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2025 TOUR DE FRANCE
6 Day Grand Depart Tour

Friday 4th – Wed 9th July, 2025

Location

  • belgium
    Belgium
  • France
    France

2025 Tour de France – 6 Day Grand Depart Tour

Lille Region, Northern France
Ride and experience the Tour de France Stages 1-4, Plus ride and visit the border region’s famous Spring Classics roads, monuments and locations yet in the comfort of summer conditions.
Dates: Friday 4th – Wednesday 9th July, 2025

2025 Tour de France

6 Day Grand Depart Tour

Our combined experience in France and Belgium  allows us to put a superb series of rides and experiences together through quaint villages, small roads, laneways and see lovely historic places of interest in this border region.

Plus we’ll coach you in the art/technique of riding the roads of northern France and Belgium, you’re guaranteed to love it, and you’ll return home more relaxed on the bike and ready to take on new challenges.

When we’re not at the Tour de France, or riding through the many towns, villages and cycling locations of the region, the Tour de France Grand Depart tour offers a unique cultural immersion on and off the bike.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

WATCH
• 2025 Tour de France Stages 1-4

VISIT
• Flanders region, Belgium
• Lille and Multiple Regions Of Northern France
• Belgium Brewery
• World War One Historical Sites, Including Experiencing The Moving “Last Post Ceremony”
• Enjoy A Private – Custom Canal Boat Tour In Ghent, Belgium With Your Very Own Ride International Staff Member Captain.

RIDE
• 3 Daily Supported, Guided Ride Options Available [Short, Medium, Long – Extra’s available each day]

Our Tour

Our Tour de France Grand Depart Tour provides the ideal mix of “ride more – transfer less” as we experience the excitement, and cultural immersion of the start of the 2025 Tour de France”.

The proximity of our Team Hotel in the Flanders region of Belgium is close to the French border, this allows us to cross the borders with ease and to experience the best of this wonderfull region.

July each year signals Tour de France time and announce it’s summer. It’s a beautiful time to visit and ride in France. We’ll show you the smaller roads, charming villages and stay in one of our favourite chic cycling friendly hotels in Europe

It’s with out a doubt the best time to visit France and Belgium, the villages, the big cities all come to life to the sights, sounds and festivities of le Tour de France.

There’s something beautiful about riding a bike in France and Belgium in the sun drenched summer, the terrain is almost purpose-built for cyclists who love panoramic smaller climbs, sweeping views, coastal roads and historic site, it’s stunning.

France was our base for over ten cycling seasons, we’ve been hosting cycling tours in these regions and to the Spring Classics races which occur in these parts every year, we know France and Belgium like the back of our hand, plus our local guides who live in the region have some wonderful local experiences planned to show case their local areas. We’ve hosted groups to all of France’s beautiful regions, ridden all the best roads, mountains and we’ll show you the best of France and Belgium on this unique, action-packed Ultimate Tour de France Grand Depart tour.

We love everything about France and Belgium, the people, it’s arts and culture, it’s beautiful food, wine, beer, history, outdoors, and it’s love for the biggest sporting event in the world, the Tour de France. You’ll have your fill of riding, optional extra rides are available each day for those that are keen for more. Plus we visit many places of interest including a small local Belgium Brewery, Chocolatiers, Local Artisan Producers, Bike Stores, lovely cafe’s / coffee shops. Let us know your passions, interests and things you’d like to see and do, we have plenty of great recommendations as we explore these wonderful regions on and off the bike.

We’re looking forward to showing you the Ultimate Tour de France Grand Depart experience including TDF Stages 1-4, Plus ride and visit the regions famous Spring Classics roads, monuments and locations yet in the comfort of summer conditions, plus many more beautiful places in France, Belgium and of course the excitement of the 2025 Tour de France race.

We’re looking forward to welcoming you in France.
Ciao Pat, Grace, and the Ride International Tours Team.

Meet Your Hosts For Our 2025 Tour de France Grand Depart Tour
Pat Fitzpatrick - Ride International Tours

Pat Fitzpatrick

Director Sportiff

Having descended from a lineage of competitive cycling, Pat is a fourth generation of passionate cyclists. He has excelled in all disciplines of cycling including BMX, MTB: Downhill and Cross Country, Cyclo-cross, and Road racing. His varied background enables Pat to be a global leader in cycling skills coaching, coaching everyone from introductory riders to a current crop of professional cyclists. Pat loves sharing his love of cycling and all that it entails from beautiful secret roads to quaint little villages and local specialties. He also has a knack for locating the best coffee. Pat’s been hosting rides since 1994 and co-founded Ride International with wife Grace in 2007.

