Private Cycling Tours Ride the greatest climbs in the Alps directly from the château
Cycle in style Our base for small private groups is an absolute jewel, a private château within easy cycling distance of the greatest climbs in the Alps. The charming 18th century Château de la Tour du Puits is situated half way between Chambéry and Albertville, between the Massif des Bauges, the Maurienne and the Tarentaise. The château is a perfect base for an exclusive cycling holiday. Here are just a few of the nearby climbs: col du Glandon and Alpe d Huez, col de la Madeleine, lacets de Montvernier, col du Chaussy, col de la Croix de Fer, col du Télégraphe and col du Galibier, col des Saisies, col de Tamié We can even include Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence on your cycling programme*. *Transfer to Mont Ventoux by car, minibus or helicopter ALPINE COLS PRIVATE GROUPS P.2
on your face to make our experience special. Felt like I was on a tour team!!! - Scott, Ontario It was so clear you were prepared to do "whatever it takes" with a smile
Château de la Tour du Puits Like most historic noble dwellings, the Château de la Tour du Puits has been rebuilt several times since the lands were first recorded as part of the fief of the Knights of Puits in the 13th century. On a plateau a little above the valley floor, it is midway between Chambéry and Albertville on the historically important trade route between Lyon and Turin. Little now remains of the original defensive walls. The current château was built by the Baron Michel d'alexandry d'orangiani in the 18th century, when Savoy was still an independent state. The château now provides an extraordinary haven of peace and luxury for private groups. ALPINE COLS PRIVATE GROUPS P.4
Sleep in luxury Our host at the château, Raymond Prevot, has renovated and redecorated the château in the original spirit of the Reformation. Each room is named after an historic person who lived at the château. All seven rooms are unique, spacious doubles with modern ensuite bathrooms. Many of them have wonderfully luxurious and comfortable 4-poster beds, perfect to sink into after a hard day s ride! ALPINE COLS PRIVATE GROUPS P.5
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Fine dining Unless you are a professional cyclist in need of losing weight, there is absolutely no reason to eat pasta and plain chicken during your cycling holiday. The chef is an expert in producing highquality, gourmet food perfectly adapted to the needs of cyclists spending long days in the saddle. There is also a remarkable cellar, in case you are tempted to share a glass of wine between friends! ALPINE COLS PRIVATE GROUPS P.7
Col de la Croix-Fry Looking across to the Tournette (2351m) ALPINE COLS PRIVATE GROUPS P.8
Sample ride #1, from the château: The col du Glandon and the col de la Croix de Fer The double col du Glandon col de la Croix de Fer is a grand classic of the Alps. Château de la Tour du Puits Starting from the Château de la Tour du Puits, there is a 40km warm-up to Saint-Etienne de Cuines and the start of the Glandon. Part (or all) of this can be done by car or by helicopter. The climb to the Glandon is long and hard, especially the last 3 kilometres. You have to earn the right to the summit photograph! After the Glandon, the Croix de Fer is a formality. Col du Glandon 20 km, 1470m+ Col de la Croix de Fer 2.5 km, 230m+ (from the Glandon) Col du Glandon Col de la Croix de Fer 100km, 2400m+ N.B. all the itineraries are subject to change based on weather and road conditions. The routes can be adapted at your request to be longer, shorter or to include specific climbs. ALPINE COLS PRIVATE GROUPS P.9
Col de la Croix de Fer Nearing the summit, from the Glandon ALPINE COLS PRIVATE GROUPS P.10
Sample ride #2, from the château: The lacets du Montvernier and the col de la Madeleine Château de la Tour du Puits The amazing Lacets de Montvernier are a must for any cyclist. Situated 50km from the château, we either ride or drive to the start in Pontamafrey. The climb continues to the col de Chaussy, which links to the col de la Madeleine via an exhilarating descent. The climb to the Madeleine is another very tough one. The slope is unrelenting at 8% to 9% all the way to the summit. You will know by the feeling in your legs that you have climbed a Giant of the Alps! Col de Chaussy 14km, 1030m+ Col de la Madeleine 14km, 1150m+ (from the col de Chaussy) Col de Chaussy Col de la Madeleine Lacets de Montvernier 110km, 3100m+ N.B. all the itineraries are subject to change based on weather and road conditions. The routes can be adapted at your request to be longer, shorter or to include specific climbs. ALPINE COLS PRIVATE GROUPS P.11
Lacets de Montvernier Half-way up the 18 hairpin bends ALPINE COLS PRIVATE GROUPS P.12
Heli-cycling Experience the ultimate in luxury for a cyclist: heli-cycling! Our host at the château, Raymond Prevot, is a passionate pilot with his own fleet of helicopters. In addition to our usual on-the-road support, we can thus easily fly you to or from the day s main climbs, cutting out the transfer rides along the valley floor. What greater luxury than to fly back to enjoy a gourmet meal and massage at the hotel, while we bring your bikes back by road! ALPINE COLS PRIVATE GROUPS P.13
What greater luxury than to fly back by helicopter to enjoy a gourmet meal and massage at the hotel, while the bikes come back by road! ALPINE COLS PRIVATE GROUPS P.14
Cycling Coaches During your rides you will always be accompanied by at least one Alpine Cols coach on the bike. All our guides are fully-qualified coaches and have impressive results in Elite races and sportives such as the Marmotte. We are the official coaching and training partner to the Haute Route, the highest and toughest sportives in the world, which our coaches have now ridden a total of 10 times. They love sharing their experience and will work with you to help you reach your potential as a cyclist. Olivier PhD, BPJEPS Stéphane BEESAC Yannick MSc, BPJEPS ALPINE COLS PRIVATE GROUPS P.15
I had a great time with you guys. Your organisation of everything but turning the pedals was absolutely spot on. My riding improved lots! - Steve, United Kingdom ALPINE COLS PRIVATE GROUPS P.16
Relax and Recover Recovery is essential during multi-day riding in the mountains and is a priority from the moment you finish each day. The château is the perfect place for this, beginning with an easily-digested, protein and carbohydrate rich gourmet lunch as soon as you return. After lunch enjoy a swim, a sauna and a massage from our physiotherapist. Soon it will be time for a sunset cocktail by the pool and you will be ready for dinner and a great night s sleep! ALPINE COLS PRIVATE GROUPS P.17
This is a MUST experience for every cyclist. The things that stand out for me are your team s attention to detail 5 Star personal service! - Robbie, Zurich ALPINE COLS PRIVATE GROUPS P.18
Col de la Colombière The Alpine Cols experience Mechanical support, bike set-up On-the-road support & resupply Coaching Video feedback Hi-res photographs Top-of-the range hire bikes Few people have the chance to ride regularly in the mountains, so we always offer coaching to help you make the most of the experience. SKILLS WE DEVELOP Climbing and descending Bike handling Pacing Drafting Recovery and nutrition Selecting equipment ALPINE COLS PRIVATE GROUPS P.19
Contact: Marvin Faure Alpine Cols SAS 631 chemin du Recredoz 01220 Divonne-les-Bains, France Tel (FR): +33 (0)450 200 772 Tel: (UK): +44 (0)1227 647 015 www.alpinecols.com