Cycling the Classic Cols of the Tour de France

Each year, France holds its breath as the multi-coloured peloton makes its way up into the Pyrenees, creating some of the most exhilarating and memorable moments of the Tour de France. But the cols are not just the preserve of the professionals - these mountains can be ridden by anyone looking to experience the buzz of cresting a pass, after climbing through some of France's most beautiful scenery.

The 8 day itinerary includes eight of the most famous cols, including Portet 'dAspet, Aspin and Peyresourde with the option to take on a few more if you feel up to it. As your reward for some grueling ascents, you'll be able to spiral down some exhilarating descents with the French peaks in the background. A support vehicle will be on hand to help you along, or give you a lift, as your work your way towards the Col de Tourmalet, perhaps the most formidable road pass in the Pyrenees and a fitting end to your own personal Tour. During your trip, you'll stay in a selection of comfortable hotels.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Start at Ax-les-Thermes. This is a lively thermal spa town on the banks of the river Ariège surrounded by roads heading up in all directions - the perfect place to start our Tour.

Day 2
After breakfast there will be plenty of time to assemble your bikes or make any necessary adjustments to your hire bike. It is important that we warm up gently and the Col du Chioula (1431m, 830m climb over 18km, 3rd Category) from the west provides us with the perfect gradient (max 5%) on a beautifully quiet back road linking together ancient villages. The view from the Col makes the effort well worthwhile and plate of pasta in the mountain top restaurant is sure to restock you fuel reserves for the second part of the day. After lunch we return to Ax where we have the options of relaxing, riding the beautiful Orlu valley (a further 200m of ascent) or taking on the challenging TDF stage ending of Ax Bonascre (1380m, 670m climb over 8km, 1st Category). Basic route: 50km with 830m of ascent.

Day 3
Today's ride starts along the 'Route de Corniche', which undulates its way along the south-facing side of the valley of Ax, with constant views to Tarascon. From here our basic route takes us over the Col de Port (1250m, 770m climb over 15km, 2nd category). Those with a bit more energy to spare have the option of detouring from the Route de Corniche and taking on the much feared TDF stage ending of the Plateau de Beille (1800m, 1250m climb over 16.5km, H Category). From Massat we follow the river down to our hotel near St Lizer, whose hilltop monastery is well worth a visit. Basic route: 109km with 1411m of ascent.

Day 4
With two days under our belt our legs are now ready to take on two of the most popular cols in the Pyrenees. Climbing gently through ancient farmsteads, we barely notice the incline to the Col du Portet d'Aspet (1075m, 535m climb over 5.8km, 2nd category). A short descent through mixed forest (past the memorial to Fabio Casertelli) prepares us for the never-ending Col de Mente (1345m, 716m climb over 7km, 1st category). After a pleasant winding descent we can stretch our legs with a very gentle (almost flat) finale into the bustling spar town of Luchon. There is, however, an option of heading into Spain and ticking off the Col de Portilon (1293m, 630m of climbing) before rolling into town. Basic route distance: Basic route: 79km with 1585m of ascent.

Day 5
A free day in Luchon, giving us an opportunity to rest aching limbs in the thermal baths. Alternatively, why not try paragliding, 'Le Hot Dog' (inflatable canoe) or mountain biking. The die-hard tour enthusiasts could take in the stage-end of Superbagnères (1200m climb).

Day 6
The toughest day of our tour. Starting with the Col de Peyresourde (1565m, 829m climb over 13km, 1st category), even the support bus struggles up this one! The incentive to get to the top comes in the form of a cafe selling fine pastries. Those that really want to abuse their bodies could take in the Col D'Azet (615m climb 7.8km, 1st Category) or even the Pla d'Adat (900m climb over 11km, H Category). Next up is the beautiful Col d'Aspin (1490m, 789m climb over 12.1km, 1st category) where large-horned goats have been known to charge flagging cyclists! A spectacular downhill takes us to the small town of Aste. Basic route distance: 64km with 1700m of ascent.

Day 7
This day sees the ultimate challenge! The punishing Col du Tourmalet (2115m, 1515m climb over 23km, H Category). From here we can enjoy a 35km downhill all the way to our finishing line at Argelés-Gazost. Those with some energy could always make a slight detour up to Luz-Ardiden (1735m, 1000m climb over 13.4km, H Category). Basic route distance: 60km. Total up: 1515m. Total down: 1630m.

Day 8
A free morning to take it easy, visit the marmot sanctuary and pack up the bikes. However, the really keen could have time to take in the stage-end of Hautacam, (1618m, 1200m climb over 13.5km, H Category).

Is this trip for you?
The riding on this trip can be accomplished by any fit cyclist, but it is as much a state of mind as your fitness that will see you up and over the Cols; the secret to making it up the mountains is to plug away at a steady pace and stop whenever you feel tired.

You'll cover the same routes as the Tour de France but this trip is definitely not a race! It is likely that there will be quite a distance between the front and back cyclists in the group, and the vehicle will shuttle between them as much as is practical (giving moral support and refreshments), but once you have set off on the downhill side it is possible to get a long way ahead of other people very quickly, so there may be long stretches when you don't see other members of the group or the vehicle.

Each day you will be supplied with a map and comprehensive route notes including altitude profiles. The roads are good quality - they just aren't flat! Although the gradients do not get much steeper than 10%, they can be long. Daily distances are realistic, and there are plenty of opportunities for stronger riders to add more kilometres if they wish. The support minibus is always available for riders who have achieved their personal goal and require a lift up or down any of the hills.