23 to 30 August 2009

The Vercors-Drome is a popular end of season event attracting about 1000 participants. It's based from Romans, north of Valence in the Rhone valley, and heads into the spectacular Vercors National Park. The organisation and the scenery are always highly acclaimed in the French cycling press.

The circuits are changed very two years and a new circuit for 2009/10 will be announced shortly. There will be a choice of three circuits of about 160km, 130km and 90km.

The Itinerary

The base for the week is The Priory in the small village of St.Nazaire-en-Royans which is 17km from the start/finish of the Vercors-Drome Cyclosportif.

The week will consist of informal rides (usually with impromtu long lunch stops) which you can join for all or part of the time depending on your preferences. They'll introduce you to the different sections of the route so that you'll know what to expect on the day. Phil will be on hand to give you advice.

Fitness

With a choice of three circuits the event is suitable for a range of fitnesses. Most people opt to do the 145km circuit although it's well worth doing the extra effort and doing the longer one as the views are superb and there is only one extra hard climb involved

Price: £520

Includes: 7 nights dinner, bed and breakfast (based on two people sharing), luggage transport, route maps, local information, training advice and entry fees (a medical certificate is required).

Single room at Hotel Rome: £105

Joining the Tour

Also see the Gastrobiking travel section for more details.

You can fly by Ryanair to Grenoble or take the train to Grenoble or Valence. From outside Europe it’s best to fly to Geneva then take the train. You can arrange to arrive on other dates to fit with your arrangements.