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Le Grand Départ - the opening stages in Lille

Witness the Team Presentation, LIVE race-viewing of the Opening Stage in Lille and the Finish of Stage 3 in Dunkirk. Lille is also Spring Classics territory so prepare yourself to ride the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix!

Thomson Tour de France Challenges are the trips of choice for avid cyclists of all abilities looking for a unique blend of LIVE Tour de France race-viewing and challenging riding.

Experience the opening stages of the Tour de France in Lille and Dunkirk. Mingle with the pro riders and Tour celebrities with our privileged VIP access to the Departure Village & Team Paddock at the Opening Stage in Lille and cherish the unique experience of riding on the race route and crossing the Finish Line ahead of the peloton on Stage 3 in Dunkirk.

Northern France is also “Spring Classics” territory, the Paris-Roubaix cobbles are right outside your hotel, and the infamous bergs of the Tour of Flanders are just a 30-minute ride away. Be prepared to ride the “Classics” with our expert ride leaders, including iconic cobble sections such as the Carrefour de L’Arbre, the Trouée d’Arenberg, the Paterberg, Oude Kwaremont, the Koppenberg and many more…!

Pay in full by November 30 to SAVE $500
Pay in full by November 30 to SAVE $500
Next Departure

July 3rd 2025


Rental Bike

USD $550


From

USD $6,495


Duration

6 days / 5 nights


Non-Rider Friendly

Yes


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Tour de France
Having Peter Thomson there, the owner, was truly a testimony to how much he cares about his clients and the service he provides to the ...

Michael Guitard, USA — 2017

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Tour de France
This trip truly exceeded all of my hopes and expectations. I have been back to reality for a couple weeks now and still think about ...

Alison LePera, USA — 2019

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Tour de France
Riding in the Pyrenees should be on every cyclist's bucket list. It is spectacular and challenging. Doing it with Thomson Bike Tours will ensure you ...

David Trinder, USA — 2016

See more reviews

Daily itineraries

Only with Thomson: a choice of 3 fully supported rides each day. With daily rides from 20km to 160km (15 miles to 100 miles), no matter your fitness level, we’ve got you covered!

 

Your partner doesn’t ride but is a Tour de France fan: no problem, our Non-Rider program features daily activities and Tour de France viewing for those who prefer not to ride.

 

Check out our Sport, Performance, Epic and Non-Rider itineraries below.

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KM & metres
Miles & feet

Itineraries

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Day Description Distance Elevation
01 Tour de France Team Presentation Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin
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01 Tour de France Team Presentation Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin
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01 Tour de France Team Presentation Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin
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01 Tour de France Team Presentation
02 Ride the Tour of Flanders Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin
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02 Ride the Tour of Flanders Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin
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02 Visit Bruges Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin
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02 Ride the Tour of Flanders
03 LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage in Lille Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin
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03 LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage in Lille Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin
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03 LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage in Lille Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin
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03 LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage in Lille
04 Ride Paris-Roubaix Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin
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04 Ride Paris-Roubaix Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin
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04 Lille city tour Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin
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04 Ride Paris-Roubaix
05 Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Shoot & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish in Dunkirk Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin
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05 Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Shoot & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish in Dunkirk Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin
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05 Podium Photo Shoot & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish in Dunkirk Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin
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05 Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Shoot & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish in Dunkirk
06 Au revoir!
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06 Au revoir!
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06 Au revoir!
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06 Au revoir!
Sport Daily Averages
Day sport Distance Elevation performance Distance Elevation epic Distance Elevation
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Itinerary Detail

Day 1

Distance

-

Elevation

-


Tour de France Team Presentation

Your trip starts at Lille Europe Train Station where our staff will meet you before the short transfer to your hotel in Lille.

After a brief orientation meeting, lunch and bike build-up, you’ll head out onto the narrow lanes for your first taste of riding in Northern France. After the ride we’ll drive into downtown Lille to witness the Official Tour de France Team Presentation, a wonderful ceremony that kicks off the Tour de France by presenting the riders from each of the 22 teams that will compete for the yellow jersey over the next 3 weeks.

Tour de France Team Presentation

Your trip starts at Lille Europe Train Station where our staff will meet you before the short transfer to your hotel in Lille.

After a brief orientation meeting, lunch and bike build-up, you’ll head out onto the narrow lanes for your first taste of riding in Northern France. After the ride we’ll drive into downtown Lille to witness the Official Tour de France Team Presentation, a wonderful ceremony that kicks off the Tour de France by presenting the riders from each of the 22 teams that will compete for the yellow jersey over the next 3 weeks.

Tour de France Team Presentation

Your trip starts at Lille Europe Train Station where our staff will meet you before the short transfer to your hotel in Lille.

