Critérium du Dauphiné

2024 Itinerary 

• Day 1 - 2:00pm Tour Officially Starts : Throughout the day, riders arrive and collected from Lyon Airport (LYS) or Lyon Hotels and transfer to our first hotel (THREE NIGHTS) ~0:50 drive. Afternoon ride ~30km with +500m ascent

• Day 2 - Ride ~110km with +2,000m ascent : Rhône and Beaujolais Wine Region

• Day 3 - Ride ~120km with +2,000m ascent : Ride in the Rhône and Loire Region : Ride includes VIP access to Stage 5 START of Critérium du Dauphiné

• Day 4 - Check out - Drive to VIP access to Stage 6 START of Critérium du Dauphiné. Once Pros leave, ride east towards Chambéry (ONE NIGHT) : ~100km with +1,500m ascent : Ride through the beautify and hilly Parc Naturel Régional de Chartreuse

• Day 5 - Check out - Ride ~70km with +2,000m ascent : Ride through Parc Naturel régional du Massif des Bauges. Check in - Hotel near Annecy (THREE NIGHTS). Day on CdD Course in twt vehicle and experiencing VIP access to Stage 7 FINSIH of Critérium du Dauphiné

• Day 6 - Ride ~100km with +2,000m ascent : Ride to the North East of Annecy : Ride includes VIP access to Stage 8 FINISH Critérium du Dauphiné

• Day 7 - Ride ~55km with +1,000m ascent : Ride Annecy Lake Loop. Farewell dinner

• Day 8 - 11:00am Tour Officially Concludes : Transfers from Annecy to GVA ~0:40 drive

• NOTE : Breakfast, lunch and dinners are included each day

• For the Full Itineray - please email us

Price

€4,800 single accommodation

€4,100 twin share : per person

€2,000 to confirm your place

Final payment due 4 March 

*twowheeltours covers all your land based expenses including transfers, accommodation and all meals. We have our own dedicated mechanic to ensure you have the best possible experience during the event.

If you have any more questions, please email info@twowheeltours.com.au

Riders will still stay in top level hotels during the tour.

You will have:

Three nights in the Beaujolais Region

One night in the Chambery Region

Three nights in the Annecy Regions

What staffing does twowheeltours provide?

We take pride in making sure all our riders need to do is focus on riding. We have our own mechanic, drive and tour manager who rides each day with our riders. 

Why attend the Critérium du Dauphiné?

The Critérium du Dauphiné has a great history and is the pre-eminent tour in the lead up to the ONE and ONLY Tour de France. They ride some tough days in the French Alps and it is always a well contested eight day event. We are giving our riders the chance to pedal through some of the same mountains which the pros will pass.

What does the VIP Critérium du Dauphiné access get me?

Over the final four stages : Stages 5 > 8 : twowheeltours will have access to two start and two finishes.

While in the VIP enclosure at the Start of Stages 5 and 6, feel the excitement of the start while enjoying a breakfast close to the cyclists.

While in the VIP enclosure at the Finish of Stages 7 and 8, experience the intensity of a stage finish as close to the line as possible. The Guest Finish Area will give you a front row seat the outcome of the race.

What will your day will look like?

• Wake up between 0600 and 0700 

• Breakfast between 0630 and 0800. All breakfasts are included

• On non-transfer days, drop your musette(s) at reception, you will see those bags again on course as they will be with the twowheeltours ON COURSE vehicle. In those bags you can put nutrition, extra clothing and/or leave clothing while on course : On transfer days, drop luggage to reception

• Depart start ~0800

• Lunch en-route. All lunches are included

• Return to hotel 1200 and 1430 : On transfer days, Check-in

• Mechanic to look after your bike

• Massages are available*

• Dinner with twowheeltours and briefing about the following days agenda

Is there a minimum speed average?

Yes, this is not a race for our riders but it is expected that you ride to a ~22kph each day

What is there to do at the end of the days rides?

Relax, put your feet up, talk to other riders, take a nap, rehydrate, grab a massage* then eat and drink some more. We mention eat twice, you may not feel like eating but this is one of the most important things you can do at the end of each ride.

*at extra cost

What is the weather like:

Avg Temps : 9 > 22C / 48 > 72F - you will be riding over a lot of mountains so be prepared for all conditions.