Rudy Rogiers

Co-tour Leader - Former Professional Cyclist

In the prime of his career Rudy was a Spring Classics and Tour de France specialist, he raced four editions of the TDF. With some top 10 placings, and some entertaining Mario Cippolini stories. He also raced in 1 Giro d’Italia too! What a legend , the most humble guy you will ever meet.When Rudy’s not working on tour with us, he divides his time with a Belgian professional cycling team - Top Sport Flanders [Vlaanderen]. Rudy has a long list of achievements on and off the bike, yet his 2nd place finish to Sean Kelly in the final sprint at the famously hard/wet 1984 Paris Roubaix is a big highlight. Testament to Rudy’s nature, he works with the Top Sport Flanders team as they are considered a development team for up-and-coming Belgian riders. Rudy’s a man of many talents, he’s also a great bike mechanic and is the man to see if you have any mechanical issues.
Alpine Expert & Chief Fun Officer- Thierry Favre

Thiery Favre

Co-tour Leader, Alpine Expert

Thierry hails from Champery high up in the Porte du Soleil region of Switzerland. He’s the Swiss army knife of biking, he’s the director of the local biking club, which has grown rapidly including over 100 kids as members. Thierry’s wife and children are also part of the local bike club. Thierry’s hails from a passionate biking and outdoor family, he loves road cycling, mountain biking and adventuring in summer. For the winter months he then switches over to winter sports in the Porte du Soleil alpine region. Thierry is a coowner of a ski company, and is a professional ski guide and instructor. Thierry has a vast amount of experience guiding and hosting tours all over Europe, he’s worked with us for over 10 years including tours to the: Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, La Vuelta – Tour of Spain and many private groups tour for guests to enjoy the wonders of Switzerland and it’s majestic mountains, and lake regions.

Ben Norden

Cycling & Non-cycling Guide, Rider Support

Ben comes to us from Melbourne, Australia. Ben values the art of truly hearing others and understanding their perspectives. Through his experiences in cycling and engaging with diverse communities, Ben has honed his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, fostering genuine relationships and creating spaces where individuals can feel heard and valued. His dedication to strategy, health, and social planning is fueled by his passion for making a positive impact on the world around him. His most memorable achievement was clinching a podium spot in the B-grade category during a 3-day tour. He holds many fond memories of competing in Central Queensland races and taking part in the Terra Australis mountain bike stage race. Engaged in mountain biking, triathlons, and road racing for 25 years, he also enjoys cooking, planning adventures, studying, and delving into human behavior outside of cycling.

Antton Miettinen

Cycling & Non-cycling Guide, Rider Support

We are thrilled to welcome Antton to the Ride International team. He will be joining in this year's Tour de France and brings along a wealth of experience from the cycling world, having worked in the cycling tour industry since 2015. When he's not on tour, he resides in San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain, where he enjoys being a home dad and pursuing his passion for photography. Antton values good company and has led a rewarding life filled with meaningful experiences.

Guido Gazinga

Co-tour Leader

After indulging the cobbles and surprising us with his magical Italian driving skills at our Spring Classics, Guido rejoins us on the Tour de France to indulge his interest and passion in World Tour cycling events. Guido comes from a very experienced and well-rounded background in cycling and cycling tours management along with his vast international experience. He’s a lover of gravel, a well-connected industry guy in the cycling tours world and Italian cycling community. He’s a Jack-of-all-trades: proficient in project management, communication, writing, editing, design, illustration, content management, Specializing in route design & trip planning, he straddles the divide between global and Italian markets. When not on the bike Guido holds a Master’s degree in Interior Design.

Stefaan Rogiers

Co-tour Leader

Stefaan has quickly become one of the key staff members of Ride International Tours and is a superb allrounder, on & off the bike. Stefaan is our European Operations Co-ordinator and designs many of our Itineraries. He comes from a super pedigree of cycling, it's in his blood & DNA, & something he's immensely proud of, yet he excelled in Belgian's biggest sport (soccer) as a professional footballer. Nickname (Off the bike) - El Capitan - working as a Captain/guide on the “Bootjes van Gent”, a company that offers tourist boat tours in Ghent. Nickname (On the bike) - Il Pipistrello “The Bat” Because of his unpredictable way of climbing. We also affectionately call him our “Thibaut Pinot”, as he's as fast up a big climb!

