Our L'Etape du Tour 2010 'alternatif' took in stages 16 and 17 in the 2010 Tour de France in the Pyrenees. We rode both stages the day before the tour did and then watched the real thing. The riders were fully supported on the 'cycling days' and taken to best vantage points on 'viewing days'. We watched stage 16 on wide screen at Pau and where there for the finish. We went to Argeles Gazost for stage 17 and watched the stage unfold on screen before seeing the tour pass through on their way to the finish on the Tourmalet. 16 and 17 became the decisive stages of the 2010 tour, the French nation were in festival mood and we enjoyed every moment. As a bonus we had a vehicle going out from the UK with the bikes and kit so no transfer hassles or missing bikes.
If you don't fancy the expense and logistical nightmare that the official L'Etape du Tour has become, our L'Etape du Tour 2011 'alternatif' event is probably for you.

WHAT WE RODE IN 2010
Total distance: 230 miles / 370 kms.
Average daily climb: 3620 metres.

OUR ITINERARY L'Etape du Tour 'Alternatif' 2010 5 nights
July 18th	Day 0	Transfer to hotel near Bagnères du Luchon, assemble and test bikes
July 19th	Day 1	Bagnères du Luchon - Pau, Route of stage 16 Col de Peyresourde 1569m, Col d'Aspin 1489m, Col du Tourmalet 2115m, Col du Soulor 1474m, Col d'Aubisque 1709m 196km, 4288 metres of climbing
July 20th	Day 2	Watch stage 16
July 21st	Day 3	Pau - Col du Tourmalet, Route of stage 17 Col de Marie-Blanque 1035m, Col du Soulor 1474m, Col du Tourmalet 2115m 174km, 4000 metres of climbing
July 22nd	Day 4	Watch stage 17
July 23rd	Day 5	Pack bikes and leave hotel before lunch