November 2014 E-Magazine procyclingtours.com
Sneak Peak at our 2015 Tours
In this Issue: • A look back at our 2014 Euro Season
• Meet the team
• Our collection of 2015 cycling tours ready for you
• Procyclingskills: Enjoying your riding
• What’s the procyclingtours difference?
2 0 1 4 As our 2014 European season comes to a close, we take a look back to our wonderful tours. Fresh adventures, new friendships, countless laughs, thousands of pedalled kilometres, heart stopping racing, superb gastronomy and carefully selected lodgings‌.. just some of the wonderful experiences for 2014 . We hope you enjoy a retrospective with us.
Our stunning accommodation, a 14th century Italian Castello with 9th Century walls kicked our season off with a bang at the Giro d’italia
Giro d’Italia
Getting to the top! Overlooking Lake Garda. This and next photo
Giro d’Italia
The stunning Dolomites, with a dusting of snow. Passo Gardenia in all its glory
Giro d’Italia
A fantastic blend of beautiful French countryside, superb accommodation and amazing meals with the extra kick of the excitement in participating with thousands of others in the shadow of Mont Blanc.
Dauphine & Time Megeve Cyclosportive
Two action packed tours were on offer this year with both delivering stunning scenery, unforgettable rides and a delight of the senses in two beautiful European countries.
Classic France Italy
An unforgettable tour crossing two countries, this tour presented plenty of iconic challenges…all of which were achieved by all - with a little bit of support from our amazing team !
Classic France Italy
Living the dream…a once in a lifetime experience, the TDF is an experience like no other. Our guests again enjoyed a balance of crazy racing action, iconic climbs and gentle back road adventures plus lots of off bike enjoyment.
Tour de France Alsace to Alpes
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For riders and non riders alike , this tour was an unforgettable holiday. Discovering the beauty of the Pyerenees before heading to the stunning city of love, Paris. A fantastic tour from start to finish.
Tour de France Pyrenees to Paris
What a backdrop to the finish of our Tour de France experience. A glass of champagne anyone? Don’t mind if I do.
Tour de France Pyrenees to Paris
A tour regular, this one is a favourite amongst all our guests. Italy at its finest as we travel the diverse landscape from the beautiful lakes, dizzying Alpes and jaw-dropping Dolomites. An untapped area.
Northern Italy Lakes, Alps & Dolomites
Each year we create a number of private custom tours for our guests. Be it a cycling group, a special birthday celebration, or just a group of friends wanting something different. Any size group, any location, any duration, its all up to you. We take care of every detail so all you have to worry about is enjoying your holiday. You never know, you might even get to sleep in the bed that Mr. George Clooney slept in!
Custom Tours
Don’t simply take our word for it Here are a handful of the many wonderful guest feedback notes we received this year. More on our website
Michael, Classic France & Italy 2014 With regard to the tour I have just had with you, if I was to take every superlative/ adjective out of the dictionary and put that into a testimonial, I reckon that would still do the tour that I have just done with procyclingtours an injustice. I have never had so much fun, enjoyment, excitement and meet such a great bunch of people on a holiday until the nine days I spent with procyclingtours. The way you looked after every person on the tour was just superb. I came on the tour with high expectations and as you know by day two I was blown away with what was happening, the places we were seeing and staying in, the mountains we were climbing and the descent’s were to die for. You have magnificent people working for you as well, their passion and commitment to everyone was just superb. Thank you so very much for putting together such a sensational tour and for your total commitment from beginning to end for the tour. I feel very privileged to have now been on a procyclingtours Tour and to have been in your company. I trust that there is many more times that we can share together over the coming years. This holiday has totally reinvigorated me. Deborah, Tour de France, 2014 Hi Steve & Michelle, I just wanted to send a quick message to say thank you for an amazing holiday. Congrats to you both on a great team of staff also. I was quite hesitant before going on the trip but was absolutely blown away with the extra care & personal touches you both added to the trip to make it AMAZING !! Christine, Tour Down Under 2014 I wanted to pass on a big thank you again for a great week When things happen seamlessly, I know there has been an amazing amount of thought and preparation before and during to ensure this result and we as a group are the lucky beneficiaries. Your team, Ben, Tanya, Ed, John and Nev were fantastic, so approachable and friendly and, of course, you guys certainly lead by example. It was a real pleasure to be part of it - thanks! Mark, Classic France & Italy 2014 I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for the tour. I really enjoyed myself and cannot commend you enough. As usual every detail was looked after both on and off the bike. This is my third trip with you was of the same high standard