After a brief orientation meeting, lunch and bike build-up, you’ll head out onto the narrow lanes for your first taste of riding in Northern France. After the ride we’ll drive into downtown Lille to witness the Official Tour de France Team Presentation, a wonderful ceremony that kicks off the Tour de France by presenting the riders from each of the 22 teams that will compete for the yellow jersey over the next 3 weeks.

Tour de France Team Presentation

Your trip starts at Lille Europe Train Station where our staff will meet you before the short transfer to your hotel in Lille.

After a brief orientation meeting and lunch we’ll drive into downtown Lille to witness the Official Tour de France Team Presentation, a wonderful ceremony that kicks off the Tour de France by presenting the riders from each of the 22 teams that will compete for the yellow jersey over the next 3 weeks.

Day 2

Distance

-

Elevation

-


Ride the Tour of Flanders

Today you have the unique opportunity to ride one of the monuments of cycling, the Tour of Flanders. The route for today’s Sport ride follows the final 50km of the professional race and features several of the famous bergs including the Paterberg, Oude Kwaremont and the Koppenberg.

Ride the Tour of Flanders

Today you have the unique opportunity to ride one of the monuments of cycling, the Tour of Flanders. The route for today’s Performance ride follows the final 90km of the professional race and features many of the famous bergs including the Paterberg, Oude Kwaremont and the Koppenberg.

Ride the Tour of Flanders

Today you have the unique opportunity to ride one of the monuments of cycling, the Tour of Flanders. The route for today’s Epic ride follows the final 158km of the professional race and features all the famous bergs including the Paterberg, Oude Kwaremont, the Koppenberg and the Muur van Geraardsbergen.

Visit Bruges

Today you’ll head into Belgium to visit one of the country’s most stunning cities: Bruges. This is Belgium’s most perfectly preserved medieval town, and it’s jaw-dropping, beautiful architecture attracts more than two million visitors a year. With its wealth of interesting old buildings and canals, Bruges still retains a distinct medieval air. Take a walk through the narrow streets and fall under its spell, charmed by the atmosphere of what many consider the most delightful city of Flanders.

Day 3

Distance

-

Elevation

-


LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage in Lille

The 2025 Tour de France kicks off today with a magnificent stage, starting and finishing in Lille.

This is a unique opportunity to witness both the start and the finish of the Opening Stage of the Tour de France. You’ll have privileged access to the VIP Departure Village and the Team Paddock, a great place to mingle and meet the riders as they prepare for the start of the 1st stage of the Tour de France. After the official departure, enjoy lunch in Lille before rounding off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line.

LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage in Lille

The 2025 Tour de France kicks off today with a magnificent stage, starting and finishing in Lille.

This is a unique opportunity to witness both the start and the finish of the Opening Stage of the Tour de France. You’ll have privileged access to the VIP Departure Village and the Team Paddock, a great place to mingle and meet the riders as they prepare for the start of the 1st stage of the Tour de France. After the official departure, enjoy lunch in Lille before rounding off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line.

LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage in Lille

The 2025 Tour de France kicks off today with a magnificent stage, starting and finishing in Lille.

This is a unique opportunity to witness both the start and the finish of the Opening Stage of the Tour de France. You’ll have privileged access to the VIP Departure Village and the Team Paddock, a great place to mingle and meet the riders as they prepare for the start of the 1st stage of the Tour de France. After the official departure, enjoy lunch in Lille before rounding off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line.

LIVE Race-Viewing: The Opening Stage in Lille

The 2025 Tour de France kicks off today with a magnificent stage, starting and finishing in Lille.

This is a unique opportunity to witness both the start and the finish of the Opening Stage of the Tour de France. You’ll have privileged access to the VIP Departure Village and the Team Paddock, a great place to mingle and meet the riders as they prepare for the start of the 1st stage of the Tour de France. After the official departure, enjoy lunch in Lille before rounding off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line.

Day 4

Distance

-

Elevation

-


Ride Paris-Roubaix

You rode the highlights of the Tour of Flanders on Friday and today you’ll ride sections of the other Spring Classics monument: Paris-Roubaix. You’ll ride out from the hotel and join the Paris-Roubaix pro race route for 6 of the 29 official cobble sectors, including the legendary Carrefour de L’Arbre!

Ride Paris-Roubaix

You rode the highlights of the Tour of Flanders on Friday and today you’ll ride sections of the other Spring Classics monument: Paris-Roubaix. You’ll ride out from the hotel and join the Paris-Roubaix pro race route for 12 of the 29 official cobble sectors, including the legendary Carrefour de L’Arbre!

Ride Paris-Roubaix

You rode Flanders on Friday and today you’ll ride the other Spring Classics monument: Paris-Roubaix. You’ll ride out from the hotel and join the Paris-Roubaix pro race route for 17 of the 29 official cobble sectors, including the Trouée d’Arenberg and the Carrefour de L’Arbre!

