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STAGE 1: SARDINIA DUATHLON 30th August 2018 ARRIVAL DAY
STAGE 1: SARDINIA DUATHLON 31st August 2018 DAY 1 - CYCLE Pula to Sant antiocco We ll ride just few km along ss195, before arriving in Chia where we ll pedal one of the most scenic parts of the route, the amazing Costa del Sud. This is a roller coaster along the south coast line with plenty of small coves, granite rocks and Spanish watchtowers. Later on it the day, after Teulada, we ll start riding through vineyards and little villages until the neat Romanesque-Pisan architecture of the Cathedral of Tratalias. We'll end our day riding along the isthmus and across the bridge connecting Sant'Antioco island to the mainland. KEY CLIMBS Start (km) Length (km) Elevation (m) 14.5 1 52 5 22 1.5 56 5 29.5 2.4 103 4 35 1.3 70 5 44.5 1 31 2 Avg. Gradient (%) Climb Lunch 84.2km 803m 55.7km
STAGE 1: SARDINIA DUATHLON 1st September 2018 DAY 2 - CYCLE Sant antiocco TO GUSPINI Today we ll enjoy the fascinating Costa delle Miniere (The Mine Coast), with stunning scenery over to Carloforte island, before admiring the Pan di Zucchero (Sugar Loaf) rock standing in front of Nebida. From here you ll enjoy riding along the coastline towards Buggerru village for lunch. This is more than just a ride, it s a jump in the mining history of Sardinia. After leaving the long gold sand beach of Portixeddu, you have a long steady climb taking you up to Passo Bidderdi, before riding across the mountains of Arbus and descending down to Guspini. KEY CLIMBS Start (km) Length (km) Elevation (m) 41 9 484 4 57 2 103 6 75 8 439 5 93 2.9 139 4 Avg. Gradient (%) Climb Lunch 102.1km 1531m 66.1km
STAGE 1: SARDINIA DUATHLON 2nd september 2018 DAY 3 - CYCLE GUSPINI to Fordongianus Today we ll enter quintessential rural Sardinia, with its vast pastures and fields. It s another great day, in a total diverse landscape from what you have already experienced. From Guspini, we go to the old mining village of Montevecchio, then along the Costa Verde (Green Coast) - a Sardinia highlight. At Marceddì we cross the lagoon with stunning views, and ride steadily inland gently climbing towards Fordongianus. KEY CLIMBS Start (km) Length (km) Elevation (m) 4.5 6.4 271 4 15 1.9 90 4 27 2 77 3 30 1.2 59 3 Avg. Gradient (%) Climb Lunch 101km 1006m 56.4km 34.5 0.9 37 3 36 1 41 3 93 3.3 120 4
STAGE 1: SARDINIA DUATHLON 3rd September 2018 DAY 4 - CYCLE GUSPINI to Fordongianus The final day on the bike for Stage 1. We ll leave Fordongianus heading north to Paulilatino, and from here we ll climb amongst olive groves until reaching the stone village of Santu Lussurgiu, built right into the mouth of an ancient volcano. We remain inland but enjoy an exciting downhill across the Montiferru thick forest, then towards the coast earning great sea views in Tresnuraghes. You ll ride all the way down to the coast across the Planargia valley to lunch in Bosa. After lunch you can enjoy the last glorious 40 rolling kms between towards Alghero, a small Big Sur of Sardinia. 111.4km KEY CLIMBS Start (km) Length (km) Elevation (m) 1 3 130 5 14 1.3 42 3 23 13.5 599 4 51 1 31 3 69.5 1.7 75 4 76 7 384 5 89.5 1.8 94 4 103 2.6 103 4 Avg. Gradient (%) Climb Lunch 1902m 67.5km
STAGE 1: SARDINIA DUATHLON 4th & 5th September 2018 DAY 5 & 6 SEA KAYAK Day 5: HOTEL CALABONA to LAZARETTO BEACH Day 6: lazaretto beach to Corte Rosada Taking to the water in sea kayaks will allow you to see the coast of Sardinia from a different perspective. On your first kayak day you ll see views of Alghero port and old town from the tranquil water, paddling towards Fertilia for lunch. Post lunch you will hug the coast towards Porto Conte, dropping into Lazaretto beach to end your day. On your second day you ll leave from Lazaretto beach before paddling around the headland into the bay - a breathtakingly beautiful setting to finish your stage. You ll head to the west side of the bay for lunch before a paddle back towards the hotel beach for a well earned drink. ROUTE - Day 5 Morning Afternoon 8km 5km ROUTE - Day 6 Morning Afternoon 10km 3-4.5km