as the others and I will be back. Paul, Giro d'Italia Tour 2014 Thanks again for a wonderful experience. Actually, thanks for the wonderful experiences. Every day brought unique joys and every day the hard work that you put into ensuring a safe actionpacked day, resulted in miles of smiles. Somehow, you seem to assemble groups of very pleasant people with vastly different and interesting life-stories, who collaborate well to have fun. You and your crew, are the catalysts for that magic. Miele grazie. Bronwen, Tour de France 2014 I'm now on my way home from Europe after an amazing 3 weeks, the first on Le Tour being the best by far!! I just wanted to say thanks so much for a wonderful time. Great people, cycling, food, wine, what more could anyone want! You both did an amazing job so thank you so much! I will be huge advocate of your company so will definitely be making lots of recommendations. Jerard, Classic France & Italy 2014 I just wanted to thank you for one of the best holidays I've ever had. You guys go out of your way to accommodate everyone and every thing runs so smoothly. I'll be back for sure. Jane, Tour Down Under 2014 Just a quick note to say "thank you" for a fabulous day at the TDU yesterday, the whole experience from start to finish was full of delightful surprises. Great people, service, riding, food, location, well everything actually, I can't even think of a suggestion to improve it. Please pass on my thanks to the rest of your team and "bravo"
An incredible feast for your senses, this unforgettable tour ventured into the stunning Tuscan hills and beautiful ancient villages. We tasted some of Italy’s best oils, local food and plenty of amazing wine. We mixed with the locals, learnt to cook some typical Tuscan fare and leisurely rode on quintessential back roads dotted with pencil pines. Private tours, private tastings & more, 5 star all the way.
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The ultimate training tool Our exclusive partnership with SRM Power Meters allows you to try one of these amazing units while on tour, as an option on our hire bikes. Even better, anyone who comes on a tour in Europe, can purchase an SRM Power Meter at 20% discount. The leader in power meters and the preferred system by the pro teams, contact us today for more information or visit their website direct. For your 20% discount, please contact us and we’ll create the connection. www. srm.de
Meet the family Behind the broad smiles, thousands of photos, and countless happy memories our guests take home, we know the key to our success lies with our amazing team. Proud to have them as part of the procyclingtours family, each one of them brings passion, professionalism, dedication and a fabulous dash of their own personalities to what they do. To each of you we say a very big THANK YOU
Stephen Having raced on the professional circuit through Australia Europe & Asia, Steve’s career highlights include competing on 5 occasions for the UniSA Team at the Santos Tour Down Under (2001 2005), winning the Australian National Sprint Title twice as well as more recently, 2 x Line Honors at the grueling Scody 3 Peaks Challenge. In 2007 he went about creating one of the first Australian UCI Continental Teams, Savings & Loans. The team enjoyed much success and included some of the very best Australian-based riders. He also operates a successful coaching business called procyclingskills. All guests who come on tour naturally receive many tips to enhance their cycling experience.
Michelle A former manager and professional soigneur for the Savings & Loans Cycling Team, (a UCI pro continental team) Michelle knows the importance of looking after a team of demanding athletes. Together with her HR management background, Michelle always adopts a first class approach when looking after clients’ unique needs, ensuring people return home with not only more miles in their legs but unforgettable memories from a fantastic holiday. Not seen on a bike as quite as much these days, Michelle has in the past proven that everyone on our tours can ‘conquer’ mountains, having taken on the likes of Mt Ventoux, Alpe d’Huez and Petit St Bernard to name a few.
Ed A stalwart of the team, Ed has been with procyclingtours since its inception. Not only the UK Operations Manger, Ed is a qualified masseur and personal trainer. Having been a leading guide for many years, Ed is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the regions we visit, he also seems to be an encyclopedia when it comes to the grand tours and pro riders and teams. Loved by clients, Ed will help make your ride more enjoyable or share a story or two while driving along in the van. With a passion for photography, Ed can often be seen snapping your memories behind his giant camera.
Vincent His French accent is an instant hit with all our guests, but that’s not all Vincent has to offer. A talented Beaujolais vigneron, his knowledge is second to none when it comes to discussing and selecting wines over dinner. Vincent has been sharing his passion for his homeland with travellers for many many years. Fluent in many languages and an unbelievable bike mechanic and rider, his passion and enthusiasm for guiding remains as fresh as it did when he began all those year ago. Those guests who book on our 2015 Burgundy Tour in particular, are in for a real treat.
