The Pyrenean Baronnies
23rd June 2022TDF 2023
2nd November 2022
TDF in the Pyrenees
We had high expectations for this year's TDF. 3 stages in the Pyrenees, so many of the iconic mountain climbs... and on top of that with our biggest booking yet for the TDF, we were rather excited!
The Tour passed through our area for stages 17-19 before heading up to Paris for the final stage, and as we waited patiently for its arrival, it became obvious that it was once again going to be spectacular. Our guests were amazing, the racing superb and the fun and laughter ensured memories that will last a lifetime.
Rachel & Chris were terrific hosts, working exceptionally hard to help guests have a wonderful holiday. Nothing was too much trouble! The catering was excellent. Lovely location. Fab pool. Plenty of space to have time alone to relax or to socialise with others. The hosts created a bespoke itinerary to match our requirements, solved any problems we had and always supported our needs with big smiles.
Dr Chris Whale
After a few issues with delayed/cancelled planes and some lost luggage, we began the week with our legendary pizza night enabling the group to get to know one another. Our first stage (stage 17) was a stage finish at Peyragudes. Chris and I had walked up there in 2017 to watch the epic finish on the airstrip and knew it would be good. Half the group cycled out to the finish, with the rest walking a 5km stretch on the back roads. We found ourselves a spot 100m from the finish and settled in with homemade pies and snacks. The boys headed of to grab some drinks and ended up grabbing a photo with none other than David Millar and then the race was on... With 100m to go, and right next to where we were avidly watching, Pogacar sidled up and rode past Vingegaard in seeming slow motion - that's how steep it was! Thomas came by and finished the stage just over 2 minutes down and then it was 30 minutes of excitement as the rest of the pack rode up to the line.
The next day's stage was a ride out to Argeles-Gazost, and we found ourselves a great cafe on the square to watch the tour speed by just before the final climb of the day. And it was at speed that they arrived - a blink and you might miss it moment, with (we think), Vingegaard, Van Aert and Pogacar leading the pack, closely follwed by G who had made up time after Pogacar's fall. We were glad to have found a great little bar to chill in in between the caravan and race and we also had time to watch the stage finish on the big screen. It was Vingegaard's turn to win the day's stage with Pogacar losing 1 minute 4 seconds and I think we knew then who the next TDF champion was going to be...Our final stage, 19, was a stage start and we watched the riders signing on, and signing autographs, and got some great close up photos. As always, it was great to see the Tour in the Pyrenees, and even better to see such a closely fought contest. Thanks to Nikki, Chris and Pete for their wonderful reviews and to all of our guests this year for their great company.
A fantastic week. Thank you Allons - y - Pyrenees for being the perfect hosts. Getting us to exactly the right spot to see some amazing sport at just the right time, sharing your lovely home and amazing pool and cooking the most delicious food. You also found us exciting routes to cycle or walk that match our abilities, enabling us to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and absorb the local culture. All done with a smile and total consideration for our well being and enjoyment. Absolutely first class.
Nikki Pearson
We are excited already for next year's TDF. We know it starts in the Basque Country and then will head over the Pyrenees and take on the mighty Tourmalet, but what else will it have to offer? Route reveal and our Tour Package will be announced in October...
Too long to wait? Get in touch with us today to book your bespoke cycling holiday and follow us on Facebook @allonsycycling to stay up to date with all of our current news and offers!