Ryland Mollard

Cycling & Non-cycling Guide, Rider Support

Ryland is a multi-talented individual who not only shines on stage during tours but is also a Judge's Associate by profession. When he's not performing with us, he transforms into a criterium racing machine, donning his lycra/spandex suit. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Ryland is a true cycling enthusiast who has worked at bike stores, managed a pub, and served coffee as a barista, making him a respected figure in the cycling community. He is always ready to provide expert coffee recommendations during tours. Ryland's passion for cycling started when he was in high school, using it as a mode of transportation to and from rowing practice. He continued cycling in college and eventually started riding longer distances with his peers, eventually leading to his participation in races. Currently, Ryland is gearing up for bike packing, which he considers a new challenge. During tours, he enjoys supporting cycling and guests, savoring the slow pace of exploration, which provides the perfect balance between self-propelled adventure and the speed of a car. Ryland worked with us at this year's Tour Down Under and we’re pleased to have him on board for the Tour de France.

Nicolas Laclias

Cycling Guide

Nicolas is an experienced and charismatic guide, who brings a wealth of experience and passion to both on and off our tours. He is based in the south of France, in the stunning city of Nice, which also happens to be a cyclist's paradise. Prior to joining our team, Nicolas spent 20 years in the music industry, co-founding a digital music company. Nicolas’ job roles on tour include ‘"Stagiaire" Guide in Training, Super Domestique, Rider Support, Non-Cycling Guide, Driver and Guest Services Hotels - Restaurants Nicolas is also well-versed in the regions that we visit being a native frenchman.

Liz Nelson

Cycling & Non-cycling Guide, Rider Support

A relatively late bloomer in cycling, Liz is based in sunny Brisbane, Queensland, where she works as an exercise and sports scientist, coaching cycling and other related endurance sports. Liz provides evidence based programming and advice that helps people improve all aspects of their cycling. Liz’s cycling background is diverse, having competed in all facets of road racing, from local criteriums and road racing through to individual time trials - the ‘race of truth’ being her preferred event! Liz has also participated in mass cycling events, gran fondos and stage tours. Liz is also a fan of the gym and shares her lifting adventures on social media. With her wide range of skills, Liz is well-equipped to support guests on tour, regardless of fitness level or riding experience. Liz also has a health professional background, working as a pharmacist in a previous life. However, she found this a bit dull and prefers to showcase her talents as a “prawn peeler extraordinaire”. Perhaps we’ll have the chance to test this unique talent out during our tour as there are plenty of fresh seafood places to enjoy! Liz has joined us for the Tour Down Under and the Giro d’Italia this year, and we’re happy to see her with us again at the Tour de France. [10 Day Tour Team Member]

Pat and Grace worked tirelessly to make sure everyone’s needs and expectations were met

S. Charlton (2015)Queensland, Australia

A big thanks to you for making my trip, as a non-rider, very memorable

L. Green (2010) New Zealand

Grace and Pat go above and beyond to make sure you have a good time

Steph W. (2015, 2014 & 2013)NSW, Australia

Nothing was too much trouble, their demeanour was always cheery

Andrew S. (2014)Melbourne, Australia

Knowledgeable, multilingual, always helpful, a great team

Tommy. E (2016, 2014, 2013, 2012)USA

Grace is the most organised of guides, no request is too unusual or difficult

A. Saunders (2017)Victoria, Australia

You took care of my wife wonderfully… I am grateful and appreciative

David S. (2016)Canada

Thanks very much for a highly enjoyable and excellently run tour

Daren A. (2012)QLD, Australia

Grace and Pat are remarkable. Thank you so much!