Anne Smart and savvy, Anne usually knows what you want before you do. An amazing and very caring person, Anne has a knack for getting things done behind the scenes, making your unforgettable holiday appear effortless. Since Anne was young, she has been active and loves hiking, long distance running, cycling and skiing and has coordinated a number of large marathon events through her home region of Bourgogne. French born and raised, Anne is a primary school teacher and also helps run the family vineyard in Beaujolais.
Diego A generous spirit, Diego is our Italian fashion stallion. A true Italian, you will always find Diego perfectly colour coordinated on and off the bike. His passion for his home country and sharing its many highlights with clients is infectious and second to none. Coming from the Piedmont region, Diego has over 15 years involvement riding in Gran Fondos and Randonees in both Italy and abroad. A family man, he has great passion for his home region, Diego also has extensive knowledge of other wonderful cycling areas including the Aosta Valley, Lombardy, Tuscany, the Riviera and Cote d’Azur.
Mandy You may not have had the pleasure of meeting Mandy in the flesh, but the newest member of our team will help kickstart your holiday and your unforgettable journey with procyclingtours. A former Tour Leader, Mandy has spent many years travelling and guiding throughout Italy, Switzerland France, & South East Asia. Addicted to travel, she is fluent in Italian and French. In addition to her other talents, Mandy is a successful business woman in her own right, Mandy owns a beautiful on-line store where you can buy her limited edition creations, including, jewelry, cards and much more. Don’t be surprised to see some of her creations appear on tour.
Tanya
Ben
Our Australian Team
An amazing team all with extensive, cycling, racing and corporate hospitality experience. These guys help make our Tour Down Under Day Tours and other Australian events just as memorable as our European Tours.
Nev
John
“At Oliver Travel we believe in 'going the extra mile' as an everyday part of business and central to our philosophy is provision of a consistent quality of service and a genuine interest and care in every client's situation and needs. The distinctive style of service we offer is driven by a belief that every individual and journey is unique, and so we know that at the highest levels of customer satisfaction cannot always be achieved by merely reselling an 'off the shelf' travel product - things often need to be customised and adapted to suit specific needs.” Tania Norman, Owner – Oliver Travel
Take advantage of our exclusive relationship with highly awarded Oliver Travel. When you book a tour with procyclingtours, our relationship manager from Oliver Travel will contact you soon after to assist with any travel arrangements and insurance needs you may have. As managers of our TravelASSIST program, Oliver Travel has extensive experience assisting people who travel with or without bikes. Oliver Travel work with clients from all over the world. Being a small and professional team, you are sure to receive the very best one on one treatment. Contact Oliver Travel today:
www.olivertravel.com.au
Email: oliver.travel@adelaide.on.net Phone: (08) 8232 0111 International: +61 8 8232 0111 After Hours Contact: +61 459 654 837 Toll Free Number for Australian clients: 1300 856 956
The wait is over Our 2015 tours have arrived! We invite you to take a look at our exciting new tours for the coming year. Naturally we’ve kept plenty of your favourites plus we have added a few new exciting itineraries. With some tours already sold out, and others well on their way to being filled, we suggest you don’t wait too long to make your dream procyclingtours holiday become a reality.
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Santos Tour Down Under 17 – 25 January 2015
Again an Official Travel Specialist to the Santos Tour Down Under, procyclingtours is once again offering unique Day Tours beginning with a morning coffee and muffin at one of Adelaide’s hippest cafes, we then take you on an unforgettable ride through our backyard to carefully selected vantage points to watch the race unfold. Our professional set up will allow you to enjoy your gourmet BBQ lunch in comfort before the race comes past. All Day Tours are fully supported from start to finish, with support vehicle and riding guides with you all the way. Choose from 1 to all 4 Tours as well as other official Tour Down Under packages. The choice is yours!
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Beautiful Burgundy 8 - 15 May 2015 An intimate and stunning journey through arguably the most spectacular and diverse region of France, this is one of the best times to visit Burgundy, Spring is in the air! You will be escorted by those that live here, through some of France’s most beautiful back roads and experience superb hospitality, private winery visits and tastings, cooking classes designed for everyone to enjoy. A small group size, this fantastic tour has been created for the cyclist and non riders alike. Naturally you will stay in the very best accommodation including a chateau and eat some world best meals from Michelin star rated restaurants. A true Signature experience.
