Cycling event organiser Pendragon Sports and operator Yellow Jersey Adventures have announced today that the Tour des Cols 3-stage cyclosportive, which will take place from the 22nd-24th August 2008, has joined the Pendragon series of events for 2008:

Tour of Wessex: 24th – 26th May
Tour of Exmoor: 5th July
Tour of the Black Mountains: 26th July
Tour des Cols: 22nd – 24th August
Tour of Dartmoor: 27th September

Starting in Geneva, taking in classic climbs such as the Cols de la Colombière, du Télégraphe, de la Madeleine and du Galibier and ending with the 21 switchbacks of Alpe d’Huez, the Tour des Cols comprises three separate rides. With each representing an Etape du Tour size challenge, they combine to form a unique 3-stage cyclosportive event.

Riders will be fully supported from the minute they arrive. Three days of challenging cycling will offer participants the chance to put in great rides and achieve a little bit of their own glory in the mountains. Gold, Silver and Bronze awards will be given for each day, as will recognition for overall best time and, of course, a special ‘Grimpeur’ award for the King of the Mountains.

Stages:

Fri 22 Aug. Stage 1: Geneva – Megève 122km/2,900m ascent

Sat 23 Aug. Stage 2: Megève – La Toussuire 155km/3,700m ascent

Sun 24 Aug. Stage 3: La Toussuire – L’Alpe d’Huez 123km/3,500m ascent

Itinerary:

Thu 21 Aug:
Riders assemble in Geneva. Preparation and Pre-Tour Briefing

Fri 22 Aug:
Stage 1

Sat 23 Aug:
Stage 2

Sun 24 Aug:
Stage 3 Post ride awards and reception

Mon 25 Aug:
Relax, afternoon transfer to Geneva, return home

Starting with airport transfer, followed by arrival reception & briefing, riders will be accommodated in 3-4 star mountain top hotels with full facilities. Baggage and kit will be transferred between stages.

All meals from hearty breakfast to dinner and en-route feed-stations are provided. Routes will be signed, with full directions and details outlined in a comprehensive ‘Ride Manual’. From start to finish, support teams will offer on road mechanical support and a comfortable ‘broom wagon’ if required. Electronic chip timing will ensure accurate stage results and points will be awarded at the summit of each climb.

Mechanical and Sports Massage services will be available at overnight stops. After the final stage a post ride reception will feature presentations and celebrate individual successes.

Finally a rest day to kick-back and relive the highs and lows of your ride before returning home to the realities of life.

For more information contact: Pendragon Sports on 01963 220137 or go to www.tourdescols.com.