1.
What does "Etape du Tour" stand for?
The name of this great event, "L'Etape du Tour," translates
into "Stage of the Tour."
2. What is included in my package
for the Etape du Tour?
- Guaranteed Etape du Tour Entry.
- 2 private feed zones on the day of the Etape along with
the three official feed zones.
- Accommodations and breakfast in Velo Echappe' selected properties.
- All transfers.
- All breakfasts and group dinners as outlined on the itinerary.
- All gratuities, taxes, and fees for all hotels, meals, and porter
services.
- Daily cycling on either selected routes detailing the best roads
of each region or on official race routes from the past and present
that are simply legendary!
- All daily transfers, luggage transfers, and on-road sag support
in either our autobus or our Thule-equipped vans.
- All daily transfers of bicycles in our custom-fitted bike truck
so your bike won't get scratched or damaged.
- All daily prepared routes with maps and cue sheets detailing
each days route with each turn and its corresponding mileage.
This is all outlined for you in advance.
- Professional mechanics who will build your bike up for you,
do the daily maintenance if needed, and repack your bicycle for
you when the tour is finished.
- Professional staff with a ratio of 1:6 so everyone gets the
needed attention during the tour.
- Professional Velo Echappe Cycling Jersey and bibs.
- Daily supply of bottled water, fruit, cookies and other goodies
to keep you fueled on the road!
- Cell phone communications
- Pre-Tour Information Packet that will be sent out to you in
advance detailing each day's program, hotel info, sponsor info,
what to bring, how to pack, etc. so you're fully prepared before
you leave home.
What's not included:
- Airfare to / from France
- Rental Car, other ground transport
- Lunches
- Drinks with meals and other hotel incidentals (phone, laundry,
room service, etc.)
3. How many years
has this event been in existence?
2011 will mark the 19th year for the "Etape du Tour."
Though it has been a favorite of cyclists from Europe, the United
Kingdom, and Ireland for over a decade, the popularity is really
beginning to grow here in the United States.
4. How do I register
and how does the process work over the next few months?
After you fill out our online reservation form, receive confirmation,
and pay your deposit of $1,000.00, you are all set. We have 50 guaranteed
entries through our partners at High Gear Travel. The next step
is to choose what program you want to be on following our announcement
in late October of the various vacation programs. Following this
choice, you will need to fill out the official Etape entry forms
in late December as well as get a physical from your family doctor.
Following the completion
of your form, you will fax it to High Gear Travel, our official
registration partner. Next spring, you will receive your official
number and race packet from the organizers in Paris. You will need
to bring all of this information with you along with your passport
when you "sign in" in the Depart Village before the Etape.
If this sounds confusing, we will keep you updated every step of
the way.
5. How do I prepare
for the Etape du Tour?
The old-school answer from Euro veterans who still wear wool tights
and detest hard shell helmets is "Ride, ride, ride your bike."
The new-school answer is to prepare for the ride of your life and,
if you need a coach, get one to help you out. In addition, we will
send you a mileage-based training program in December / January
from Kent McNeill, a USA Expert Cycling Coach and 7-time Etape du
Tour finisher, that will provide you with the necessary guidance
and direction to get you ready. In addition, you will be able to
email Kent throughout the course of your training to get answers
to your questions.
6. What kind of
bike should I bring and what gears should I plan on using?
As regards gearing, unless you are a Category I or II rider, put
a triple on the front and we also recommend that you have a minimum
of a 27 - 29 gear on the rear and don't be afraid to put a 31 or
32-tooth cog on the back. The reason for this is that the climbs
in France are steep, long, and hot! Again, this won't be like a
nice Century ride back in the States. You are going to want every
possible gear imaginable to help you spin up the climbs. The organizers
always choose one of the hardest stages for the Etape so be prepared.
To quote Bill Strickland, the Executive Editor
of Bicycling Magazine, who joined us in July 2005: "
Take a triple or compact-chainring bike, and go big with the cassette.
Euro roads are rough." And whatever you do, don't
let your local bike mechanic talk you out of putting a triple or
a compact on your bike for reasons of ego. As you'll find out on
the first climb, your pride won't help your legs spin up a climb.
7. What documents
do I need to have with me when I arrive into France for the Etape
du Tour?
When you arrive into France, you will need to have a valid U.S.
Passport and your Etape du Tour Info Packet (containing your start
number) that you will receive from the organizers prior to the event.
We also highly recommend that you make 2 copies of your Passport
and identification materials before you leave. Please leave one
copy with your loved ones before you leave and bring one copy with
you but keep it separate from your baggage. The reason for doing
this is to have backup copies in case your belongings and identification
papers are stolen.
To obtain a new passport,
or replace an outdated, lost, or stolen passport, please contact
the U.S.
State Department online.
8. What is not
included in the price of my vacation?
Airfare to and from France, train tickets, rental car, lodging before
and after the vacation, any gratuities for staff, lunches, and any
incidentals. Following the announcement of our various vacation
programs, more details will become available.
9. How do I transport
my bike on my flight?
We recommend the Thule 699 Round Trip Travel Case. Please call us
at 402.345.7445 for special discounted pricing if you are signed
up for one of our cycling vacations. Another recommendation is the
Trico Iron Case.
If you would like to ship
your bike over to France in advance, please contact us for special
shipping information. Thanks!
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