Traverse the Alps in the Tracks of the Anticipated 2006 Tour de France

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 17, 2005 -- The 2006 Tour de France is sure to be two things: without Lance Armstrong and totally up for grabs! Lance Armstrong's presence will be missed, but his dominance and retirement has opened up the field to make this year's version one of the more interesting in a several years. The world's most grueling sporting event also doubles as one of the most open events to fans as the raucous carnival wends its way around France at the height of the country's sun-drenched beauty.

Cycling Classics, specialists in challenging cycling vacations in France and Spain, is offering adventurous tourists a unique "you are there" way to participate in this supremely French event, with several week-long cycling excursions during the 2006 Tour de France that take participants right on the race's course. Designed for seasoned cyclists, these trips take small groups of riders along segments of the Tour de France route before, during, and after the racers. And Cycling Classics takes care of all the details; group members will spend their time pedaling and having a great time in the traveling circus that accompanies the Tour de France.

Cycling Classics 2006 Tour de France packages are scheduled to ride the race's most dramatic parts in the Alpes before the finish in Paris. As in the past, Cycling Classics provides tourists with expert guides and support staff, and this year they are offering something totally new for cyclists with tighter budgets or an independent streak or both. A limited number of self-guided tours taking in key stages of the Alps are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Guided Tour:

Alpes Guided (Group 1) - Les Deux Alpes July 14-20

The first Cycling Classics package sets off each day in the Alpes from the beautiful ski town of Les Deux Alpes. Group members will see the race's stages finishing on Alpe d'Huez and the next stage over the famous Col de Galibier. The price is 1645 Euros per person ($1940US) and includes 6 nights lodging, nearly all meals, and much more.

Self-Guided Tour:

Alpes Self-Guided (Group 2) - Huez/Alpe d'Huez July 14-21

For the more independent cyclists, this tour is actually based on the famous mountain of Alpe d'Huez. Price: 1025 Euros per person or about $1210US. This tour includes 7 nights lodging, most meals, and other bonuses.

About Cycling Classics:

Cycling Classics is a joint venture of the highly successful Discover France of Scottsdale, AZ, now in its 12th year, and the inbound operator Sud Travel of Montpellier, France. The tour format is the same: small, intimate tours that give vacationers a low-cost, high-quality way to experience the Tour de France and other prominent cycling tours.

For reservations or additional information, contact Cycling Classics/Discover France, tel: 800-960-2221; Web site:
http://www.cyclingclassics.com

Contact:

Loren Siekman
Tel/Fax: 480-905-1235
E-mail: info@cyclingclassics.com