Cycle Training Weeks in France

The Cycle Training Weeks are based in region of France where last year’s Etape du Tour took place – the Limousine region.

Two dates are planned for 2005: April the 2^nd and 16^th for seven nights. Based at Pascal’s home, we can cater for up to ten riders at any one time. The cost of £189 includes accommodation for the seven nights, airport pick-ups/drop-offs and lashings of food at both breakfast and evening meals. Wine is included with the evening meal.

Both weeks are aimed at raising/accelerating levels of fitness in preparation for the Etape and the coming race season. With rides of between 60 and 110 miles per day the terrain will vary in relation to the distance. On the longer rides we will stop for lunch at some little French café or restaurant.

The concept is to build lots of miles into the legs as a springboard for further training at your own pace. I would like to encourage some speed work from time to time, working as a group and get the less confident riders used to riding in a bunch.

Average speeds will vary from around 16mph for a “spinning” type of ride to 20/21mph for a shorter, flatter sortie.

Please note: Whilst cycling helmets are not law in France, I do encourage the wearing of them on all rides.

For those keen to “overdo” it whilst here, there is a gymnasium in the cellar that you are free to use. As I write in place there is a multi-gym, free weights, running machine, rowing machine, exercise bike (not more miles!) and turbo trainer!!!!

There is an electronic dartboard and table football if your hands will still grip something after that lot!

We can cater for a maximum number of ten and there are four large rooms available: 2 x 3 people with en-suite facilities and 2 x 2 people who have two further bathrooms to use between them. All beds are single but doubles beds can be arranged if required.