Claudia H. (2104)Canada

Grace… you are warm, inclusive and infectious in your enthusiasm

John H. (2014)Australia

Pat and his team did an absolutely brilliant job

L. Hocking (2015)Victoria, Australia

Big thanks to Grace & Patrick… we had a Brilliant time

Andrew E (2016)Australia

The trip ran like clock work… all we had to worry about was enjoying ourselves

Ben K. (2013)NSW, Australia

Grace… you are still as efficient and organised as always

Richard B. (2016, 2012)Western Australia

Pat’s leadership gave everyone what they needed

Peter F. (2010)New Zealand

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • Spacious Cycling Friendly Four Star Accommodation.
  • Daily breakfasts (Evening Meals, Lunches, Drinks Etc As Per Detailed Itinerary Below).
  • Local guides for cycling and non-cyclists including former Australian Pro Rider Phil Anderson
  • Minimum of three guided ride options per day, to suit your preferred distance and amount of climbing
  • Pro mechanical support on tour
  • Support vehicle to carry daypacks, spare parts, hydration and ride snacks
  • Separate Spectator Itinerary for Non-cyclists
  • Itinerary, including daily ride maps
  • Free download of our GPS Ride Routes
  • Complimentary return train station transfers
  • Daily Bike Spa including Bike Wash, Mechanical check and tune, by a Pro Mechanic
  • Cyclists Receive Our Premium Quality European Rider Pack including: Jersey, Knicks, Socks, Cycling Cap and Musette Bag
  • Non-Cyclists Receive a Spectator Pack including Designer Ride International Tours Polo Shirt, Socks, Cap and Musette Bag

inclusions

  • Spacious Cycling Friendly Four Star Accommodation.
  • Daily breakfasts (Evening Meals, Lunches, Drinks Etc As Per Detailed Itinerary).
  • Local guides for cycling and non-cyclists including Belgium locals, and native French speakers
  • Minimum of three guided ride options per day, to suit your preferred distance and amount of climbing
  • Pro mechanical support on tour
  • Support vehicle to carry daypacks, spare parts, hydration and ride snacks
  • Hotels
  • All breakfasts
  • Welcome and farewell dinner and drink [additional evening meals as per detailed itinerary]
  • Separate Spectator Itinerary for Non-cyclists
  • Itinerary, including daily ride maps
  • Free download of our GPS Ride Routes
  • Complimentary transfer for arrival and departure day to the nominated locations
  • Daily Bike Spa including Bike Wash, Mechanical check and tune, by a Pro Mechanic
  • Our Premium Quality Rider Pack includes: Jersey and Custom Scicon Wet/Rain Bag
  • Our Premium Quality Spectator Pack includes: Designer Ride International Tours Polo Shirt, Custom Scicon Bag

sample itinerary

DAY 1 – April 2025

Pick Up – Flanders Train Station [TBC]: 10am
Our Ride Start: 12pm
Ride Distance: 40km – 90kmClimbing: 200m-650m
4.30pm: Explore walk. 60minutes.
7.30pm: Welcome Dinner and drink, meet hotel lobby

About our day: Arrival Day – Welcome to Genk, Belgium 

Welcome to Belgium, The Spring Classics and our Best of Belgium and Netherlands 4 Day Tour

This morning we’ll meet you and your luggage at our local Flanders Train station. The station is very well connected with regular services to all of Belgium’s main train stations, Brussels – Paris and Amsterdam International Airports. From the train station, it’s a short transfer to our Team Hotel.

Alternatively, we always highly recommend arriving at least one day prior to a tour start Day 0, it’ll alleviate travel stress, you’ll recover from your travel better and it’ll build in some wiggle room in the event your travel and connections don’t flow as smoothly as you’d like.

Once at our Team Hotel, we’ll assist you to build up your bike, or do the final fitting, put your pedals etc onto your hire bike.

After a quick bite to each for lunch, on the bike, we’ll ride from our Team Hotel on a ride designed by Phil Anderson on some of his old training roads. If you’re non cycling after lunch there’s some time to explore the lovely old town area

Late in the day we’ll regroup for our welcome dinner and drink.

Non-cycling options:

Today, there’s plenty of time to explore our lovely surrounds in the old city area.

We have plenty of great recommendations for things to see and places to visit. Let us know your personal interests, we’ll suggest plenty of things of interest to do and see, if you’d like some more active suggestions we have some great walks, hikes or running routes too.

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Our Ride:  Welcome Day Ride

Ride Start: 1pm • Distance: 40km • Climbing: 200m

Our welcome ride starts from our Team Hotel, it’s a nice way to get your body moving on the bike after travelling to Belgium. We’ll ride on some lovely local roads with a mixture of small country lanes through quaint villages, ride along canals, bikeways and we’ll include a pave/ cobble skills session enroute.