Giro d’Italia 23 May – 1 June 2015 Experience the excitement of the Giro up to 6 times, including on the mystical slopes of the Mortirolo, on the beautiful lakes of Lugano and Maggiore, through the traditional and historic region of Piedmont and of course the crescendos of the Giro on the Col du Finestres & Milan! Staying in luxury hotels including a stunning ancient 14th century Castle, a stylish chic chalet, and wonderful lakeside hotel. An unforgettable cycling experience, you will get the opportunity to climb Passo dello Stelvio, Mortirolo, picturesque lake rides & many more. Only 5 places remain.
Classic France Italy 3 – 11 June 2015 On this fabulous tour, you will ride some of the classic cycling routes made famous by both the Tour de France & Giro d’Italia and relive some of the incredible moments at YOUR pace! And best of all, we have the roads to ourselves, with no race to worry about or heavy traffic to contend with. Just classic alpine roads hugging the border of these two magnificent countries. As with all procyclingtours holidays, we ensure your time off the bike is just as memorable, soaking up the French & Italian scenery & culture and savour amazing cuisine. Partners who ride a little or not are always welcome and guaranteed a great and memorable time with ample things to see and do.
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Austria & Dolomites 15 – 24 June 2015 A picturesque journey through two beautiful countries in two of their most stunning regions. With such different cultures, this holiday is a real treat for all of your senses…so makes it a great holiday for both riders and non riders. Some of the amazing climbs which are included in this holiday is the classic Sella Ronda Loop in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, the highest mountain in Austria – the dramatic Groscklockner and Kitsbuheler Horn and of course the iconic alpine climb of the Passo Stelvio, to name but a few.
Dolomites & Austria 26 June – 3 July 2015 Starting and finishing in the beautiful Austrian city of Innsbruck, this tour is largely dedicated to exploring deep into Italian Dolomites, every cyclist’s dream! This holiday is a true feast for your senses and so makes it a great holiday for both riders and non-riders. Some of the amazing climbs include the Brenner Pass, Sella Ronda Loop, Passo Giau and the dramatic landscape of Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the heart of the Italian Dolomites. No tour in this region is complete without conquering the Passo dello Stelvio and being rewarded with the tastes of fine Tyrolen cuisine.
Tour de France Pyrenees & Medieval France 11 – 18 July 2015 See all the action of the Tour de France as it arrives for it’s first real test in the picturesque and rural setting of The Pyrenees. We have a smorgasbord of Cols to enjoy including the Soulor, Aubisque, Hautacam, Luz Ardiden and the Queen of them all, the Col du Tourmalet. Time spent in the Medieval landscape surrounding Carcassonne will help cap off a Tour de France trip of a lifetime.
Tour de France Alps to Paris 19 – 27 July 2015 The final week is always jam-packed with thrilling stages, dramatic landscapes and the excitement of the finale on the Champs Elysees. Our Tour will spend time in Provence where we will climb Mont Ventoux, before basing ourselves at the doorstep of the French Alpes to experience the thrills of the deciding stages of the Tour de France. A highlight for most will be the afternoon drinking champagne and enjoying French cuisine directly on the Champs Elysees to celebrate le Tour in true style!
Northern Italy Lakes, Alps, Dolomites 14 – 23 August 2015
One of our most popular tours returns for 2015. A stunning adventure through the most beautiful region of Italy. A wonderful blend of sights and terrains, including the spectacular Italian Lakes, exploring the Italian Alps including the amazing Passo Stelvio & Gavia and not forgetting the unbelievable backdrop of the Dolomites. There’s no other place like it on earth. Very much a favorite of ours.
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Italian & Swiss Lakes 25 August – 2 September 2015
A Tour taking in the beauty and serenity of the great lakes of Northern Italy and Switzerland. Time spent on Lakes Maggiore, Lugano and Como will be capped off with some vertical metres on the Passo dello Stelvio (2760m) Experience the best Italy has to offer through our deluxe hotels, and savour quintessential regional cuisine and fine wines, lazing by the lake on a sunny afternoon.
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Provence & Cote d’Azur 18 – 30 September 2015 A wondrous journey through the most picturesque region of France, where dreams are made of. Provence and Cote d’Azur will shine during this magical tour. As with all of our Signature Tours, its so much more than riding. Private guided tours, including wine tastings and food extravaganzas with at least one meal at a Michelin star rated restaurant, cooking classes and so much more.
