Tour des Cols Questions & Answers

These commonly asked questions and their answers should provide most of the details you need to understand how Tour des Cols works, what to expect and how to prepare.

Where can I get answers to specific questions not on this list?
Please read this page thoroughly first, then if you require additional information or guidance please feel free to email us on info@tourdescols.com

What kind of riders will be on Tour des Cols?
Whilst this is a challenging event offering a high quality experience Tour des Cols is aimed at a broad spectrum of riders, from very experienced to those just looking for a chance to ride iconic roads for the first time. The support we offer will ensure that all levels of rider whatever your climbing pace, will be guaranteed an enjoyable experience whilst challenging yourself to achieve new heights. Despite the relatively small size of the field, expect a number of mini groups to form across a wide range of abilities. You’re certain to find riding partners of similar ability to share the experience. Riders are registering from all over the world, they are generally very sociable and certainly all share a passion for cycling and in particular climbing.

How does Registration work?
Registration is done on-line. Click on the Registration link and follow the instructions. When you enter online you will fill in a form that will capture all your personal details. Together with full payment this will confirm your place on the TdC. When you pick up your rider number prior to the start you will be required to re-confirm your physical health and fitness to take part in the event. The organisers reserve all rights and discretion to refuse entry to any person. 

Note for those who pay a deposit, balance payment is due by 01 May 2008

Who can register?
Anyone 18 years or older who is fit enough to complete the event. If you are in doubt as to your fitness then you must have a medical check-up first.

Who runs Tour des Cols?
Yellow Jersey Adventures have specialist experience in the mountains of France having operated sporting cycle events in the Alps and Pyrenees since 2004. During that time riders from 5 continents have experienced 9 Tour de France mountain stages, 7,500km of mountain roads and climbed a total of 120,000m. We have built a reputation for service and professionalism, exceeding customer expectations in terms of routes, support provided and overall enjoyment of the event. Previous events have involved seamless delivery of extensive logistics arrangements; including travelling cooks providing meals for our 50 strong ‘peleton’ over 12 mountainous stages and inter-stage train transfers. We are proud to acknowledge that our previous customers include riders with a vast global experience of large and small-scale rides, riders who invariably rate YJA events amongst the very best in the World. Much of the feedback we receive cites the satisfaction of a shared social experience, achieving personal goals and a strong group camaraderie. <pictures from previous events>

How much does the Tour cost and what’s included?
The cost of the Tour for 2008 is £649 GB Pounds per person, sharing a twin room
Single Room Supplement is £125 GB Pounds

Included in the price is:

  • 3 Etape du Tour size mountain stages
  • 10+ Classic Alpine Climbs: all categories
  • 4 Nights Half Board in 3*Plus Quality Hotels (Breakfast and Evening Meals)
  • Feed stations during each of the three stages
  • Bags Transferred on each stage
  • Swimming Pools and Sauna Facilities at Hotels
  • Bike Storage facilities at Hotels
  • Arrival Transfers from Geneva Airport to start location
  • Coach Transfer from Alpe d’Huez to Geneva Airport after finish
  • Fully Marked Route
  • Electronic Chip Timing
  • Stage and Overall Classification
  • ‘Grimpeur’ King of the Mountain Award
  • Personal Gold/Silver/Bronze Awards
  • Full Pro-Rider Package including Numbers and ‘Ride Manual’
  • On road Mechanical and Rider support
  • Arrival Reception & Ride Briefing
  • Awards Ceremony & Finale Reception

Not included in the price is:

  • Travel to and from Geneva Airport
  • Drinks with meals
  • Lunch on Monday 25th Aug
  • Single Room Supplement
  • Personal Travel / Accident Insurance
  • Unpacking & packing your bike

What is the refund policy?
The following schedule of refunds applies to cancellations made by you:
16 Weeks or more before the event: 75% of the full entry fee will be refunded
16-8 Weeks before the event: 50% of the full entry fee will be refunded
8-0 Weeks before the event: 0% of the full entry fee will be refunded

Under no circumstances is rider entry transferable

What are the awards about? Gold / Silver / Bronze
In similar fashion to other major sportive events, all riders will be awarded a certificate of achievement for each stage they complete. Gold / Silver / Bronze categories will be determined by age groups 20-30 / 31-40 / 41-50 / 51+ and pre-determined time bands.  The time bands will be published on our website closer to the event.