 Après Bike: Discover Our Village

4.30pm: Discover our local village on a cultural walk, including the impressive town square area, miniature waterways, galleries, eateries and shops.

Suggested Post Ride Rehydration: Belgium is the home of beer, let us know your preferred style and we’ll offer some suggestions, there are so many great options of Belgium beer, many are only available locally.

Dinner:

7.30pm: Welcome Dinner and drink, meet hotel lobby. .

 Accommodation:

North East Flanders, Limburg Region. Walking distance to everything in the Old Town.
1 of 3 Nights

Pricing and Dates

6 Day Grand Depart Tour Dates

Day 0: Thurs 3rd July, 2025 [Suggested arrival day – hotel non-inclusion]
Day 1: Friday 4th July – Day 6: Tues 8th July, 2025

Payments

ADVANCED BOOKING DEPOSIT:

AUD $750 [approximately] USD $550 reserves your spot on the 6 Day Grand Depart Tour

Indicative Tour Pricing

[Based on 2024 Tour Pricing]

Twin Share Room: AUD$4975 – AUD$5250 pp twin share (Approx. USD$3150 – USD$3350)

Single Room Supplement: AUD$750- AUD$825 (Approx. USD$480 – USD$525)

$750.00 AUD

Hotel Option

ROOMS / SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

* Our twin share prices are per person based on two people ie couples, partners, family, friends sharing one room. If you are travelling alone, you have the option to have a room to yourself, or will be allocated a room to yourself by paying the additional single room supplement.

Bike Hire

Take the hassle out of travelling with your bike and hire a bike for our 6 Day Grand Depart Tour

5 DAY ITINERARY

2021 Belgie Training Camp – Spring Classics Tour With Phil Anderson

DAY 1 – MONDAY, 6TH APRIL 2019

Pick Up – Brugge Train Station: 11am
Our Ride Start: 1pm
Ride Distance: 40km Climbing: 200m
4.30pm: Explore Brugge walk. 90minutes.
7.30pm: Informal Social Dinner, meet hotel lobby (non inclusion)

About our day: Arrival Day – Beautiful Brugge 

Welcome to Belgium, The Spring Classics and our Belgie Training Camp.

This morning we’ll meet you and your luggage at the Brugge Train Station. The Brugge station is very well connected with regular services to all of Belgium’s main train stations, Brussels – Paris and Amsterdam International Airports. From Brugge train station, it’s a very short transfer to our Team Hotel.

Alternatively we always highly recommend arriving at least one day prior to a tour start, it’ll alleviate travel stress, you’ll recover from your travel better and it’ll build in some wiggle room in the event your travel and connections don’t flow as smoothly as you’d like.

Once at our Team Hotel, we’ll assist you to build up your bike, or do the final fitting, put your pedals etc onto your hire bike.

After a quick bite to each for lunch, on the bike, we’ll ride from our Team Hotel on a ride designed by Phil Anderson on some of his old training roads around Brugge. If you’re non cycling after lunch there’s some time to explore the lovely old town area of Brugge

Late in the day we’ll regroup for our “Explore Brugge walk”, 90 minutes duration.

Non-cycling options:

Today, there’s plenty of time to explore Brugge’s lovely old city area.

We have plenty of great recommendations for things to see and places to visit in Brugge. Let us know your personal interests, we’ll suggest plenty of things of interest to you to do and see in Beautiful Brugge.

4.30pm: Discover Brugge walk, including the impressive Markt square. 90minutes.

ri-bike3-55
Our Ride:  Welcome Day Ride

Ride Start: 1pm • Distance: 40km • Climbing: 200m

Our welcome ride starts from our Team Hotel, it’s a nice way to get your body moving on the bike after travelling to Belgium. We’ll ride on flatter roads with a mixture of small country roads through quaint villages, ride along canals, bikeways and we’ll include a pave/ cobble skills session enroute.

We’ll take a scenic ride through Brugge’s old center as we head back toward our hotel, it’s a great way to orientate yourself with the old town center, it’s minature water ways, shops and beautiful buildings.

 Après Bike: Discover Brugge

4.30pm: Discover Brugge cultural walk, including the impressive Markt square, minature waterways,local bike stores, galleries and shops. 90 minute walk.

Suggested Post Ride rehydration: Belgium is the home of beer, let us know your prefferd style and we’ll offer some suggestions, there are so many great options of Belgium beer, many  are only available locally.