La Vuelta Early September The third of the Grand Tours, La Vuelta has been part of many iconic and memorable cycling moments of all time. Considered THE most relaxed tour of all 3, You’ll get the chance to ride alongside the pros and simply be immersed in the Spanish way of life. All the while riding through some incredible scenery, eating great food and enjoying fine wines from Rioja, Ribeiro, Ribera del Duero and many more! We are taking Early Bird Bookings, already 70% filled, so don’t think too hard if you are wondering what it would be like riding through some of the best parts of Spain.
Don’t wait for your European holiday
Casa Freschi Nebbiolo 2012
Starts with a light, red perfume, but the nose conceals the savory complexity that is to follow. Mike Bennie thought it “quite reserved with delicate fragrance and firm, controlling tannins. Red cherry, cranberry acidity with a touch of musk and gentle, sweet flavour. I found more power to the flavours, and the nose will build to match them in time. Star performer
3rd best A ustralian Nebbiolo Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine
‌. enjoy a little bit of Italy at home today
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5 star winery James Halliday Wine Companion 2015
Casa Freschi Ragazzi Chardonnay 2013
Hand-picked, whole bunch-pressed direct to used French barriques for a wild yeast fermentation; each barrique receiving an individual pressing of the 10 different blocks; 4% mlf; selectively blended prior to bottling. Obviously enough, complex, but the intensity of the fruit has soaked up the oak, allowing the delicate grapefruit/grapefruit zest/white peach fruit to have its say.
95 pts, Special value, Drink to 2020 James Halliday Wine Companion 2015
procyclingtours
a few key differences ‘imitation is the sincerest form of flattery’ ! All tours are GUARANTEED to depart ! We have the highest number of guides per guests in the industry 1 to every 3 – 4 ! We hold correct insurances to give you peace of mind knowing you’ve booked a tour with a professional tour operator ! We are proud to have an incredibly high return guest rate – some even booking two tours each year ! We really do listen to our guests – after feedback we’ve implemented many changes. Some include FREE WIFI in all our vehicles, FREE Phone rental and a FREE WASHING SERVICE for your cycling clothes ! We offer a greater choice on your daily options (simply because we have more staff to cater for your needs) ! Regular servicing and cleaning of your bike, training programs and much more
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We’re always striving to improve our products & services. Below are some new and revamped initiatives debuting in 2015. ! NEW TV and Wi-Fi in all our new vehicles ! Portable showers and change rooms in all vehicles ! FREE laundry service for cycling clothing excluding TDF
! FREE puncture repairs for your bike on tour, including tubes and gas canisters ! FREE use of portable electronic tablets ! FREE 3 month Training Program leading up to your tour by procyclingskills.com ! FREE regular servicing and cleaning of your bike when on tour ! And remember, we INCLUDE carefully selected regional wines with dinner ! FREE accommodation extension for our return guests - part of our 2015 Rewards Program
Be treated like a pro by the pros
FABLE CO. SHIBORIMINI Inspired by Japanese shibori, these mini beads are stunning worn on their own or with several other necklaces. Each necklace and bead is individual, hand mixed and formed, strung on long cord and best worn long.
FABLE CO. Luxe linen, pale wood, luscious hand formed beads and the odd sparkle - this is really a labour of love brought to life.
Handcrafted treasures, one off creations & bespoke requests Jewelry Decorations Cards And more
www.fablec o.bigcartel.com
It’s time to really enjoy the ride If you have been cycling for a long time and not feeling like you are progressing OR have just picked up the sport and want to know how to get the best out of your training session, we offer personalised technique and skills sessions in Adelaide between the months of October to April. If you want to be great at tennis, you need to be taught how to hit the ball properly, and it’s very much the same with cycling – it’s not all about just riding as long and as hard as you can – technique plays a significant part. Contact Steve, 5 Times Tour Down Under rider with Team UniSA, and 2 x Line Honors at Scody 3 Peaks (2013/14) to book your session(s) over summer. We welcome interstate guests or groups who would also like to experience some of very best cycling in Australia, that is the Adelaide Hills. www.procyclingskills.com +61(0)488918900
Steve collecting his second Most Aggressive Jersey at the Santos Tour Down Under 2003 (& 2001)
Be treated like a pro by the pros
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