from Aix-en-Provence Transfer at conclusion to Grenoble Local taxes

Not Included
Airfares and/or transport to and from our designated pickup and drop-off points Travel insurance (obligatory for all guests) Items of a personal nature, ie. laundry, phone calls, tips, etc Please bring your own pedals, helmet, lights, bike computer, pump kit and cycling apparel Cost per person: 3250 based on twin share Single supplement: 400 Deposit: 600 on booking per person, balance due 13 May 2013

Paris Extension
Following the conclusion of the cycling component of the tour, you will be transferred to Grenoble TGV station. From here you will travel to Paris in only a few hours. On arrival in Paris you will transfer with your guide to our stunning hotel in close by the Eiffel Tower. The evening is at leisure, however should you wish to enjoy a show, dinner cruise or have a restaurant reservation made please let us know so that we can assist.

21 July 2013 Stage 21, Rambouillet - Paris Champs-Elysees, 130km

Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at the hotel between 7 and 10am. In the evening you are invited to join us in our reserved seating in the Grand Palais grand stand (see map below) where you will enjoy prime viewing of the race and the carnival that is the Tour de France. On this day you will see the arrival of the pageantry of the tour as the caravan, fresh from 3 weeks lining the roads of France with gifts, gets one last chance to party. You will see the arrival of the Maillot Jaune on the shoulders of the winner as they negotiate the final moments of their epic journey and the fireworks of the intermediate and final sprints of the Tour. The 2013 race is set to offer many highlights, and the closing stage will be no exception. Finishing in the evening and for the first time ever, going around the Arc de Triomphe, it will certainly be one to remember. Following the race, there will be a fireworks spectacular to celebrate the conclusion of the 100th year of Le Tour.

22 July 2013
Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at the hotel between 7 and 10am. Hotel check-out is at 10am however the hotel is able to provide luggage storage for your convenience should you require. Should you wish to extend your stay pre or post, please let us know as we can arrange a costing for additional nights on your behalf. We are also able to assist with private or seat in coach transfers to/from the airport.

Inclusions:
One way 2nd class rail pass from Grenoble to Paris 2 nights twin share accommodation at the Mercure Paris Centre, Tour Eiffel Breakfast daily Reserved Tribune Grand Palais, Champs Elysees seating Tour de France gift Soft drinks at the Tribune Cost per person: 910 based on twin share Single supplement: 250 Deposit: 300 on booking per person, balance due 13 May 2013 Please note: Partners, family and friends are welcome to join for the Paris weekend package only should they wish. Train tickets between Grenoble and Paris are only included for people doing the riding tour.

Hotels
Provence; Hotel Saint Clair

Located in the heart of Provence, our hotel has great views and also includes a swimming pool and terrace fro relaxing after the rides. With its great location we are able to ride directly from the hotel to Mont Ventoux. The rooms are classic in style with private en-suite facilities and free wi-fi. Alps; Hotel-Spa La Farandole Hotel-

The Htel-Spa La Farandole is hotel located in Les Deux Alpes, one of France's most distinguished ski resorts. The hotels devotion to style and comfort is carried into the elegant

designs of all of its 60 suites, most of which boast a south-facing balcony with stunning mountain views. The spacious wellness area has large windows which offer beautiful panoramic views in order to maximise relaxation after a long day's riding. In addition the hotel offers an excellent bar with views over the valley for a relaxing drink at the end of the day. Paris, Hotel Mercure Paris Centre, Tour Eiffel

Located in the heart of a Paris by the city's most iconic monument, the Mercure Paris Centre is the ideal spot from which to explore this stunning city. The 4* hotel offers spacious rooms, all of which have recently been refurbished, free wifi and many great restaurants close by.

Nutrition
SportsPulsions.com has partnered with Performance Sports Nutrition to provide our guests with some of the best products on the market that assist with pre ride preparation, immediate and pre-ride sustained energy release during rides and post ride recovery. Performance Sports Nutrition is a market leader in the sports supplement industry, supporting pro cycling and triathlon teams throughout Europe.

On all ride days you will be provided with a range of energy products (gels, bars and isotonic energy powders) to assist you in your riding and recovery along with fruit, cake, water, etc.

The Bikes
SportsPulsions.com is a partner of Trek France. Through our agreement, guests will all have use of the Trek Madone 5.2, a top quality, full carbon fibre bike with excellent running gear which we replace every 12 months. Should you wish to bring your own bike this is welcomed. All bikes are transported in our support vehicles with internal racking and mechanic station. Throughout the tour, our guides will clean and service the bikes for the guests and make any fitting adjustments they may need. We request that guests provide their own pedals, bike computers, helmets, pump kit and cycling shoes. Lights will also be required on this tour as there are short tunnels on some of the alpine roads we will ride.

What level cyclist do I need to be:

The tour is designed to be challenging and to have the greatest enjoyment a good level of fitness will assist. Each day guests will have the opportunity to ride the challenging terrain on offer or for those that wish to have a rest day or shorten their ride, this is regularly an option. Unsure if it is the tour for you, please contact us to discuss further. Guests will typically ride in smaller groups on the climbs as the terrain will usually result in the group splitting according to individual riding pace. All riders will have support throughout as our guides will be en route to assist. Our tours are about challenging yourself individually with some great rides but not forgetting that we are in one the most beautiful parts of the world and taking time to break the rides for lunch or a coffee in the beautiful villages that are ever present.