With events like the Etape gaining popularity, more and more riders are looking for other similar events to ride and for some it is also a way of training in the lead up to the Etape.

For this reason, RoadCyclingUK.com has got together with Marmot tours to provide RCUK members with a special reader offer. The chance to to ride the Ariégeoise and train in the Pyrenees for the week beforehand. The Ariégeoise is an Cyclosportive event, the kind that have become extremely popular in recent years, they are open to everyone and are officially not a race. The Ariégoise is one of the largest of these events in France, attracting over 3,000 cyclists from all over the world.

This year there are 3 options of route:
– L’Ariegeoise – 161km, 3391m of climbing. (ouch)
– La Mountagnole – 116.4km, 2439m of climbing.
– La Passejade – 70.8km, 502m of climbing.

With many British riders looking to ride in these various events in the continent they spend their days fighting for space on B roads and trying to simulate climbs with repetitions and intervals. As always there is no better way to prepare than in the actual environment you will be competing in. To aid in this Marmot Tours have put together a package that not only gets you to and from the Ariegeoise, but also allow you to prepare both Mentally and Physically through 4 warm up days. These days use some of the cols and stage endings used during the ‘Tour de France’, preparing you nicely for the Ariégeoise cyclosportive event on the Saturday.

There will be led group rides each day by experienced guides, however if you want to disappear off at your own pace then you are free to do so.

Dates:
Mon 20th June – Sunday 26th June 2005