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Etape du Tour 2011

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  • July 28, 2010 at 11:34 am #12546
    adscrim

    I, along with some friends, am eager to participate in the 2011 Etape but I not sure how viable this ambition is. I’m not talking ability to finish (I can worry about that if I get the chance to go), more getting a place and organising travel and accommodation logistics.

    Does anyone have any tips/recommendations/warnings about tour companies and their associated prices – I’ve had a search online and while I can find lots of details regarding the packages that were available this year, they no longer have the associated prices listed.

    Any information would be most welcome.

    Thanks

    Adam

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Viewing 9 replies - 16 through 24 (of 24 total)
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  • October 9, 2010 at 5:28 pm #636215
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    GGB_Andrew

    Marmotte over Etape for me
    Marmotte over Etape for me (cheaper, easier to organise and always painful!)…although if Etape does go over Galibier and the Alpe it could be a good “warm up” for the Marmotte!

    October 4, 2010 at 11:36 am #636213
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    SPAM Naval

    Having lived in Paris when I
    Having lived in Paris when I did the 2009 Etape – i think i paid €60 for entry – its hard to justify the cost of trying to organise it from the UK. Although I really want to do it again next year!
    also thinking that La Marmotte might be a good alternative

    October 4, 2010 at 10:47 am #636211
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    rikperry5311

    How about the Marmote instead
    How about the Marmote instead ? Start finish and the same point makes logistic easy and its way cheaper that the Etape ( 40 euros i think ) Just as well organised and maybe better for a first Euro trip ?

    September 24, 2010 at 10:42 am #636209
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    ianswindon

    I took part in the 2006
    I took part in the 2006 etape,gap to alp d’huez. Had limited funds. Me and a friend went,only me competing,drove from swindon to dover,left car at docks,ferry to calais,picked up hire car othersidw(citroen c4,room for 2 bikes and luggage),drove to gap to pre-booked accomodation. I rode the event,mate drove to bourg to pre=booked accomodation and waited for me at alp d’huez!! Was a fantastic experience. Training started roundabout this time by taking part in audaxes etc getting plenty of winter miles in and getting used to being on a bike for 7/8 hours. Recommend doing the grand fondo in wales beforehand. I got entry through riding for the charity ‘get kids going’ would recommend it. Good luck and may see you out there next year as i plan to do it again!!

    August 4, 2010 at 6:19 am #636207
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    jezzer

    Hi Adam – I did the etape
    Hi Adam – I did the etape this year with 2 other friends for the first time and will try and sum up as briefly as possible my experiences. First thing I should mention is that it was the toughest thing I’ve done. Second thing is that I’ve got my name down for next year! Was the most amazing riding I’ve experienced.

    In all it was pretty easy to get sorted, took a bit of effort but no real problems.

    First up entry – have a word with Ron over at http://www.etape.org.uk – we got our entries this way, cost was IIRC £180 each

    Once that was sorted next was accomodation – used internet to find Chambres de Hotes /B&B’s near Pau – a lot was booked up but found a fantastic place about 15k out of Pau that was pretty much perfect. Tourist info and offices were helpful. 

    Like John above I had reservations about flying so made the decision to drive down with bikes and kit – my mates flew down a couple of days before the event with just luggage. My wife and I decided to make a bit of a holiday out of it as well so took a few days driving down stopping off along the way. 

    This also solved the problem about finshing and getting back – the wife drove over to meet us at then end and drove us back that evening. 

    In all I suspect that I probably spent the same amount of money as companies like SportsTours etc are asking but had a bit more flexibility and was more of a holiday rather than entirely focused on the Etape.

    If that’s not enough info or you’ve got any specific q’s let me know, would be happy to help

    Finally Dave_Atkinson here advised me to pack plenty of gears (cheers Dave) although I could have done with packing a couple more

    August 1, 2010 at 7:07 pm #636205
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    Blackhound

    Talking to a chap yesterday
    Talking to a chap yesterday who did it this year believes that The Galibier will be on the route next year. The course won’t finish there but I guess Alpe d’Huez or Briancon are likely stage finishes.

    Had a quick look last year and cheapest I saw was £600 for hotel and accommodation for about 3/4 nights.

    July 30, 2010 at 2:45 pm #636203
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    Jon Burrage

    I too am looking to do this
    I too am looking to do this and was wondering about entry and transfer back to the start options. I will likely drive down myself as I have heard horror stories about etape’ers getting out to toulouse or pau by air and their bikes never making it. At least if I drive the bike will be in the car with me.
    Alpe d’huez finish sounds superb.

    July 30, 2010 at 1:05 pm #636201
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    adscrim

    You calling me fat!
    I
    You calling me fat! 😉

    I contacted sporting tours and there most basic package was £300 this year and included your accommodation and tranfers. Flights and entry were extra. Obviously this may change for next year depending on circumstances, but it doesn’t seem too bad. I think I’ll do a little more research and see if I can find out about tranfer options for the entry only cyclist. We were planning on all travelers taking part and I assume there must be companies that provide a transfer service to the start either prior to the event or afterwards.

    Thanks for taking the time to reply.

    Adam

    July 29, 2010 at 7:16 pm #636199
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    Old Cranky

    Depending upon whether you
    Depending upon whether you are prepared to arrange all of your own logistics – travel, hotel, getting back to the start, etc, then I’d buy an entry only. I think Sporting Tours and others sell these for about £100 but they are taken up shortly after the entry opens in October.

    I’d bet that the 2011 Etape will be an Alpe d’Huez finish.

    Start training and dieting now!

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