RCT 2010 TRIATHLON OF A LIFETIME TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1: Saturday, July 24th

We arrive at Lyon Saint-Exupery Airport to begin our adventure in the French Alps. The Reilly Cycling Tours staff will meet you at Lyon airport, load your bikes and equipment, and drive you to our chalet in Villard-Reculas. Relax and unwind at "Il Fera Beau Demain", our base for the next seven nights. We will enjoy a welcome dinner together at Bonsoir Clara, the chalet's fantastic in-house restaurant. Our staff will help you assemble your bike and have you ready to go for your first morning ride in one of the world's most challenging mountain ranges. (D)

Day 2: Sunday, July 25th

After breakfast this morning, we will hold a meeting to determine personal preference with respect to race preparation. There is the possibility of forming two groups of similarly-minded racers. Today we will offer the opportunity to cycle from Villard-Reculas across Summer Road to Huez and up the last five switchbacks to the famously beautiful ski village of Alpe d'Huez. Once at the top, we will do a reconnaissance run of one loop of the run course (7.3km). You may descend back to Villard-Reculas on your bike, or stay in Alpe d'Huez for a swim in the pool. (B)(D)

Day 3: Monday, July 26th

Today you have the chance to ride as much of the second half of the cycling course as you wish. We will take the vans out to the little town of Entraigues, and you can ride from there up and over the Col d'Ornon into Bourg d'Oisans. There are fabulous views of our village of Villard-Reculas from halfway down the Ornon road. From Bourg d'Oisans, we will take the vans up to Alpe d'Huez (or you're welcome to ride!) for another chance to see or run the run course. (B)(D)

Day 4: Tuesday, July 27th

This morning we head out in the sag vans to the stunning Lac du Verney to see the race start area and survey the lake's swim course. On our way back, we swing through the beginning of the bike course in Séchilienne. You're again invited to ride as much of the course as you wish, up the Col de Laffrey into the Grande Serre mountains, and around to where we started yesterday in Entraigues. We highly recommend a pre-dinner jacuzzi, pool, and sauna to relax any tired muscles, and an early bedtime for a good night's rest. (B)(D)

Day 5: Wednesday, July 28th

The transition area opens at Lac du Verney at 7:00a.m., and the race will begin promptly at 9:30a.m. There will be a race meeting at T1 at 9:00a.m., and we plan to arrive at the start area for 7:30a.m. During the race, we will be positioned around the course to offer our assistance and encouragement in any way we can. After the awards ceremony, our sag van will be there to take you back home to the chalet for a well-deserved celebratory dinner. Massage services are available on request. (B)(D)

Day 6: Thursday, July 29th

Today is yours to enjoy in whichever way you choose. You are welcome to take a day off to relax and enjoy the comforts of the chalet and alpine environment. Those wishing to ride will head out with the cycling guides to the climb of Les Deux Alpes, a frequently-visited mountain on the Tour de France route. The alpine town of Les Deux Alpes is a fabulous lunch spot, with great views of La Meije glacier and the beautiful dammed lake in the valley below. The climb itself is a gentle but steady incline, at 6.2% for 9.8km. A van will be available in Bourg d'Oisans for those who wish to sag back up the mountain in the afternoon (=60km to Bourg d'Oisans). (B)(D)

Day 7: Friday, July 30th

The Col du Glandon is one of the most beautiful mountains in the area, and both sides of the climb are regularly included in the Tour de France. We ride out from Villard-Reculas down the backside of Alpe d'Huez, and start climbing past the Verney dam. The climb continues for 24km at 4.8%, eventually coming out on top of the Grand Maison Dam, one of the largest in Europe. The view of the lake and high green pastures above are a fitting reward for sore legs! After lunch on the summit, we enjoy the fabulous descent back down to the Villard-Reculas road, where the sag van will be waiting to take you back up to "Il Fera Beau Demain". Upon our return to the chalet, it's sadly time to pack up our equipment and get ready for tomorrow's departure. Tonight over a farewell dinner we say goodbye to new friends, trade our race experiences, and perhaps plan to meet up again next year (=60km). (B)(D)

Day 8: Saturday, July 31st

After breakfast this morning, we depart for Lyon airport, bidding you farewell and a good trip home. (B)