We arrive into Basel-Mulhouse-Freiberg airport and exit out onto the French side of the airport, where pie staff will meet everyone before we transfer to the hotel in Durbach. We’ll have a chance to meet the rest of the pie crew over lunch before having a briefing and getting out on our bikes for a few hours in the afternoon, depending on flight times. The warm up loop will take the riders out into the rural countryside, passing through vineyards and orchards. There are several hill top schloss (castles) to be admired along the journey.
We head south from Durbach to Schloss Reinach, set in a tiny village 15km to the south west of Freiburg im Breisgau. Along the way we tackle Schafersfeld Pass, a cheeky 5k climb of 9%; Hallener Hohe suitable for all with a height gain of just 500m over 18k; and Thurner with a 3% climb over 18k.
Today is the day we leave the hills of Germany to cross the flat lands between Germany and France, and make our way across the Rhine to the Tour de France climbs in the Vosges National Park. The Grand Ballon, a Stage 6, Cat 3, Tour de France climb beckons at just 1325m.
Our last day riding and the focus is on the Route des Vins and more Tour de France climbs for any cyclists who think they need more punishment. Le Petit Ballon at 1163m is another spectacular climb along with the Cote des Cinq Chateaux. We finish the Tour d’Alsace in the medieval village of Obernai, where we toast our celebrations over a well earned meal.
Today is a free day to enjoy all the historic village of Obernai has to offer before your return flight back to the UK.