My company is sponsoring a ride for our employees from Vienna to Prague, July 14th - 16th. As such, I've decided that this is the perfect opportunity to extend my trip and head to the French Alps the week of July 17th - 21st. I've booked a hotel in the town of Alpe d'Huez and have hired a bike for the week.
Tentative plan is to fly into Lyon on morning of the 17th, rent a car and drive up to Alpe d'Huez. On Weds, the TDF is coming through the area and doing the Croix de Fer, Telegraphe, and Galibier. So this leaves me with a few days of riding and exploring and wanted to get any advice from those on here on what is a must do, what to skip, and any general advice on a trip like this.
From what I've found thus far, the climbs that I'm really interested in are: Alpe d'Huez, Col de Sarenne, Col du Glandon, Col de la Croix de Fer, Telegraphe, Galibier, Lautaret and possibly the Col de Madeleine and d'Izoard (last two are a bit far and the TDF is doing the d'Izoard on Thursday). Any others I should be considering? Am I biting off too much trying to fit all of these in?
My plan for Weds was to drive up (very early morning) near the town at the top of the Col du Lautaret, ride up the south side of the Galibier and down the north side to the base of the Telegraphe. Turn around and ride up the Telegraphe and halfway up the North side of the Galibier to watch the TDF stage. After the tour passes, finish the ride up the Galibier and down to the top of the Col du Lautaret. This seems like it is plausible, but I am hoping others with more experience in the region can advise.
I appreciate any help and advice.
Tentative plan is to fly into Lyon on morning of the 17th, rent a car and drive up to Alpe d'Huez. On Weds, the TDF is coming through the area and doing the Croix de Fer, Telegraphe, and Galibier. So this leaves me with a few days of riding and exploring and wanted to get any advice from those on here on what is a must do, what to skip, and any general advice on a trip like this.
From what I've found thus far, the climbs that I'm really interested in are: Alpe d'Huez, Col de Sarenne, Col du Glandon, Col de la Croix de Fer, Telegraphe, Galibier, Lautaret and possibly the Col de Madeleine and d'Izoard (last two are a bit far and the TDF is doing the d'Izoard on Thursday). Any others I should be considering? Am I biting off too much trying to fit all of these in?
My plan for Weds was to drive up (very early morning) near the town at the top of the Col du Lautaret, ride up the south side of the Galibier and down the north side to the base of the Telegraphe. Turn around and ride up the Telegraphe and halfway up the North side of the Galibier to watch the TDF stage. After the tour passes, finish the ride up the Galibier and down to the top of the Col du Lautaret. This seems like it is plausible, but I am hoping others with more experience in the region can advise.
I appreciate any help and advice.