CORE: 6th & 7th September 2018 SAILING DAY 1: Alghero to Castelsardo Day 2: castelsardo to porto vecchio The first day of the sail will take you from Porto Conte to Castelsardo. The route will hug the coastline of Sardinia and it will be an enjoyable and relaxing sail. The second day, you will head into more open waters through the Strait of Bonifacio making the crossing to Porto Vecchio, Corsica. Both passages have been designed to give you the chance to Strive in a different way without needing prior knowledge of sailing. The boat will be crewed with a skipper, deck and chef/ hostess. You will have the opportunity to get involved with the sailing of the boat but it is not essential. The boat will also be equipped with all of the essentials, such as toilet heads, kitchen galley and relaxing areas. You will just need to bring a small day sack with a few essentials in. You will have snacks and lunch on-board, with the aim to have dinner back on dry land. ROUTE - Day 1 Start marina Finish marina Estimated time Alghero Castelsardo 7-9 hours ROUTE - Day 2 Start marina Finish marina Estimated time Castelsardo Porto Vecchio 7-9 hours
CORE: 8th September 2018 CORSICA CYCLE Porto vecchio to vizzavona Climbing is the order of the day today. Don t expect any flat on this route, but get ready for an amazing ride through the wild beauty of Corsica: thick forests, rocky mountains, cosy villages and stunning views. You will leave the sea in Porto Vecchio and in a few miles face the longest climb of the day getting to Piscia di Ghaddu. After some more undulating quiet roads, we meet a few climbs in succession: the Col della Vaccia, Col de Verde and Col de Sorba, before to arriving in Vizzavona. An epic day! You will have full support on the route - medical, mechanical and moral support along with two organised food stops, water and snacks to help you on your way. 149km KEY CLIMBS Start (km) Length (km) Elevation (m) 1.5 17.9 970 5 26 1.2 38 3 41.5 3.6 164 4 49 3.9 219 6 57 11.4 426 3 89.5 15.7 723 3 122 10.4 662 6 143 6.1 383 5 Avg. Gradient (%) Climb 4208m
STAGE 2: CORSICA HIKE 9th september 2018 DAY 1 - HIKE vizzavona to l onda Start the hike by walking down to the Cascade des Anglais, a river with a series of rockpools, before taking a challenging trail up to the high airy pass, Muratello Breche (2100m altitude). You then drop over to the other side and follow a lovely ridge walk to the nightspot. Don t be surprised if you are sharing the trail with goats and sheep at some point, this is traditionally an island of shepherds and l Onda is a working goat and sheep cabin. 11km Estimated walking time 6 hours Altitude gain +1200m Descent -1050m SERVICES Pop up tents (2 person sharing) Drinks available to purchase (cash only) Cold shower (hot water available with tokens purchased from the hut) No access to main luggage Packed lunch provided Dinner and breakfast in the refuge No access to power
STAGE 2: CORSICA HIKE 10th september 2018 DAY 2 - HIKE l onda to petra piana From l Onda, you have a short uphill pull taking you back up to the ridge above the refuge. This is the Alpine Variant, the trail is rocky and the going is slow. Once you are up on the ridge the views are spectacular in all directions. It is a high, airy ridge walk that is technical in places, with a series of small summits. Having settled in to your refuge, it is possible to do an extension walk to the Monte Rotondo flanks. This will be determined by your guide/ group on the day. 8km Estimated walking time 5 hours Altitude gain +800m Descent -400m SERVICES Pop up tents (2 person sharing) Drinks available to purchase (cash only) Cold shower No access to main luggage Packed lunch provided Dinner and breakfast in the refuge No access to power
STAGE 2: CORSICA HIKE 11th september 2018 DAY 3 - HIKE petra piana to manganu From Petra Piana, the terrain is almost lunar in ambiance. You will pass a mountain col and continue along the high route. The views are spectacular, with Corte, Corsica s historic capital in the distance. You will have views down on a series of high altitude glacier lakes. Once you get across the snowy Breche de Capitello at 2200m there is a steep rubbly descent through a beautiful rocky granite landscape. The group will continue down to the Camputile plateau and Manganu refuge where you stay for the night. 10km Estimated walking time 7-8 hours Altitude gain +740m Descent -1000m SERVICES Pop up tents (2 person sharing) Drinks available to purchase (cash only) Cold shower No access to main luggage Packed lunch provided Dinner and breakfast in the refuge No access to power
