Our Ardennes Tour is taking an indefinite break. Thanks for all the memories from previous years,
Ardennes Spring Classics Cycling Tour
OVERVIEW OF THE TOUR
When it comes to bicycle racing, the one-day classics pack the most punch. Pro racers line up with one mission—to be the last man standing when it comes to the finish. Specifically, the Ardennes classics are notable for their action packed, short, steep climbs, relentless attacking and courses lined with bicycle racing fanatics.
Amstel Gold, held in the Limburg region of the Netherlands delivers a milieu of successive steep, narrow climbs (31 in all). Dutch fans line the endless string of bergs and jam outdoor beer gardens to cheer as the pros thunder across narrow roads. The course ends atop the Cauberg climb, the place to be if you are in the party mood. This course favors climbers, hilly course specialists, and hard-men of the similar variety.
La Flèche Wallonne, a 199.5 km mid-week event starts in Charleroi and heads East to Huy. Here the riders tackle a circuit, which includes the steep Mur de Huy (The Wall of Huy) climb. The Mur boasts several sections between 15% and 25%, making the finish at the top after three laps a battle for the strong and the cunning.
Liège-Bastogne-Liège, one of the oldest one-day races in Europe. The second half contains most of the infamous climbs, such as the Haute-Levée, La Redoute, and Saint-Nicolas. The successive hills provide ample opportunity for riders in the hunt to attack, always ending in an exciting and tactical finish.
The day before each of these pro races you will get the ‘pro experience’ yourself, riding each of the race courses as part of an organized ‘cyclosportive‘ along with thousands of other avid cyclists. This is where you really get to appreciate just how tough the pros are, doing this day after day at twice our speed!
This is one of our favorite tours, with spectacular cycling and a chance to experience the passion of Belgian cycle racing. Even those who don’t usually follow racing can’t help but get swept away in the excitement of the race and the fever of the crowds. In addition to this, there is a fun balance of local culture, Belgian waffles and beer, and relaxation time to explore the local areas, towns and cities which are steeped in history and dotted with castles, abbeys and fortresses.
What's Excluded
Airfare and travel to Brussels International Airport
Some lunches are on your own, so you have maximum flexibility in your day (however we usually stock the support van with lots of delicious treats and remember those breakfasts are very substantial!).
Dinners. We’ll choose reasonably priced locations for those interested in a group dinner.
Bikes (bike rental can be easily arranged though – please contact us for details)
Personal incidentals, telephone, hotel minibar charges, etc.
Travel insurance (we highly recommend taking out a travel insurance package – please contact us for details)
AVERAGE DAILY MILEAGE AND TERRAIN
Rides range from 40-80 miles daily, over a mixed terrain of rolling hills, cycle paths and steeper climbs. The routes are designed that you can do a shorter option or a longer option and on the sportive days you can choose from a variety of options from 40 miles up to 170 miles! This is a very flexible tour which can accommodate all types of pace and fitness levels.
WEATHER
Despite the impression that the Classics are always cold and wet the weather in Belgium in late April can be beautiful. Generally we have a mixture of sunny days and some cloud cover with occasional cooler, wetter weather.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Lodging in carefully selected accommodation
Substantial breakfasts every day
VIP entry into Amstel Gold Tour, with VIP access and medal
Entry into Fleche Wallonne Sportive
Entry into Liege Bastogne Liege Challenge, including T-shirt, medal, certificate and post ride massage
Optional coaching during the tour
Professional ride support
Daily GPS files and route sheets
Full van support on most days
Snacks, drinks and sports nutrition on the ride each day
4 picnic lunches
Light mechanical support during the tour
Transportation and luggage transfers
Race and language guides
Brewery visit with beer tasting
FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS
Please contact us before booking your flights. We will advise of the best arrival time to match our arranged pick up and transfer times. Arrival outside of scheduled times may incur an additional charge.
REGISTRATION
Places are limited on this trip to ensure clients experience the best service and individual attention. A tour place can be reserved with just a $500 deposit.
* Single supplement payable. $599 / $450
Please see HERE for our tour policies / cancellation policy etc.
For more information, contact jo@ccsd.com (917) 355 1317