Med and the Mountains (via the Col De La Madone) Classic Cycle Climb
pie is a cycling events company delivering amazing bespoke bike rides throughout the UK and Europe. We create, develop, manage, operate and deliver fully supported guided group cycling trips for companies, charities and groups of individuals. All to your specific brief.
A three and a half day tour of Provence, taking in sections of both Paris-Nice and Tour de France stages, with some hors category climbs thrown in for good measure. Along the way, we ride up Lance Armstrong’s favourite training climb, along the Grand Corniche, and through the French Riviera. What more could you want?
495km total distance (shorter options are available)
7670m climbing (shorter options with less climbing are available)
Full support crew
3.5 days guided cycling
Itinerary
Day 1 – 63km, 640m climb
We take an early flight to arrive into Nice in time for a late lunch at the hotel. After a short briefing, you will have time to build your bikes and meet your guides before venturing out for a 63km loop to keep the legs ticking over, and to acclimatise to the weather!
In the evening you will have time to settle into the hotel, before a full briefing and welcome meal / introductions.
Day 2 – 168km, 1900m climb
The 100 mile day! You will need to save some energy in your legs as the second half of the day contains two climbs that have featured in the Paris-Nice and Tour de France – the cat 2 climb of the Côte de Tuillières, and cat 3 climb of the Côte du Mont Méaulx.
Fortunately, the day finishes with a descent into the old fortified village of Fayence, and our second overnight stop.
Day 3 – 137km, 2550m climbing
If Day 2 was the day for distance, today is the day for climbing. A total of 2550m, incorporating sections of the Paris-Nice, and the cat 1 climb of the Col du Ferrier:
Day 4 – 127km, 2580m climbing
Our final day is best described as ‘lumpy’, and follows one of Lance Armstrong’s favourite training rides. Throughout the morning we spend our time climbing and descending plateaus, before hitting the Col de la Madone at around the 75-80km mark. This is our last major climb of the tour, before heading downhill along the French Riviera, towards our final destination of Nice. In the evening we will convene for a celebratory meal in a local restaurant. Options are also available to finish in Monaco, for a real end of trip treat!
Day 5 – travel home
Day 5 is a free day, where you will have time to soak in the atmosphere and do a little sight-seeing before the transfer to the airport and your flight home