Be There as Lance Armstrong Tries for a 5th Victory

Scottsdale, AZ, November 13, 2002 - As the Tour de France celebrates its 100th birthday and Lance Armstrong tries for a fifth victory, Discover France is offering cycling enthusiasts a remarkable opportunity to "break away" from mundane vacation itineraries.

Discover France¹s Tour de France trip lets guests ride long segments of the official race course a day ahead of the racers -- and soak up the carnival spirit that seizes France along the way. This is a trip for everyone who loves cycling and wants to experience the French countryside in celebratory mode.

Not only that, 2003 is also the Tour de France's 100th anniversary. After a century it remains the most challenging sporting event in the world, an unequaled test of stamina, determination and skill. During its three weeks, the elite of international bicycle racing will cover a 2,000-mile route around France, ending with a dramatic sprint up the Champs Elysées in Paris. This is also the year that Lance Armstrong makes his bid to join the most elite circle of winners -- the five-time champions. If you have ever dreamt of being part of the Tour, this is the year to go.

The Trip

Discover France has two Tour de France itineraries. Both are group excursions along large stretches of the race route. Group members will ride along the official route the day before the racers, which is the closest non-racers will ever get to the actual experience of being in the Tour. But since this is also a vacation in France, there are ample attractions of a more leisurely sort ­ scrumptious dinners, picnics and a chance to see the sights.

Group 1 - This eight-day/seven-night trip (July 10 - July18) includes five days of riding on the official Tour de France route, covering 50 - 60 miles each day. The itinerary starts in the charming city of Lyon (often cited as having the best food in France), from where the route heads to the French Alps, then south to ravishing Provence, west through historic Languedoc and up to Toulouse. A scheduled rest day affords group members an opportunity to visit Aix-en-Provence, the beautiful regional capital and the bustling Mediterranean port city of Marseille.

Group 2 - This eleven-day/ten-night trip (July 18 - 28) begins in historic Toulouse, traverses the dramatically beautiful foothills of the Pyrénées and the picturesque Basque Country, continues through Bordeaux and Nantes, and finishes up in Paris, in time to watch the exciting final sprint up the Champs Elysées. This itinerary includes seven days of riding and two rest days.

More Information

Both groups are limited to a maximum of 26 participants, who are accompanied on rides by a complete support staff, including two professional cycling guides, a bicycle mechanic and a support van. When not cycling, the group is transported in a deluxe bus equipped with a television for keeping up with the Tour.

Those interested in taking this trip should consider the terrain of each itinerary. Parts of the Tour de France are over rolling countryside but others are in difficult, mountainous country. Everyone who joins this Discover France trip should be an experienced cyclist and should bring their own bicycle. That having been said, the professional leadership and excellent support will be a constant presence.

Accommodations for both groups are in three- and four-star hotels along the race route or as near as possible. All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are covered in the price. Dinners will mostly be in hotels ­ which have been carefully chosen for the quality of their cuisine ­ and there is a gala dinner in a Michelin Guide one-star restaurant. Lunches will be either picnics or in local restaurants. Snacks and drinks on riding days are also included. Participants will also receive an official videotape of the Tour de France 2003, an official poster and a personalized cycle shirt. Also included are round-trip bicycle transfers between the tour start and Paris, as well as bicycle insurance while on the tour. Each group will have a wine tasting and there will be limited visits to points of interest along the route. Since the race is the clear focus of these trips, the groups will attend as many daily starts and finishes as possible.

Price

Group 1 is priced at $2,395, per person double occupancy.

Group 2 is priced at $2,895, per person double occupancy.

More Information: Discover France Website or call 800-960-2221 (valid in the U.S. and Canada).