How do I get to the start?
The start hotel is in Archamps France, 15km South of Geneva International Airport (Switzerland); Registered riders will be given full details upon confirmation. The event start time is 0900 Friday 22 Aug. The price you pay includes accommodation and meals at the hotel on the night before the start i.e.; Thur 21 Aug; all registered riders are advised to ‘check-in’ the night before. It will be possible to arrive and check-in on the morning of the event, however there is no discount to the entry price for this option.

Can I drive to the start?
Yes you can drive to the start hotel and it will be possible to park your car there (at your own risk) for the duration of the event. There will be a daily parking charge and the return coach will drop you back after the event.

Can I get to the start by train?
Eurostar to Paris, TGV to Geneva and local train to the Airport is certainly a comfortable option. It will take between 8 & 9 hrs from St Pancras depending on departure time and connections and will involve a transfer across Paris. For more details see the ‘Travel and Transfers’ page on this site.

What kit should I bring?
Helmets complying with international safety standards are recommended. It is recommended that you take three sets of cycling kit and a plastic bag for the dirty clothes!
As this trip covers some high altitude roads you should be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. In this part of France in August, temperatures on the lower roads can reach 30deg C, whilst on the higher mountain passes 2-3deg C or lower with a wind-chill is not uncommon. Weather conditions change rapidly in the mountains and if the weather is in any way unstable things will deteriorate as you climb, snow is not an expected occurrence at this time of year but it can happen. So be sure to pack some winter gear just in case.

We will have regular weather updates for the route so you should have an idea of the day’s conditions prior to the start of each stage, this will allow you to dress appropriately and stash some spare items in the support vehicles. In the evenings dress is casual.

Can I bring my iPod?
Yes – but do not ride with it – you’ll be asked to switch it off and may be disqualified from the event

How does baggage transport work?
Bags will be taken in vans ahead of you each day and you will be reunited with your bag again at the stage finish. If you require items during the day there will be an opportunity to put some limited items in the Support Vehicle, however you will need to make sure they are clearly marked. All riders must ensure that their bags are labelled with names. Every care will be taken to ensure that the bags are handled carefully and kept secure, however the organisers cannot take responsibility for any losses howsoever caused. Soft travel bags are preferred.

What happens to my bike bag or box?
Assuming you travel by train or plan, you will need to unpack your bike on arrival at the first hotel. Your bike bag/box will then be transported with baggage, but will not be accessible until the end of t he last stage for you to re-pack your bike. Again make sure your bag/box is clearly marked with your name.
If you drive to the start you can leave any bike packing items with your car at the start.

What about my bike, what gearing should I fit?
Check your bike over and make sure it’s ready to withstand the rigours of 3 long days in the mountains, if you are in any doubt have your local bike shop give it a once-over. In particular make sure that things like brake blocks have plenty of wear left and that critical bearings such as hubs and headsets are not loose, this will help prevent speed wobble on descents.  Also make sure you are riding on new tyres and tubes, braking temperatures generated on long descents can cause any patches to ‘lift’ and leak air. The route is on tarmac roads however in some limited places this may be severely broken up.
Choice of gearing is personal matter dependent on strength, experience weight and a number of other factors. Some of the more experienced riders on this event will be using a triple chain-ring with a lowest gear of something like 30-27. Compact sets are also popular although they don’t offer the ultra-low ratios. Either way you should make sure that you fit significantly lower gears to those on which you normally ride around the flat. This is a serious climbing route and the elevation will catch up on you very quickly without the appropriate gearing.

How fit do I need to be?
Most importantly you will need to be fit and healthy. If you are in doubt do check with your doctor.
You need to be comfortable with long challenging rides, although the 122-155km stage lengths may seem manageable the climbing and altitude more than make up for the distance. You should have experienced at least a couple of 200km+ days in the saddle, be happy descending and know when to take on board food and water. Typically riders will have trained for TdC for several months.
There is an option to ride in the Sag Wagon for part of the event, or to skip a stage by riding in the baggage or other support trucks.