Why twowheeltours?

We have been running tours since 2009. We love what we do. We will give you a great cycling holiday and offer you a Fully Catered tour. We provide you with all land based transfers from Lyon / Lyon airport / train station or hotel to our first hotel.

We provide all accommodation during the tour, all meals and drinks are including. We have staff to look after your bike, bags, staff on course and one riding the course taking photos*, laundry, cooler and baskets stocked with extra food and beverages and personalised attention. 

How hard will the tour be?

Come prepared. This is a mountain multi-day riding tour. There will be lots of climbing and descending over the seven days of riding. As with all of these types of tour, you MUST do some training before coming.

The fitter you are, the more fun you will have. 

Can I have a rest day?

Yes, no worries. Any day which you wish to take off the bike is possible. We want you to have a holiday and there is no pressure from us.

I think I need a training program?

Each rider is different. A training program certainly helps, especially when talking to a coach who has a wealth of experience and who has completed many cyclo-sportives.

We like to encourage riders that the fitter they are, the more fun they will have. 

We have a range of coaches who we highly recommend. For further details on training programs, costs etc can be found here. 

You're an Australian tour company, do you have riders on your tours who are not from Australia?

We have clients on our tours from all over the world, Australia, NZ, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, South Africa, Brazil, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Czech Republic and Spain. Each year many of our riders return to do tours with twowheeltours, which is a great honour. 

Rooming

All prices listed are single supplement. For dual occupancy, other than your husband/wife/partner, please email us on info@twowheeltours.com.au

Wifi - Internet Access

Our hotels all have internet, the majority have it in rooms but once in a while you may need to access it from the lobby. We have never had problems getting on line with multiple devices for the one person - so using your mobile, laptop etc is okay.

What about transporting my bike to the event?

Packing your bike with care and in a specific case. This is the safest way to get your bike to the start of the event in one piece. LINK

I have never boxed my bike before, how do I pack my bike? 

Drop into your favourite Local Bike Store (LBS) and ask them to assist you. You could ask them to do it first then build it up, then you have a go - all for a price. Or you can become a profession via youtube - LINK.

Which bike box should I use?

How long is a piece of string, there are SO many out on the market it is amazing, each year there seems to be something new and improved. We have used the EVOC Bike Travel Bag for the last 4 years - they have now updated to the PRO. We have used the EVOC Travel Bag countless of times for our MTB and road tours. It has NEVER had any issues, NEVER had my bike damaged and we really like it. I also have two ‘bits’ to make life a bit easier - CHAIN COVER & ROAD BIKE ADAPTOR. It may take a little longer to use this bike but once you have done with travel the bag compacts down. When boxing the bike, we would highly recommend removing the derailleur from the derailleur-tip but that takes a few extra seconds - youtube clip - this is a clip is by 'Computer' a Sydney mechanic, excuse his hair and finger nails, he really is a good guy! Other options are : Polaris do some very good models or Scicon Bags or there is the Helium one which gets great reviews OR go to your LBS and get a cardboard box.

Where can I build my bike?

We will have a designated area at the start and finish of the tour which can be used to build your bike. Our mechanic will be there to assist. 

Help will be there if necessary

To assist you in building your bike there will be a tool-case which includes all the major tools. There is also a bike stand, track pumps, torque wrench, grease, chain lube, rags and hand wipes.

Have you ever had troubles transporting your bike on airlines?

In many years of traveling with a bike, there has never been any issues with boxing and flying with our bikes. Note, some airlines do charge for excess baggage while others do not. We do not know the policy on each carrier but we know that United, American Airlines and Lufthansa charge for bike boxes whereas Virgin Atlantic does not so long as it is under 23kg / 50 lbs & 62” / 158cm total linear cm. Qatar / Qantas allow you to bring your bike as long as it is within your 30kg limit. Please make sure you weigh your bike before you get to the airport and it is also highly recommended that you check prices and the fine print for excess luggage (ie bike bags / sporting equipment) with whoever you are flying with. Please do this before you get to the airport.

Tools and other equipment

twowheeltours will have a full tool kit for your use on the tour as per listed above including track pumps - also our mechanic is there is assist with any other needs.