Lille city tour

As your cycling partner tackles the Paris-Roubaix cobbles, you’ll enjoy a slightly more leisurely day with a visit to downtown Lille. You’ll discover the old world charm of the cobbled Vieux-Lille with it’s Flemish townhouses, boutiques, bars and the Hospice Comtesse Museum. From Vieux-Lille you’ll head over to the Quartier Saint Sauveur to take in the art-deco belfry (panoramic views from the top), the Porte de Paris (Lille’s answer to the Arc de Triomphe) and nearby Gare Saint Sauveur, once a railway station, now a hip space for culture and the arts. You’ll round off the day with a walk to the Grand Place where you can enjoy a coffee at any one of the many cafés that line the perimeter of this magnificent square.

Day 5

Distance

-

Elevation

-


Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Shoot & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish in Dunkirk

A unique opportunity today to ride your bike across the Official Finish Line just a few hours before the peloton – followed by a photo shoot on the Official Podium. You’ll round off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line in Dunkirk.

Before the photo shoot you’ll enjoy the incredible experience of riding the final 58km of today’s stage on the actual race route, cheered on by thousands of passionate cycling fans. Only with Thomson!

Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Shoot & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish in Dunkirk

A unique opportunity today to ride your bike across the Official Finish Line just a few hours before the peloton – followed by a photo shoot on the Official Podium. You’ll round off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line in Dunkirk.

Before the photo shoot you’ll enjoy the incredible experience of riding the final 80km of today’s stage on the actual race route, cheered on by thousands of passionate cycling fans. Only with Thomson!

Ride over the Finish Line, Podium Photo Shoot & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish in Dunkirk

A unique opportunity today to ride your bike across the Official Finish Line just a few hours before the peloton – followed by a photo shoot on the Official Podium. You’ll round off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line in Dunkirk.

Before the photo shoot you’ll enjoy the incredible experience of riding the final 100km of today’s stage on the actual race route, cheered on by thousands of passionate cycling fans. Only with Thomson!

Podium Photo Shoot & LIVE VIP Race-Viewing of the Stage Finish in Dunkirk

Our cycling group will be riding across the Official Finish Line just a few hours before the peloton. Join you cycling partner at the Finish Line for an exclesive photo shoot on the Official Podium. You’ll round off an amazing Tour de France day by witnessing the Race Finish from the VIP Lounge at the Finish Line in Dunkirk.

Day 6

Distance

-

Elevation

-


Au revoir!

Sadly, your Tour de France trip to the Grand Depart has come to an end.

Our private shuttle will drop you off at Lille Europe TGV Railway Station. From here you can catch a high-speed train to downtown Paris or to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Au revoir!

Sadly, your Tour de France trip to the Grand Depart has come to an end.

Our private shuttle will drop you off at Lille Europe TGV Railway Station. From here you can catch a high-speed train to downtown Paris or to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Au revoir!

Sadly, your Tour de France trip to the Grand Depart has come to an end.

Our private shuttle will drop you off at Lille Europe TGV Railway Station. From here you can catch a high-speed train to downtown Paris or to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Au revoir!

Sadly, your Tour de France trip to the Grand Depart has come to an end.

Our private shuttle will drop you off at Lille Europe TGV Railway Station. From here you can catch a high-speed train to downtown Paris or to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Map & Profile

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Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
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Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
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Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
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Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
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Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
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Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
No major climbs today
Climb Distance Elevation Av. Grade Category
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Climbs

Stage

Team Presentation in Lille


Stage

Grand Depart


Stage 1

Lille > Lille


Stage 2

Lauwin-Planque > Boulogne-sur-Mer


Stage 3

Valenciennes > Dunkirk


Stage 4

Amiens > Rouen


Tour de France

Dates and prices

Date Booking Status Availability Price / Per Person Single Supplement Non-rider Discount
2025
July 3 to July 8
Taking Bookings
Places Available
USD $6,495
USD $750
n/a
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Waiting List


Sign up to the waiting list for this departure, to be notified if a space becomes available. Please fill out the information below:


    Hotels

    Hotel Coloft Lille-Lesquin

    Pick-up and Drop-off

    Arrival

    Pickup Location Time

    Lille Europe TGV Train Station (direct trains from Paris downtown or CDG airport)

    July 3 at 9:30am

    Departure

    Drop Off Location Time

    Lille Europe TGV Train Station (direct trains to Paris downtown or CDG airport)

