Classic Cols Of The Tour De France

Staff member Mike James travelled on this trip with Exodus and you can read his article to get a personal viewpoint of the holiday and event.

Yes, for this trip experience of road cycling is necessary. Taken slowly, this route is manageable (and enjoyable) for most regular cyclists with the toughest day involving 1700m of ascent. However, each day there are 'optional extras' (both cols and TDF stage endings) increasing the possible daily ascent to over 3000m, making this holiday also suitable for those looking to really push themselves and take on our Classic Cols Challenge. This trip is not suitable for beginners.

The weather in the mountains can change so you will need clothing for both warm and cold days. Short and long sleeved biking tops, padded shorts and long legged cycling trousers or tights are recommended. We would recommend gloves, both short and long fingered, a hat you can fit under your helmet and a windproof gilet and waterproof jacket. And of course don't forget your biking shoes and helmet (compulsory on this trip)!

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. We 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.

Andy Ross - Product Manager

A limited number of Specialized Allez Sport/Tifosi drop handle road bikes are available locally. These bikes have gears suitable for the mountains (with lowest gears of 32.5 / 31.5 respectively). You will be provided with a mini pump, and small saddle bag with spare tube and tyre levers. The hire bikes come with 2 bottle cages, but for hygiene reasons you need to provide your own bottles / hydration system. The hire bikes come with standard flat pedals. If you normally wear bike shoes with cleats, please bring your own pedals with you. If you have a comfy saddle then please bring it - you do not need to bring your seat post.

Andy Ross - Product Manager

‘In-country’ bike hire should be arranged at the time of booking, and the cost will be added to your invoice. Please note that there are a limited number of bikes available locally. We always have to match a person's height to the bike frame size and, as there are a limited amount of each size, we cannot always guarantee availability of the correct frame. Therefore it is recommended you add the local bike hire as early as possible.

Andy Ross - Product Manager

Yes. All the bikes are adaptable to be fitted with personalised bike parts. The support team accompanying the group will be able help with any bike alterations or damage to the bike along the entire trip.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to France where you can find out what plugs they use, as well as more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page.

Please download this PDF document to assist you in your preparation for flying with your bike.

You can view the Grading System for our Cycling programme online.

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!