Dinner:

7.30pm: Informal Social Welcome Dinner, meet hotel lobby (non inclusion). We’ll make a plan for dinner – feel free to join us and meet fellow guests and staff or Let us know your preferred food types, budget and dining style! We’ll point you in the right direction for great local places.

 Accommodation:

Historic, family owned and run hotel in Brugge. Walking distance to everything in Old Town.
1 of 4 Nights

TdF Motorola

DAY 2 – TUESDAY, 7TH APRIL 2019

Breakfast: From 7.30am
Our Ride Start: 8.45am
Ride Distances: 45km-90km. (3 – 4 hours)

About our day:  Belgie Training Camp Tempo Ride

Our morning Belgie Training Camp Rides are a great way to have an active morning.

We’ve designed 3 – 4 hour rides to explore more of the North West Flanders region of Belgium, but leave you with plenty of time and energy to explore for the balance of each day, plus you’ll be in great form for the upcoming Paris Roubaix challenge if you are joining us on our Paris Roubaix weekend.

Non-cycling options:

Morning and afternoon. Let us know your personal interests, Brugge is a wonderfully diverse city, options include Chocolate museum, the canal boat tour is great way to see Brugge from another level, Belgium Beer tour, Museums and galleries aplenty, or we have options for active walks, ask us how.

Alternatively, we’ve based ourselves in Brugge, as it’s very well connected via local trains -approx 1 hour to Belgiums other great citys so you can easily visit Ghent, Brussels, Antwerp etc for the afternoon. There are so many great daily afternoon sightseeing options, let us know your interests so we can tailor experiences to your likes, interests and point you in the right direction.

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Our Ride:  

Ride Start: 8.45am • Distance: 45km-90km • Climbing: 400m
Morning Tempo Loop Ride, 3-4 hours. Designed by Phil, this loop ride is based on his old training ride routes and race routes from the North Western Flanders region.

We have ride options available for everyone depending how much or how little you like to ride, we’ll pause for a Belgium Hot Chocolate or coffee apres ride.

Ride Extra’s: If you fancy riding more in the afternoon, we have plenty of ride options available, let us know how many Km’s you want to ride and what type of ride you want to do. Ask us how.

 Après Bike:

Dinner 7.30pm: Free program to explore our town, it’s restuarants, bars and eateries. or join us for an Informal Social Dinner, we’ll be heading out to eat some local specialty dishes at a place close to our hotel. Meet hotel lobby (non inclusion)

Suggested Post Ride rehydration: 

Jenever, also known as genièvre, genever, peket or Dutch gin, is the national spirit of Belgium from which gin evolved. While beer may be Belgium’s most famous alcoholic beverage, jenever has been the country’s traditional and national spirit for over 500 years.

Jenever is a “Protected Product of Origin”, having received eleven different appellations or AOCs from the European Union, and can only be crafted in Belgium, the Netherlands and a few areas in France and Germany. Most of the jenever AOC’s are exclusive to Belgium making Belgian jenever (Belgian genever) one of it’s best-kept secrets.

For centuries jenever has been bottled in jugs handcrafted from clay. Its iconic shape is recognizable and unique to jenever. Traditionally Belgians serve jenever in completely full shot glasses that have just been pulled from the freezer. The first step to drinking the jenever properly is to keep the glass on the table, bend down and take the first sip without holding the glass. Once this traditional first sip is completed one can drink the rest of the drink normally.

 Accommodation:

Historic, family owned and run hotel in Brugge. Walking distance to everything in Old Town.
2 of 4 Nights

Motorola Ireland

DAY 3 – WEDNESDAY, 8TH APRIL 2019

Breakfast: From 7am
Our Ride Start: 8.15am
Vehicle Depart: 8.30am
Ride Distances: 45km – 75km (extra’s available) – 150m climbing

About our day:  

Our morning Belgie Training Camp Ride designed by Phil takes us to the start of the Semi Classic Scheldeprijs race in the Netherlands. We’ll be there to see all of the pre-race excitement, mingle with the riders, get some photo’s among the team buses and see the riders waved off for the 202km race.

After the race has started around midday, we’ll transfer in our vehicle back toward Brugge, enroute we stop off to do a Brewery Tour and tasting.

We’ve allowed plenty of time after the brewery tour to watch the excitement of the finish of the Scheldeprijs race live on TV.