STAGE 2: CORSICA HIKE 12th september 2018 DAY 4 - HIKE manganu to castel di vergio From Manganu you will hike across the Camputile plateau and past the superb lake Lac de Nino. This glacier lake is a lovely vision, the green spongy turf and grazing animals make for a good rest and relax spot. A classic ridge walk before you leave the ridge and head down hill. The night stop is Castel and you will find a hub of walkers enjoying the services and luxuries that can t be found in the refuges. Enjoy it! 17km Estimated walking time 6 hours Altitude gain +500m Descent -680m SERVICES Refuge dorm accommodation (rooms of 6) Drinks available to purchase (cash only) Warm shower Access to main luggage Packed lunch provided Dinner and breakfast in the refuge Access to power
STAGE 2: CORSICA HIKE 13th september 2018 DAY 5 - HIKE castel di vergio to PORTO From Castel we walk up to Col de Vergio, a mythical pass that is marked with a statue of Jesus. This is followed by a long downhill walk through pine trees and the Aitone forest leads down to the village of Evisa. The village is known as the pearl of Corsica and is surrounded by beautiful Chestnut woods. Once through the village you take a path down into the deep Spelunca Gorge. Ota is very Mediterranean, Bougainvillea and citrus trees make for a bright splash of colour. The dazzling blue backdrop of the sea is within reach and the Gulf of Porto has a distinctive Genoese tower that dominates the skyline. 23km Estimated walking time 6 hours Altitude gain +350m Descent -1700m SERVICES Hotel accommodation (twin rooms) Drinks available to purchase Warm shower Access to main luggage Final stage dinner in nearby restaurant Breakfast in hotel (stage) or on sailing boat (core) Access to power
CORE: 14th September 2018 SAILING PORTO to MONACO This crossing will see you head out into open waters between Porto, Corsica and Monaco. Whilst this is a relatively straight forward crossing, be prepared to be on board the boat all day as you will leave early at 7am and wind dependant, won t reach Monaco until midnight. The boat will be crewed with a skipper, deck and chef/ hostess. You will have the opportunity to get involved with the sailing of the boat but it is not essential. The boat will also be equipped with all of the essentials, such as toilet heads, kitchen galley and relaxing areas. You will just need to bring a small day sack with a few essentials in. You will eat all of your meals onboard, breakfast, lunch and dinner, prepared for by the onboard crew. ROUTE INFO Start marina Finish marina Estimated time Porto Monaco 15-18 hours
CORE: 15th September 2018 CORE REST DAY (STAGE 3 ARRIVAL DAY) Prepare for stage 3 - FRANCE CYCLE
STAGE 3: FRANCE CYCLE 16th September 2018 DAY 1 - CYCLE MONACO to AURON Starting in the iconic coastal town of Monte Carlo riders begin on part of the world-famous Monaco GP circuit before heading along the coast of French Riviera to Nice where we turn inland heading onwards and upwards into the French Alps. START LINE Climb Lunch 119.7km 2944m 65km
STAGE 3: FRANCE CYCLE 17th September 2018 DAY 2 - CYCLE auron to barcelonnette You continue into the high alps, taking on one of the biggest days of the challenge - a short but sharp day taking in the highest road pass in Europe before a fantastic 30km descent. Topping out at 2,860m the Cime de la Bonette is on the bucket list of every cyclist and is the first of several climbs over the 5-day ride. Once arriving in Barcelonnette, there is an opportunity to offer chaperone-led group riding up the Col D Allos which is a stunning mountain climb connecting Barcelonnette in the Ubaye Valley and Colmars. This col has appeared in the Tour de France a total of 33 times, so not one to miss. - MAIN ROUTE 63.1km Climb 1602m Lunch 54km - OPTIONAL COL D ALLOS 43.3km Climb 1358m Highlights Col de la Bonnette on route (km) Length (km) Avg. gradient (%) 7.1 26 6.4 2-3 Avg.climb time (hours) Col D Allos on route (km) Length (km) Avg. gradient (%) Avg.climb time (hours) 66 17.5 6.3 0.5-1.5 MAIN ROUTE OPTIONAL COL D ALLOS
STAGE 3: FRANCE CYCLE 18th September 2018 DAY 3 - CYCLE barcelonnette to Guillestre Another up and down day and another chance for you as cycling fans to ride the roads on which the Tour de France is won and lost. Today we pass over the Col de Vars, a Tour de France classic featuring on stage 19 of the 2017 Tour and also the Étape du Tour. After lunch near Guillestre, you will take on an icon of world cycling - the Col D Izoard where the 2017 Tour de France was won and lost. Expect incredible scenery as you ride though the Haut Guil Valley, and personal satisfaction in completing one of the sport s most famous climbs. - MAIN ROUTE 115.8km Climb 2933m Lunch 50km Highlights Col de Vars on route (km) Length (km) Avg. gradient (%) 22.5 8 7.6 1-1.5 Avg.climb time (hours) Col D Izoard on route (km) Length (km) Avg. gradient (%) Avg.climb time (hours) 64.1 15.9 6.9 1.5-2.5
