TRAINING EVENTS - 2005

I'm putting together an exciting program of cycling events for 2005.

Do join us even if you are not taking part in the Etape this year!
If you are entering the Etape though, these events will give you a chance to meet other riders who are going to attempt this year's challenge!

If you would like your event added to the list, let me know by emailing Ron@etape.org.uk.

FEBRUARY

26th February to 5th March: Etape training camp in Spain!
Ride the mountains and Mediterranean coast of Southern Valencia! DETAILS
Contact Ron@etape.org.uk for more details. Please enquire about dates.

MARCH

Sunday 6th March : Newbury Downs 100km Audax

An interesting area near Newbury. See Newbury Downs Audax for details.


12th March: Day Ride in the Chilterns

Contact Ron@etape.org.uk for details

19th and 20th March: Cycling weekend in the Cotswolds area
Photos of last year's event!

Youth hostel accomodation available
Contact Ron@etape.org.uk for details

APRIL

2nd - 9th April : Cycling Training week in France
16th - 23rd April
High mileage week to build your endurance - returning to the area of last year's Etape du Tour! Rides of between 60 and 100 miles per day. For £199 you get rural accommodation and Brekky, home cooked evening meals and free wine. Transport from the airport is included in the price. A gymnasium is available for real fitness fanatics! The hospitality is well recommended! Only ten places available though. Contact Ron@etape.org.uk if you are interested. See French training weeks for details.
MAY

1st May : David Duffield Challenge - Bath area.
A CTC Challenge Ride. In addition to the 100km and 150km routes options there will be a shorter 30km route for your family! This is sponsored ride, raising funds for the Cyclists' Defence Fund and CTC campaigning work.
For details email challengerides@ctc.org.uk

May 14th and 15th: Italy : Gran Fondo
Weekend break - take part in a race over the Italian Alps for £100 - entry and hotel accomodation included!
Contact Ron@etape.org.uk for details

May 21st to 28th: Etape training in Andalucia
Training on the picturesque mountains among the white villages of Andalucia. Good value accommodation.
Click here for details or contact Ron@etape.org.uk.

May 27th to 31st: Cycling in the Alps!
Train on those famous Alpine climbs: Climbs we may be doing depending on weather include Madeleine, Telegraphe, Tamie, Forclaz, Courmet de Rosalend & Courchevel! Chalet accommodation. Contact Ron@etape.org.uk if you are interested!

May 28th to 30th: Snowdonia, North Wales
Join our training rides over the spectacular Welsh mountains over the bank holiday. Based in Betws-Y-Coed.
Click here for details or contact Ron@etape.org.uk. See www.etape.org.uk/SNOWDONIA.htm for photos!!

JUNE

Sat 4th June: Cycle Sportive in France158 k's long and 2300 meters of climbing. Accom for three nights, brekky and evening meals, airport pick up/drop off, transport to and from event and the event fee is also included. Max group of eight.
Contact Ron@etape.org.uk for more details

Sat 4th June: Etape de Audax! Broadstairs, East Kent Practice group riding and share tips/tales. Test your legs over the same distance and ride with others who are going to Pau in one month's time.
Contact Justin at justin2003@ntlworld.com .

Sun 5th June: Polka Dot Grand Fondo Challenge - Peak District
A British Gran Fondo! 100 miles with eight major climbs which have featured in the Milk Race and Pru Tour, with an easier option of 70 miles with four climbs.
For details see http://www.polkadotchallenge.org/

Sunday June 12th: Barbury Bash 110km/205Km
Starting from Milton Village Hall, near Didcot on Oxfordshire, both the 110km and the 205km rides provide excellent training. The 205km ride has about 2,500 metres of climbing, and almost as difficult as doing the Etape! The 110km version also provides excellent training. Please book by 31st May.

Sunday June 12th: Wicklow 100 and 200, Ireland
See Joe Conway's website, www.wicklow200.ie for details!

Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June: 100/200km ride and Camping weekend in South Wales
Saturday Golden Valley 157Km Audax, or "200Km Wye Bother" Audax
Sunday: Mountains and Reservoirs Social Ride.

Contact Ron@etape.org.uk for camping information, and Audax to book the Audax.

Sunday 19 June : Dragon Ride South Wales
100km or 150km Now full. Contact Breakawayinfo@aol.com

Sunday 26 June : Circuit of the Cotswolds
100 mile signposted circular route. 2200 meters of climbing.Two feed stations! See www.circuitofthecotswolds.org for details.

JULY

Monday July 4th - Friday July 8th : Try the Etape climbs!
Accomodation near Marie Blanque and Ichere, not far from Aubisque.
Contact Ron@Etape.org.uk for details.

Tuesday July 12th - Friday July 15th : Try some extra climbs after the Etape with other Etappers!
Contact Philip at Philip@Painsfireworks.com for details.

AUGUST

Thursday July 11th - Friday July 13th : TOUR OF PORTUGAL Try a stage for yourself then watch the professionals! Three day break in luxury accommodation. Click here for details, or email Ron@Etape.org.uk for details.

SEPTEMBER

September 10th-17th : CYCLE TOURING HOLIDAY IN FRANCE Lubersac (home of Alain Prost), Rocamadour, Aurillac, into the Auvergne for a night then Aubusson. 7 nights, six cycling days. 2 and three star hotels and very good food. Support vehicle (for luggage too) Click here for details,or email Tours@Etape.org.uk for details.

OCTOBER

October 2nd : CYCLOSPORTIVE IN FRANCE:
A challenging 100 miles long ride. Only about 40 miles from Dieppe and less than 2 hours drive from Calais.Three nights accommodation in a 3 Star Hotel, situated a convenient 4 km from the start. £249 including three nights at the hotel, evening meals and breakfast, and race entry. Email Tours@Etape.org.uk for details.