Alps 2010 - SOLD OUT

Two Challenges are open for booking NOW for 2010: the Alps 100 Cols; and, new for 2010, the Pyrenees 100 Cols.

Le Tour pays hommage to the mighty Pyrenees in 2010 so it’s a fitting year for ‘The Ultimate Sportive’ to tackle a tough but magical mix of classic climbs and little-known pearls. For the Pyrenees the group size will be limited to 25. For this inaugural year in the Pyrenees, you can also take part in just the first 50 Cols section (Perpignan to Pau) or just the 2nd 50 Cols section (Pau to Perpignan)

See Routes page for dates & details.

The first Cent Cols Challenge was held on the 14th – 24th September 2009, in the French Alps. So did it live up to expectations? Just how hard was it? (22 of the 35 starters rode over all 106 Cols, but all riders finished the event.)

Here are some of the first impressions from those who rode it :

• “Epic is a word overused to describe events. In this case it is thoroughly appropriate…The inaugural running of the event was a superb success story.”
• “An amazing trip of a lifetime. A mix of joy,elation,grinding fatigue, ultimate satisfaction, self-knowledge and discovery…ultimately life-enhancing.”
• “ The best days of cycling in eight years of riding a bike. Thanks for giving us all this wonderful opportunity. Provided they do the necessary training, I’d recommend it to any serious cyclist.”
• “The impact this event has had on my life is far greater than the simple accomplishment of the task.”
• “As a first run of an event of such complexity it was really amazing…the best event I have ever done.”
• “ What an event! Up before 6.30am most days, rarely checkng into the next hotel before 18.00hrs. Climbing through early morning mists; struggling with 26km of climb to the top of the Madeleine on Stage Two; circumnavigating sheep being herded down the upper reaches of the Ventoux. If you get a chance to ride this stunning event, take it! Train first,mind.Possibly the best sportive in the world!”
• “Living the life of a Pro for ten days was a real eye-opener… I have nothing missing in my life and yet I just want to relive those ten days over and over again.”
• “Saddle sores, 12 mile climbs, freezing descents, screaming limbs, nausea…loved it !”
• “Your support was the best I have ever had…on an organised sportive event. Thank you”
• “Was the CCC the hardest thing I have ever done? By far. I have never done anything as hard, as punishng, as brutal as this before…If you get the chance to do it, I highly recommned it. You will never look back!”

If you think limits are mere perceptions; if a remote part of your mind likes the idea of riding ten ‘Etapes du Tour’ back to back, then this event could be for you.