STAGE 3: FRANCE CYCLE 19th September 2018 DAY 4 - CYCLE Guillestre to valmeinier After a ride along the beautiful Durance valley riders pass through the highest city in France, Briançon. You will experience breathtaking views all around you so make sure you take a moment to enjoy them. Shortly after, you will be attempting the most famous Tour de France climb, The Col du Galibier. Another descent follows with stunning views before a short final climb to your finish in Valmeinier. Climb Lunch 108.5km 2718m 57km Highlights Col du Galibier on route (km) Length (km) Avg. gradient (%) 71.5 8.5 6.9 1-1.5 Avg.climb time (hours)
STAGE 3: FRANCE CYCLE 20th September 2018 DAY 5 - CYCLE valmeinier to tignes The final day and a final big challenge. At 2,764m the Col de L Iseran is the second highest road pass in Europe, another Tour de France classic and a spectacular road to end the trip on. After passing through Val D Isere, once you ve reached the river dam in Tignes the ride is nearly complete. Climb Lunch 112.9km 2990m 64km Highlights Col d Iseran on route (km) Length (km) Avg. gradient (%) 71.1 13.4 7.3 1-2 Avg.climb time (hours)
CORE: 21st September 2018 CORE REST DAY (STAGE 4 ARRIVAL DAY) Prepare for stage 4 - FRANCE HIKE
STAGE 4: FRANCE HIKE 22nd september 2018 DAY 1 - HIKE TIGNES to REFUGE DE ROSUEL You will begin the hike with a gradual climb from Tignes to the Col du Palet (2652m) and enter the Vanoise National Park. The views of the Grande Motte glacier are fantastic. As you start to leave the ski area behind, you will be entering a beautiful valley called the Plan de l Eau where you continue descending until you reach the overnight refuge. 15km Estimated walking time 5 hours Ascent +600m Descent -900m SERVICES Refuge dorm accommodation Drinks available to purchase (cash) Warm shower Access to main luggage Packed lunch provided Dinner and breakfast in the refuge Access to power and charging facilities
STAGE 4: FRANCE HIKE 23rd september 2018 DAY 2 - HIKE REFUGE DE ROSUEL to VALEZAN You ll start the day hiking along the valley floor, following the river, until you reach a point where you will divert from the GR5 to take a higher, more remote route with fantastic views via the hamlet of Les Esserts. This rewards you with a view of Mont Blanc that you don't see from the GR5 and is a much more scenic route. After this you will descend to the resort of Montchavin, in the La Plagne ski area, and start a big descent to the valley floor. The day finishes in the small village of Valézan where you will take a short shuttle transfer (10 mins) to Hotel Tourmaline. 15.7km Estimated walking time 7 hours Ascent +500m Descent -1000m SERVICES Hotel accommodation (twin rooms) Drinks available to purchase Warm shower (and spa facilities) Access to main luggage Packed lunch provided Dinner and breakfast in the hotel Access to power and charging facilities
STAGE 4: FRANCE HIKE 24th september 2018 DAY 3 - HIKE VALEZAN to les chapieux After a short shuttle transfer back to Valézan, you will hike up towards the famous Pierra Menta mountain, a distinctive rock that towers above the Refuge de la Balme and is the site for a gruelling ski mountaineering race every winter. As you reach the Pierra Menta and the beautiful Lac de Presset, the scenery is simply stunning. You may encounter snow for the next section as you climb up towards the Col du Grand Fond (2671m). After the Col du Grand Fond, you divert from the GR5 to arrive in Les Chapieux. Les Chapieux is a tiny hamlet where you will take a transfer (40 mins) back to the Hotel Tourmaline. 21.9km Estimated walking time 8 hours Ascent +1300m Descent -900m SERVICES Hotel accommodation (twin rooms) Drinks available to purchase Warm shower (and spa facilities) Access to main luggage Packed lunch provided Dinner and breakfast in the hotel Access to power and charging facilities