Non-cycling options:

This morning we take a coastal drive through small towns and villages along Belgium’s north coast, we’ll stop for morning tea then arrive in the Netherlands.

We’ll arrive at the start of the Semi Classic Scheldeprijs race in the Netherlands. We’ll be able to get some selfies with the pro riders, wander among the team buses and be at the start line as the riders are waved off for the race.

Our afternoon is your chance to experience a Belgium Brewery Tour and tasting. We’ve allowed plenty of time after the brewery tour to discover the old town of Brugge or explore further afield.

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Our Ride:  

Ride Start: 8.15am • Distance: 45km – 75km (Extra’s available)• Climbing: 150m

Today we take a ride along the northern coast of Belgium on a route designed by Phil that’ll take us through small towns and villages, then cross over into the Netherlands to see the start of the midweek semi classic Scheldeprijs race.

Ride Extra’s: If you fancy riding some more in the afternoon, we have plenty of ride options available, let us know how many Km’s you want to ride and what type of ride you want to do. Ask us how.

 Race: Semi classic Scheldeprijs race

Today we see the start of the semi Classic Scheldeprijs race in the Netherlands. The Scheldeprijs race is a favourite race for the worlds best sprinters, it’s a flat course, often subjected to strong winds so it suits the strong sprinters teams. Past winners include: Tom Boonen, Marcel Kittel, Robbie McEwan and Mark Cavendish

 Après Bike:

Suggested Post Ride Dinner Dishes: 

7.30pm: Tonight is a good time to sample some of Belgiums famous dishes, we’ll be heading out for an informal “Social Dinner” to a local place close to our hotel. Meet hotel lobby (non inclusion)

Some of our favourite local Belgium dishes include:

Moules-frites: mussels cooked or steamed with onions and celery served with fries. The recipe has often been referred to as the country’s national dish but is also popular in the neighboring Nord region of France.

or Carbonade flamande: a Belgian beef stew, similar to the French Beef Bourguignon, but made with beer instead of red wine. Served with bread or fries and mustard. Usually accompanied by a local beer.

 Accommodation:

Historic, family owned and run hotel in Brugge. Walking distance to everything in Old Town.
3 of 4 Nights

IMAGE0012

DAY 4 – THURSDAY, 9TH APRIL 2019

Breakfast: From 7.30am
Our Ride Start: 9am
Ride Distances: 45km – 85km (Extra’s available)

About our day:  

Our morning Belgie Training Camp Ride heads out for around 3 – 4 hours on a route specially designed by Phil to take in some of the regions finest small roads, bikeways and former training roads. or take a recovery day off the bike and head further afield to explore some of Belgiums great towns, cities or historical landmarks.

Non-cycling options:

Today is our last day in the Brugge region, it’s a great chance to explore more locally or a good day to head further afield to explore some of Belgiums northern towns, cities or historical landmarks. Let us know where you are keen to visit or things you’d like to try and do. 

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Our Ride:  

Ride Start: 9am • Distance: 45km – 85km (Extra’s available) • Climbing: 200m

This morning we headout for another great loop ride in the Flanders region, we’ll show you a few more of our favourite towns, villages via a super loop on small roads. You’ll be back in Brugge in time for lunch, you may even want to spoil yourself with a pro rider afternoon nap. You might be surprised to know Phil took a 20 minute power nap each afternoon when he was pro, it’s great for your legs, recovery and energy levels.

Ride Extra’s: If you fancy riding some more in the afternoon, we have plenty of ride options available, let us know how many Km’s you want to ride and what type of ride you want to do. Ask us how.

 Après Bike:

Suggested Post Ride rehydration: 

Dinner: 

7.30pm: Tonight might be a good time to sample some Belgium dishes you are keen to try, we’ll be heading out for an informal “Social Dinner” to a local place close to our hotel. Meet hotel lobby (non inclusion) or Let us know your preferred food types, budget and dining style! We’ll point you in the right direction for great places nearby.

 Accommodation:

Historic, family owned and run hotel in Brugge. Walking distance to everything in Old Town.
4 of 4 Nights

063

DAY 5 – FRIDAY, 10TH APRIL 2019

Breakfast: From 7am-8am
Vehicles Depart: 8am
Transfer to Brugge Train Station – Arrive: 8.15am

About our day:  – Departure Day – Morning Transfer To Brugge Train Station

This morning after the excitement of the Belgie Training Camp week, we’ll gather again over a hearty breakfast.

