To give you some insight into our preparations for every trip, we’ve created this special film.
A Day in the Life of a Tour de France Recce
A Day in the Life of a Recce goes behind the scenes of our scouting for the Tour de France Grand Depart KOM trip. Let our guides whet your appetite for an incredible start to the Tour in June.
The greatest trips don’t happen by chance
We believe that the most important part of any trip is the ride. We live and die by our route planning, our support and the experience we offer. We want you to enjoy that experience with us; to join our expert cyclists, to make yourself proud and to create everlasting memories. We constantly refine our routes to make sure they’re the best they can be. We go again and again until they are.
The KOM Alps trip was truly the experience of a lifetime. It was the perfect blend of riding and race viewing. Every detail was worked out and the staff and ride leaders were amazing. Can’t say enough about it and can’t wait to “go again”!
Laura Kucharczyk — USA, CO
The Tour de France
We’re recognised as the number ONE tour operator to the greatest race on earth. Our experience, gained over many years and kilometres of riding, combined with our meticulous desire to create the perfect trip means you have nothing to worry about but the challenge of the day’s riding.
Our Tour de France KOM Challenges provide the perfect mix of LIVE race-viewing and challenging and rewarding rides on the legendary routes and climbs of the Tour de France.
What to expect
As the Number 1 Official Tour de France Tour Operator - awarded “PREMIUM” status by ASO - we can offer you unrivalled VIP access to Stage Starts and Finishes and unique Finish Line rides & podium photo shoots. Only with Thomson can you enjoy access to our Private Hospitality Marquees on the key climbs that allow you to watch the action unfold on TV whilst you wait for the race to rush by. Experience unforgettable hotels; a 15th century château; the top hotel in the Pyrenees and the #1 hotel in Alpe d’Huez. Challenge yourself on the most famous climbs in world cycling; : Alpe d’Huez, Ventoux, Galibier, Tourmalet, Bales… No-one rides like Thomson and our support teams are the envy of the mountain. The best support guaranteed!
The rides were challenging but I found a ride level that was an excellent fit to my skill/endurance level. The Thomson staff—ride leaders, support van mechanics, customer service, marketing—all contributed to a experience I will cherish.
John Mott — USA, NM
Choose the experience of a lifetime
This year we have seven incredible trips to the Tour covering the Grand Depart, Pyreness, Alps and Paris. With 3 daily ride groups from 20km to 150km, you can be sure we have the perfect ride for you.
Tour de France KOM Challenge – Grand Depart
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience 3 stages of the Tour de France in Brittany, the heartland of French Cycling. Birthplace of so many of the great French cyclists, including Bernard Hinault who hails from St Brieuc where our trip is based, Brittany is the spiritual home of French cycling.
Tour de France KOM Challenge – Alps & Mont Ventoux
On the Thomson KOM Alps trip, you’ll witness the best of the race action on Mont Ventoux and the Stage 9 Summit Finish in Tignes, live on the mountain-side from our Private Hospitality Marquee. Mingle with the pro riders and Tour celebrities with our privileged VIP access to the Departure Village in Albertville, and cherish the unique experience of riding across the Finish Line ahead of the peloton in Nimes.
Tour de France KOM Challenge – Pyrenees
On the Thomson KOM Pyrenees trip you’ll witness the best of the race action on Luz-Ardiden and the Stage 15 Finish in Andorra, live on the mountain-side from our Private Hospitality Marquee. Mingle with the pro riders and Tour celebrities with our privileged VIP access to the Departure Village of Stage19 in Mourenx, and cherish the unique experience of riding across the Finish Line ahead of the peloton in St Gaudens.
The trip was amazing, the riding was tough but excellent. The support, organisation, access to the Tour de France and friendship was second to none!! Absolutely recommend to anyone that whats to experience a once in a lifetime event.
Steve Fort — Australia
Ride the Tour with Thomson
Through our service and our trips we enable our guests to ride without any other concerns. They can concentrate on enjoying the challenges ahead, knowing that we’re always there to guide, encourage and take care of them.
Share the Tour de France experience with Thomson Bike Tours. Weave the switchbacks, lined with excited fans, ride across the finish line ahead of the peloton. Cheer as the wildness of the greatest race rushes within touching distance. Unforgettable roads, indelible memories and abiding friendships. Let’s Go Again.