What should I bring?

It is highly recommended that riders bring tubes, mini tool, brake pads (especially for those using disc brakes!) tire levers etc which you would normally take on a long ride - recommended packing list.

During rides, riders will need to be somewhat self sufficient. The support vehicle will be roaming and they will be able to assist but not always immediately on the scene. 

It is also recommend that riders bring specific spokes and derailleur tip/hanger - you will be reminded of this during the booking phase.

What wheels should I bring?

Bring wheels, fitted with clincher tires. Please leave tubular tires at home. 

For those bringing disc brakes, please make sure that you bring at least 2 sets, 4 pads in total, of brand new brake pads. 

Bike servicing and washing

All riders, pre tour, should have their bikes FULLY serviced including, bottom bracket wear/tear, rims checked, new tires, inner tubes, brakes and cables. After each ride our mechanic is there to help. If you so wish, you will be able to use our tools for any of your needs. There is NO charge for our mechanical work.

Bike washing

Bikes do not need to be washed each day - they will be wiped down. 

Gearing

It is highly recommended to have a compact crank. Some riders prefer standard cranks, it is up to the rider. About what to run in the rear, ask yourself this question, do you spend much of your time riding in the granny around home? The earlier stages are the toughest, so if you like 'spinning' bring a compact. The majority of our clients have a compact at the front and 11-30 on the rear with some preferring a 32. 

Insurance 

You MUST organise your own travel insurance. You MUST make sure all aspects, medical, flights etc. are covered.

Do I need a Cycling Licence?

No.

Diet - Food on Trip

Travelling away from home is always an adventure. The food in Europe is not the same as 'home'. The food in Sicily is amazing and it is one of the highlights of the tour. 

As this is a Fully Catered tour we supply you with all meals. The race organisers supply you daily with lunch and dinner during the event. 

If you have eating requirements/needs please let us know when you book in the comments section and we will endeavour to meet your needs. 

If you are a vegetarian please note that being in Europe it is very difficult to get enough protein and we highly recommend that you bring your own supplements. We have had some clients who have mentioned that getting enough protein was much harder than they had imagined.

Sports Nutrition

Everyone has their favourites nutrition companies. Please bring along what you are happy with. Below we list what you will find at rest stops. If you are hoping to purchase supplements along the way please remember that most host villages are VERY remote and most likely will not have what you want.

Want more information about Specific Sports Nutrition for the tour - Chloe McLeod is a Sports Dietitian who we used to help guide our clients to smarter eating for such events - more information click here. 

Bringing my own nutrition, any issues with quarantine?

In regards to bringing your own powders and large tubs of powders, we have had clients bring their own from home and they have never had an issue. Most put powder into a zip lock bag, leaving the big tub at home. We would not recommend for you to bring copious amounts of gels/powders etc as there may be an issue. If travel/transit/arrival forms require, please declare what you have in your bag. Lastly, please pack it in your checked luggage. 

Clothing and washing

It is recommended that riders bring at least 4 sets of cycling clothing. twowheeltours gives you a wash/laundry bag [WB] at the start of the tour. We will wash your kit during the tour. We will not put the WB in the dryer. On the wash day there is a collection bag left near reception. Riders get their WB back before dinner.

Other info on what to bring can be found here. Unfortunately we cannot wash all your day to day clothes. 

Is there gear that I HAVE to wear?

You can cycle in whatever gear you would like.

Clothing

For our dinners - there is no dress code. Even at our welcome dinner and farewell dinner there is no specific dress code, jeans, t-shirt and sneakers are more than suitable. There is only so much you can pack.

I've booked my ticket via twowheeltours, what next?

Your main focus once you have booked with us is training and booking your flights. You will be required to complete some twowheeltours paper work which you will be emailed closer to the start of the event.

Paper work

We require you to sign a waiver from twowheeltours.

Payment

Upon booking a deposit is required, all details of payments will be outlined on your invoice.

How do I make the remaining payments?

Via direct deposit, all details of payments will be outlined on your invoice.  

Payment can be made by Stripe Up - Amex, MasterCard or Visa* - there are transfer fees associated with Credit Card payments. Please contact us so that we can send you an invoice from Square Up.