Will I be able to get bike bits & clothes once in France?
It’s best to make sure you bring everything you need with you, especially if you use specialist equipment. Performance Spokes can be particularly difficult to source at short notice so bring some spares and double check the length. There is one good bike shop near to the start line but time will be extremely limited. The Support Team will have some stock of ‘standard’ parts for purchase and a few items of clothing such as long fingered gloves and capes etc

Riding the Stages
Each day’s stage will be from a ‘Mass Start’. Given the terrain involved it’s expected that riders will ‘string out’ over some distance during the course of the day. It’s important to find your own climbing pace, remember those that over extend themselves on the first climb will suffer on the last. It’s also important to ensure you save plenty of ‘Mental Energy’ to handle the descents safely. There is no pre-defined ‘Cut-Off’, you are free to ride at your own pace and the Sag Wagon will not chase you up the course. However if riders are unlikely to finish before dinner or appear to be at risk from exhaustion they will be advised to ‘take a lift’ either to the stage finish or further up the course.

How will the Feed-stations work?
Each stage will have 2 Feed-Stations identified on the route. At these locations Support Staff will issue pre-packed muzettes to riders with sustenance for the ride such as energy bars, fruit, bread & cheese etc. Whilst this approach is aimed at minimising stops, the staff will not be handing muzettes to moving riders, you will need to pull-up to receive your feed.

…and Water / Fluids?
Water usage rate is another highly personal item. Fortunately the environment we are in and the routes we are using have numerous natural water fresh supplies. These come in the form of ‘Fonts’ or ‘Spigots’ found along the roadside often issuing the same water as bottled in the Evian Plant on the shores of Lake Geneva.  These are ideal for filling water bottles and your Ride Manual will highlight exactly where these sources can be found on each stage. Support vehicles will also have water supplies, but given the fact that they are supporting riders spread across a relatively long distance you should not rely on these for regular top-ups. Feed-stations will have a limited supply of water, but given their infrequency you should not rely solely on these sources. If you make extensive use of electrolytes or energy drinks you should carry a supply in your jersey or top-box ready to mix.

Will there be mechanical support?
Our Support Vehicles will be able to offer mechanical support en-route, but given the fact that they are supporting riders spread across a relatively long distance you may have to wait a while for one to arrive.

Flats & punctures?
Experience on these roads is generally excellent when it comes to punctures per road-mile travelled. And again you should ensure that you are using new tyres and tubes as this greatly reduces the chance of puncture. However if you do flat it’s wise to be carrying a spare tube and small pump or CO2 canister in order to avoid a lengthy wait for the support vehicle, which will offer as much assistance as possible on arrival.

Is the route open to traffic?
YES, you will be riding on a public highway open to traffic at all times. A detailed map of the route will be provided in the Ride Manual and it is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the route, particularly in departure and arrival towns. The entire route will be marked, either with distinctive markings on the road or visible signs nearby. However whilst every effort will be make to ensure these signs are correct and stay in place, it remains the rider’s ultimate responsibility to familiarise themselves with the actual route. In France you should always ride on the right not cross the centre line at any time. You are expected to obey traffic regulations, traffic officers and any authorised marshals.

What about insurance?
You will be required to show evidence of personal travel insurance, which includes full medical cover and ‘Med-evac’ to cover repatriation in the event of extended hospitalisation. As this is a cycle tour and not a competitive race, most travel insurance policies will cover the activity under ‘Amateur Sports’. You are advised to check with your insurer before travel.

Advised Checklist  - NOTE: This list is not exhaustive

Travel Documents
Valid passport – should have a least 6 months validity left
If applicable, visa for travel to France and Switzerland.
Travel Insurance Policy Documents and Emergency Contact Details.

 

Stuff to bring
Passport (Visa)
Travel Tickets
Mobile phone
Mobile Charger
Travel Adapter
Cash - Euro’s for France.
Credit Card (make sure you know the PIN)
Camera.
Sun Cream
Sun Block
Chamois Cream
Lip Balm
Pain Killers
Anti Inflammatory
ProPlus!
Deep Heat or Arnica
HRM and strap
Helmet
Sunglasses
Plastic Bag for dirty cycle kit
Spare Tubes
Multitool.
Tyre levers
CO2 Inflator
CO2 canisters
Spare Spokes
Valve Extenders
Long Fingered Gloves
Lightweight Tights
Heavyweight Tights
Rain Cape
Overshoes
Swimming Costume
Water bottles
Gels, drink powders and energy bars