    July 8 at 8:00am

    What's included

    What's Included What's Not Included
      Tour de France Viewing arrow
    • Team Presentation in Lille
    • TDF Stage 1: access to the VIP Departure Village & Team Paddock in Lille
    • TDF Stage 1: access to the VIP Lounge at the Finish in Lille
    • TDF Stage 3: VIP ride across the Finish Line and Podium photo shoot in Dunkirk
    • TDF Stage 3: access to the VIP Hospitality Lounge at the Stage Finish in Dunkirk
    • Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 6 days / 5 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • 3 x sit-down lunches
    • 2 x picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up at Lille Europe TGV Railway Station
    • Drop-off at Lille Europe TGV Railway Station
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Overall Staff to Guest ratio: 1 to 3
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the rides arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    • Merchandising arrow
    • Tour de France Gift Bag
    • Thomson Bike Tours S/S Santini cycling jersey
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities
    What's Included
      Tour de France Viewing arrow
    • Team Presentation in Lille
    • TDF Stage 1: access to the VIP Departure Village & Team Paddock in Lille
    • TDF Stage 1: access to the VIP Lounge at the Finish in Lille
    • TDF Stage 3: VIP ride across the Finish Line and Podium photo shoot in Dunkirk
    • TDF Stage 3: access to the VIP Hospitality Lounge at the Stage Finish in Dunkirk
    • Accommodations & Meals arrow
    • 6 days / 5 nights fully accompanied trip
    • All accommodations
    • All breakfasts
    • All dinners
    • 3 x sit-down lunches
    • 2 x picnic lunches during the rides
    • Transportation arrow
    • Pick-up at Lille Europe TGV Railway Station
    • Drop-off at Lille Europe TGV Railway Station
    • All transportation during the trip
    • All luggage & bike box transfers
    • Cycling Support arrow
    • 1 x Support Van & 1 x Ride Leader per 8 guests (approx.)
    • Overall Staff to Guest ratio: 1 to 3
    • Experienced bike mechanic
    • Park Tools Toolkit
    • Daily ride gpx files provided
    • Nutrition during the rides arrow
    • Energy bars, gels and sports drink
    • Variety of snacks and local specialties for picnic lunches
    • Bottled water
    • Post-ride recovery food
    • Merchandising arrow
    • Tour de France Gift Bag
    • Thomson Bike Tours S/S Santini cycling jersey
    What's Not Included
    • Airfare
    • Travel and personal insurance
    • Additional hotel expenses i.e. phone charges, mini-bar, gratuities
    • Staff gratuities

    Rental bikes

    Specialized Aethos Expert

    Read More

    Frame

    Aethos FACT 10r Carbon

    Groupset

    Di2 Shimano Ultegra

    Weight

    699g (size 56)

    Wheels

    Roval C38

    Chainrings

    52/36T

    Cassette

    11-34t (12-speed)

    Sizes

    49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

    Rental Fee

    USD $550

    See full details

    Guest Experience

    Elevate your riding experience to new heights as you conquer legendary ascents that have tested the mettle of cycling's elite. Picture yourself pedaling through panoramic vistas, tackling hairpin turns and steep gradients, all while astride top-tier bikes meticulously fine-tuned by professional mechanics. With a support crew unparalleled in their dedication, every mile becomes a triumph, every summit a personal victory. Fulfill your lifetime riding goals and immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of the pro peloton, where the passion for cycling meets the grandeur of the mountains. This isn't just a trip—it's a unique opportunity to challenge yourself and ride the same paths as cycling legends.

    VIP Experience

    Embark on the ultimate cycling pilgrimage with our exclusive VIP trip to witness the Tour de France in unparalleled style. Immerse yourself in the thrilling energy of the race with spectacular access to the start and finish lines, as well as prime vantage points along major climbs like the legendary Col du Tourmalet and the Col du Galibier. Rub shoulders with cycling royalty as you meet the pro riders up close, savoring the electrifying atmosphere of the world's greatest cycling event. Indulge in the epitome of luxury with our VIP areas, where the finest champagne and cuisine await you. Experience the Tour like never before – you'll be as close to the pros as a Directeur Sportif, creating memories to last a lifetime. Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, meticulously supported by the Thomson team, and elevate your passion for cycling to new heights.

    Legendary Climbs

    Get ready to ride your way into cycling history! Join us on an exhilarating adventure that puts your climbing skills to the ultimate test along the legendary routes of the Tour de France. Channel your inner pro cyclist as you conquer iconic climbs such as the formidable Tourmalet and the breathtaking Galibier. Feel the rush of ascending these famed Cols, surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes that have witnessed cycling greatness. This isn't just a ride; it's a chance to immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of professional cycling, supported by a dedicated team ensuring you tackle each ascent like a champion. Grab your bike, bring your determination, and let's ascend to new heights together!


    2025 TDF Challenge – Le Grand Départ

    Experience the Tour de France with the Premier Official Tour Operator