STAGE 4: FRANCE HIKE 25th september 2018 DAY 4 - HIKE les chapieux to les contamines Today the GR5 meets the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB). You start the day with a big climb up to the Col de la Croix de Bonhomme. From here there's a gentle traverse to reach a lower col, the Col de Bonhomme (2329m). There is usually snow on this section so you will need to take care. From here you descend all the way, past La Balme and various lodges where you may be able to stop for coffee if time allows. After this, you follow the Roman road to Notre Dame de la Gorge, enjoying a flat section along the river to reach the accommodation. One of the longest days on the hike - it will feel hard because you have a long ascent and descent, but slow and steady in bitesize stages will ensure it s manageable. 19km Estimated walking time 8 hours Ascent +960m Descent -1348m SERVICES Hotel accommodation (twin rooms) Drinks available to purchase Warm shower Access to main luggage Packed lunch provided Dinner and breakfast in the hotel Access to power and charging facilities
STAGE 4: FRANCE HIKE 26th september 2018 DAY 5 - HIKE les contamines to chamonix You start the day with a climb up to the Col de Truc and descend to the delightful Chalets de Miage. After the chalets, there is one of the steepest climbs of the trip up the Col de Tricot, but you are rewarded with amazing views of the Bionnassay glacier, and are directly in front of the normal climbing route up Mont Blanc. You will descend to cross the suspension bridge at the foot of the Bionnassay glacier, and then ascend back up to the Bellevue cable car above Les Houches. From here you have the final descent to Les Houches on foot. 22km Estimated walking time 8 hours Ascent +1350m Descent -1500m SERVICES Hotel accommodation (twin rooms) Drinks available to purchase Warm shower Access to main luggage Packed lunch provided Dinner and breakfast in the hotel Access to power and charging facilities
CORE: 27th September 2018 CORE REST DAY Prepare for MONT BLANC ASCENT
CORE: MONT BLANC 28th september 2018 DAY 1 - CLIMB CHAMONIX TO REFUGE GOUTER The day will start very early with shuttled transfers from Chamonix hotel to Les Houches (10mins). From there you will take shuttled 4x4 taxis to Bellevue (25mins). Once you arrive in your pairing to Bellevue you will set off on the ascent to Refuge Gouter. The ascent takes in a stunning trail with amazing views of the Aiguille de Bionnassay and the Chamonix valley. The final 600m of ascent are on a rocky ridge and will involve some scrambling techniques. Most of the ascent is on rock however you may encounter snow and use crampons. The Gouter Hut is one of the highest huts in Europe, so there is a trade of between remoteness and beauty with services, as there is no running water. 9km Estimated walking time 8 hours Ascent +1850m Descent -0m SERVICES Refuge dorm accommodation Drinks available to purchase (cash only) Water must be purchased - no running water No running water No access to main luggage Packed lunch provided Dinner and breakfast in the refuge Limited access to power and charging facilities
CORE: MONT BLANC 29th september 2018 DAY 2 - CLIMB SUMMIT DAY Summit Day. You will wake up approx. 05:30 and after breakfast you head for the summit. This will take around four hours in good conditions. Following some celebration time at the top, you will then descend back to the Refuge Gouter which will take approximately 2-3 hours. Once back at the Refuge Gouter you can have lunch and rest together during the afternoon. The views are continuously stunning today, with views across the Italian, Swiss and French alps. You are able to see the Matterhorn in the distance and the Chamonix valley far below. The ascent is on snow the whole way so you will be wearing crampons for the duration of today s climb. 4km Estimated walking time 7 hours Ascent +950m Descent -950m SERVICES Refuge dorm accommodation Drinks available to purchase (cash only) Water must be purchased - no running water No running water No access to main luggage Packed lunch provided Dinner and breakfast in the refuge Limited access to power and charging facilities
CORE: MONT BLANC 30th september 2018 DAY 3 - CLIMB GOUTER HUT TO LES HOUCHES After two big days, this is the final day of the challenge and it involves a long descent. You will depart from the Refuge Gouter after another early start. It s important to depart early to give the group enough time to make the descent safely. You will retrace your steps from Day 1 and downclimb the ridge before heading back towards Les Houches on the scenic trails before a big celebration! 14km Estimated walking time 8-9 hours Ascent +100m Descent -2500m CONGRATULATIONS Prepare for celebration party
CORE: 1st October 2018 CORE REST DAY
CORE: 2nd October 2018 DEPART