After breakfast we offer a transfer for you and your luggage to the Brugge Train Station for your onward travel. Brugge Train Station is very well connected with all of the major European centers and International airports. Alternatively if you’d like to join the Paris Roubaix 4 Day weekend Tour, we provide the transfers between the tours to Lille in northern France.

Until next time, Au revoir from the Team at Ride International Tours

Anderson
11

Years of Experience

67

Tours Completed

1,423

Trip Guests

36122km

Cycled on Tour

267

Hotels Visited

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OUR GUEST REVIEWS

Star rate
“Both Pat and Grace have excellent people skills, they build relationships quickly, they were always well organised with itineraries or plans for the day re weather, road changes, or unexpected issues that arose. Hard work from them made our tour of two weeks a dream holiday along with all the extra drama of the biggest cycling race in the world.”

- J. & I. Aplin . Napier, New Zealand

Star rate
“Thanks very much for a highly enjoyable and excellently run tour. You and your team certainly exceeded my expectations, not only with the rides but local knowledge which helped make life simple.”

- Daren A . QLD, Australia

Star rate
“It is the small things that you guys do behind the scenes that makes all the difference. It was an amazing experience to ride in Italy and experience the Giro first hand. Thanks again and looking forward to the next tour.”

- Stephen P . QLD, Australia

Star rate
“I first met Pat and Grace on a cycling tour in Europe in 2013. Pat and Grace make the perfect team to run these types of tours, both are friendly, bubbly and outgoing in their personalities and each bring their own invaluable skills to touring with a group.”

- A. Saunders . Victoria, Australia

Star rate
“Wow, two of the greatest tour guides I know. Knowledgeable, multilingual, always helpful, a great team to handle your once in a life time tour. I’ve done at least 4 two-week cycle tours with one or both of this husband wife team. Every one has been extraordinary. You will not go wrong with one of these two as your tour coordinators.”

- Tommy. E . USA

Advance Bookings:

We open up our Advance Reservations for trips so you can book well ahead. Guarantee your position by booking up to 12 months prior.

If you’d like to organise and book your trip more than 12 months prior, contact us via email or phone, we’ll arrange everything so you can make an advanced early booking.

An advance booking, accompanied by a fully refundable $750 AUD (Australian Dollar) ensures priority booking status when the trip details are announced. Note, an advance booking is not considered final until payment is received.

Once specific trip itinerary details are finalized, we’ll contact everyone on the advance reservation list via email, we’ll include the itinerary and offer a priority booking position before opening up bookings to the wider community.

If a trip fills – as it often does in the advance bookings, we create a waiting list and then offer reservations on a first-come, first-serve basis (based on the date the advance reservation was made) once our advanced booking guest have finalised.

To cancel an advance reservation a cancellation request must be submitted in writing/ via email within 14 days of the trip details being published. The (AUD) $750 advance reservation payment will be immediately refunded for any cancellation received within this 14-day period.

Travel Insurance:

As a Ride International Tour participant, it is compulsory to have your own travel insurance. We recommend activating your travel insurance as soon as you’ve placed your booking deposit to ensure you are covered from the outset. Please ensure that your policy includes coverage for:

  • Cancellation charges
  • Medical expenses in the event of an accident or illness.
  • Baggage
  • Cycling activities and associated risks
  • Cycling equipment

We encourage each participant on our tours to contact your travel agent, and or travel insurance provider directly. Your travel insurance experts are best equipped to provide clarification, recommendations for best providers and or further information on the cover that suits your specific needs.

Final Payments:

The balance of your trip payment is due no later than 120 days prior to your trip departure date, we will forward via email your final payment invoice. You can choose to make full payment earlier if you prefer to finalise your trip payment early, contact us and we will arrange for an invoice to be sent.

What if I have to transfer, change or cancel my trip:
We understand you may not be able to go on your trip, cancel, change or transfer due to personal or medical reasons. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to transfer to another trip that has places available. If you have a question give us a call or email.

Due to the high demand, limited hotel availability and the advance payments expected by our hotels and restaurants we use, the following cancellation conditions apply to all of our trips.

AFTER BOOKING, IF YOU CANCEL:

120 – 91 days prior to departure 50% cancellation fee of the trip price
90 – 61 days prior to departure 75% cancellation fee of the trip price
60 days and less prior to departure 100% cancellation fee of the trip price

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