Champions Club 2017 Tour de France Adventure
Lake Annecy and High Alps
We have finalized your 2017 Tour de France Adventure on Lake Annecy and we
invite you take a look at the schedule and links to ride routes. The optional
climbing segments on the 19th, 20th and 21st will offer 150 miles of riding with
over 20,000 ft. of vertical gain. The hotel for these two nights on Alp d’Huez is the best place on the
mountain, with great views of les Deux Alpes and the surrounding peaks. The two groups will come
back together for dinner on Friday the 21st. This adventure will include the classic climbs of Cret de
Chatillon, Forclas, Telegraphe, Galibier, d’Izoard, Glandon, Tamie, l’Epine and Aravis. The schedule of
rides for those choosing to remain in the luxury of the Lake will be coming in the next week, and there
will be support staff and a ride guide remaining to assist this group. As you know, there is no shortage
of incredible rides in the vicinity of the lake.
Monday July 17 – Guest Arrivals Lake Annecy
Ride:
Short ride on the lake after arrival with optional Forclas climb:
Forclas loop from Talloires
Lunch:
A la carte in Talloires
Dinner:
Auberge du Pere Bise – Jean Sulpice Michelin One Star
Tour:
Rest Day
Tuesday July 18 – The Classic Local Ride
Ride:
8:00 AM start to Cret de Chatillon above the lake - 25, 40 mile options, 3,000+ ft. of
climbing: Cret de Chatillon Route through Annecy
Short loop option w/partial climb: Shorter loop below Chatillon
Lunch:
Lunch on the terrace at Cottage Bise
Dinner:
Le Brasserie Pere Bise
Tour:
Tour Stage 16
Wednesday July 19 – Climber Group Ride to Galibier
Ride:
Lunch:
Dinner:
Tour:
45 minute car transfer to a drop near the Stage route – Climb Cat 1 climbs Telegraphe
and Galibier. This will be approximately 35 miles with almost 8,000 ft. of climbing.
Return to the ASO Hospitality in Valloires after climbing the Galibier for the stage
viewing.
ASO Relais Hospitality followed by 20 minute air transfer to Alpe d’Huez
Hotel Gran Rousses on Alpe d’Huez - Hotel Grande Rousses Web Site
Tour Stage 17
Thursday July 20 – Climber Group to Col d'Izoard
Ride:
20 minute Air transfer to ride start at the Aerodrome of St. Crepin and climb to Col
d'Izoard. This is a beautiful ride of approximately 30 miles, with 6,300+ of climbing.
View the route to Brunissard at the base of the climb: Aerodrome to Brunissard (See the
image below for the final 8km of this route to the top of ‘Izoard.)
Lunch:
ASO Hospitality on the stage course in Le Chalp below Col d'Izoard. Both the Men and
Women finish on the course near the Col. Air Transfer back to Alpe d’Huez after the
stages have concluded.
Dinner:
Alp d’Huez Hotel
Tour:
Tour Stage 18
Friday July 21 – The High Road back to Talloires for the Climber Group
Ride:
Ride off of Huez through Oz, to Glandon (Cat 1 Climb), Tamie (Cat 5 Climb) and back to
Talloires. This is a 90 mile ride from Huez to Talloires. On-course drops will be available
if you prefer to ride Tamie only. See the ride route here: Huez to Talloires
Lunch:
On the road
Dinner:
Auberge du Pere Bise – Jean Sulpice Michelin One Star
Tour:
Tour Stage 19
Saturday July 22 – Col des Aravis
Ride:
Col des Aravis or Col l’Epine – 35, 55 mile options
Short loop over L’Epine: Thones loop with Col l'Epine
Long Loop over Aravis: Long loop over Aravis
Lunch:
a la carte in Talloires
Dinner:
Michelin Two Star
Yoann-Conte – travel by boat around the bend from Pere Bise
to this new location which is highly recommended: Yoann-Conte
Tour:
Tour Stage 20
Sunday July 23 – Guest Departures
Airports: Geneva - Annecy (Private Flights)
Transfer Support: Alpes Logistique
Hotels: Pere Bise-Jean Sulpice - Pere Bise Web Site Cottage Bise - Le Cottage Web Site
2017 Support Staff
Veteran of Champions Club Tour de France Adventures, Erik Mlinar
owns and operates a private physio practice in Slovenia. Erik has also
worked extensively as a guest soigneur for our National Team racing in
Europe.
Julia Hegar runs a private Physio practice in Freiberg, Germany. She is
a veteran of the Champions Tour Adventures and has worked
extensively with our National Team programs, shown here at the 2016
Rio Games with mountain bike Olympians Chloe Woodruff and Lea
Davison.
George Noyes joins us as our lead mechanic. George is
a native of Chicago currently living in Kortrijk, Belgium
where he owns and operates a custom bike ship.
George has an incredible resume having worked for
many professional teams such as Schwinn PRO, 7Eleven, Motorola, Mapei and our National Development
program. George is widely known as the “best bike
mechanic in the world” - It’s true!
Joining us for the first time is Nadja Eiche, a Physio
from Freiberg, Germany. Nadja has worked previously
with the Austrian National Ski Team (B Team) and is
currently physio for the Austrian World Cup Ski Team
(Olympic team). (Pictured right)
Chris “Goot” Gutowsky joins us again this year
providing logistical and follow support. Goot has
owned and operated Velosport Vacations for 26 years,
providing customized cycling trips in Europe, including
France, Italy, Belgium, Spain. He is currently
consulting on a wide variety of corporate hospitality
and private group cycling trips. Goot is an alumni of
the U.S. National Team and a National Champion on
the track, racing the Madison.
Rod Boutier (Left in Green jersey) is a competitive
triathlete and former champion of his home region in
Brittany. Rod teaches Physical Education at both the
high school and collegiate level. Rod has worked as a
guide and support person at many Tour de France
events, including our Provence trip last year.
Bertrand Siffroy (Pictured right) is a competitive
triathlete who has raced the Iron Man and French
National Championships. Bertrand teaches middle
and high school sports in the Brittany region and has
worked many Tours as a guide and support person,
including our Provence trip last year.
Eric Long joins us as an assistant mechanic and support driver. Eric is a
graduate of Indiana University where he raced the Little 500 cycling
events. After a 20-year career in the U.S. Military, Eric started a cycling
support service and brought his talents to Richmond, VA where he
assisted our Champions Club members at the 2015 World
Championships. Eric is currently living and working in Dubai, and excited
to be in France with our group.
Credit Card Room Deposits for the Hotel are due at this time. Contact Steve McCauley for
your final reservation confirmation and consulting on final arrival and departure dates,
airport transfers, clothing, equipment, ride preparation and any other questions you may
have: [email protected]