Cycling tour operator Sportive Breaks has launched a new range of four-night trips in four iconic two-wheeled destinations: Alpe d’Huez, Mont Ventoux, Lake Como and the Pyrenees.
The trips, dubbed ‘The Perfect Long Weekend’, follow the same formula, with intrepid riders arriving on Wednesday and going on to enjoy four days in the saddle, taking in a combination of classic cols and local favourites.
The first three rides are approximately 100km long and take in between one and four climbs. Sportive Breaks say the group will ride together on the flat and regroup at the top of climbs, while the final ride of the weekend, on Sunday, sees riders complete a time trial up the region’s iconic climb (Alpe d’Huez, Mont Ventoux, the Passo del Ghisallo in Lake Como and the Col du Tourmalet in the Pyrenees) before heading home.
Prices start at £399 and include airport transfers, rides led by a local guide ‘with a passion for the area’, bike-friendly accommodation, breakfast each morning and ride nutrition.
“We heard again and again from our customers how hard it was to organise trips to the classic climbs,” says Sportive Breaks founder Phil Sears. “From struggles getting three bike boxes in a rental car, to people getting back from trips and missing out on some amazing local routes.
“We wanted to improve that. Our perfect long weekends start with our local guides, from Christian in Luchon to Luca in Bellagio, these guys have such a passion for their local area and have picked the best four rides for us. The rides are relaxed with a chance to meet new people and enjoy the amazing scenery, but at the same time we know that our riders can be a bit competitive, so on the last morning we organise a time trial so they can let out their inner Chris Froome.
“It’s the perfect long weekend, a chance to meet new people, enjoy three rides at a relaxed pace on beautiful quiet roads, smash it on the final morning on a mountain time trial and be home in time for Countryfile.”
See the Sportive Breaks website for more information – including the routes for each ride – and to book your spot.
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