France

Pyrenees Fitness Week (Grade 2-3)

Guided Road Cycling Holiday

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

8 days

Prices from

£1,385 P.P.
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Your base is the picturesque medieval village of Chalabre, situated in the foothills of the stunning yet demanding Pyrenees. Chalabre is located a mere 45 minute drive from the historic city of Carcassonne: a fortified town that is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
You'll enjoy riding out on a daily basis from a pleasantly appointed 16th century French house, where we will take you out into the surrounding hills and mountains for a series of unforgettable training rides. The region is steeped in Cathar history with a network of quiet, almost traffic free roads through fruit orchards and vineyards. In addition to spectacular riding we can offer a custom made week long programme, specific to your needs, in a friendly and relaxed environment. The idea is to provide instruction, guidance and encouragement for riders of every level without the intimidating and overly competitive atmosphere often associated with training camps.
The grade 2-3 Fitness Weeks are designed for cyclists with a moderate level of fitness and stamina. They are ideal for riders relatively new to the sport who perhaps want to progress to another level and learn new skills and techniques. If you are already an experienced rider and are looking for a more challenging training week you should consider our grade 3-4 training weeks.
It is important to understand when reading the following example itinerary that each fitness week is tailored to the individual requirements of the group, so the itinerary for each fitness week will vary.
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Holiday Highlights

  • Spending your week in a period 16th century French house
  • Training on many of the climbs often used in Le Tour de France
  • Personalised training regime to suit your individual requirements by a ABBC qualified coach
  • Cycling through traffic free rolling countryside, experiencing the beauty and tranquility of rural France
  • Coming back to a home cooked feast every evening, freshly prepared by your coach’s wife, Toni.
  • Sampling the delicious local wines of the region

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Dave taught us more about our fitness and cycling skills in one week than I had learnt in years. And Toni’s cooking is just to die for!

John, Wolverhampton

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival: Carcassonne Airport
Non Riding Day
  • Meals: Dinner

On arrival at the airport in Carcassonne, you will be greeted by your training coach for the week, who will transfer you to his period 16th century house in Chalabre, The house is full of quirky nooks and crannies and is in fact a converted shoe factory. Once we’ve all unpacked and settled into our rooms we will get together for our first evening meal of the week. Here we will have our first taste of the healthy, tasty food made from local produce and prepared daily by your very own trained chef. Over dinner we can have an informal chat about what individuals would like from the coming week, often skills like how to improve climbing and descending or maybe goals for the coming months, any areas of weakness etc. We will also have the opportunity to enjoy a glass or two of locally produced Midi-Pyrenees region wine, and a chance to get to know each other.

Day 2
Introduction
Variable
  • Meals: Breakfast, dinner

After a hearty breakfast, your coach will spend time showing us how to put together a specific and targeted yearly training plan, and how to break this down into monthly and weekly periods. Each training plan is designed with personal goals, targets, weaknesses and limiters in mind, with a view to demonstrating over the week how to put these training sessions into action.

Once the finer points of creating an annual training plan have been discussed, and how periodisation works, it will be time for our first taste of French roads!

Our first ride will be an opportunity to see how to ride within the zones described in the training plan – for example a 2 hour ride in zone 3, developing aerobic capacity and endurance, followed by a 1 hour ride in zone 2 for recovery and base training.

At the end of every day our coach will discuss the reasons behind the type of training we have covered, what systems the training develops, and how, when and why to incorporate this type of training into an annual training plan. We will also be told how to recover, how to test for results and what results to expect.

Day 3
Long Distance Ride with Climbing
Variable
  • Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Our second day in the saddle represents the first real challenge of our Pyrénées Fitness Week, as we will enjoy a medium paced ride from our base at Chalabre to the summit of a moderately challenging climb, such as Col de Port. This ride will allow us to get used to spending long periods of time climbing in the saddle using moderate exertion, and a chance for our coach to advise us on the selection of gears, climbing technique and bike position.

At the summit of the climb there will be a short break for food and drink, and to discuss the finer points of descending a col. We will then descend the col before using the return leg to Chalabre to spin the legs in zone 2 and recover from climbing our first French col of the week. Once back at Chalabre, we will deservedly tuck into our delicious home cooked dinner, basking in the glory of the day’s achievements out in the Pyrénées.

Day 4
Recovery Ride
Variable
  • Meals: Breakfast, dinner

With any training plan, recovery is just as important as the training itself, as it gives the body an opportunity to adapt, replenish energy stores, flush out the lactic acid and repair damaged tissues. Without recovery, there can be no further training without risking illness or over training. With this in mind, we will enjoy a gentle paced recovery ride at an easy pace to, for example, the historic town of Carcassonne. This will give us an opportunity to take a more relaxed look at the vast and varied French countryside, and just enjoy being out on the bike. At Carcassonne we will have the opportunity to take in the beauty of this fortified town, sample local cuisine and tradition, before heading back to our base at Chalabre where we can relax and prepare ourselves mentally for the challenges that lay ahead for the rest of the week.

Day 5
Power, Recovery & Descending
Variable
  • Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Today we have a transfer out to a tougher ‘Hors Categorie’ climb – Plateau de Beille, for example. At just under 16km long, the climb is 1,255m with an average gradient of 7.9%, reaching a maximum of 10.8%. Don’t be put off by the statistics. At a regular pace the climb is completely manageable.

Today’s ride will allow us to work on our power and recovery, as we climb the col, group size allowing, riders will be shown how to take their turn on the front with sharp bursts of high exertion and then allowing the group to swallow them back up, and have a ‘rest’ at the back. Whilst riding in the group, we will be riding at medium to moderate exertion level. We will take time to work on climbing position, pedalling technique, how to accelerate out of the saddle on a climb, and how to recover in the group.

After a fuel break at the summit we will descend the mountain, with the intention of improving our technical ability and develop our descending skills, learning how to tuck into the aero position, brake for the corners, and then to accelerate out of them before returning to the tuck position. With an Hors Cat climb under our belts we head back to Chalabre in the support vehicle.

Day 6
Pulling Everything Together
Variable
  • Meals: Breakfast, dinner

For our final big day in the Pyrenees we will head up yet another col. Leaving our base we will head out to on flat roads, past meadows and lakes, before heading towards the foothills where the climbing begins. With the fun and games over, the serious business of tackling a Cat 2, such as Col du Portel begins. As we climb we will ride the first part in zone 4, allowing us to concentrate on climbing technique, position, and pace.

After getting used to the steady uphill rhythm it is time to shake it up a bit and we will ride the final part of our climb as if we are setting the pace at the front of the peleton, attempting to drop our nearest rivals, riding in zone 5, and with the final km to be ridden as close to your maximum effort (or zone 6) as is sustainable. Once at the top, we will have time to eat, drink and recover, before heading back to our base at Chalabre.

Day 7
Adaptation and Recovery
Variable
  • Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Similar to riding day 3, today will be an opportunity for us to spin the effects of the week’s training sessions out of our legs and kick start the body’s adaptation and recovery processes. After our exertion on all of the climbs we’ve treated ourselves to, we will be offered a leisurely recovery ride over some of the less challenging roads on offer in the Aude department. It will give us an opportunity to truly enjoy the picturesque French countryside without having to focus so much on the training specific elements of our trip, and also a chance to talk with our coach on the road about the finer points of the training sessions and techniques we have covered during your Pyrenees Fitness Week.

We will once again make a stop to sample some of the local cuisine and enjoy a glass of locally produced red wine before heading back to our base at Chalabre for an opportunity to wind down after our week of training, and sadly, start packing for our return home.

Day 8
Departure: Carcassonne Airport
Non Riding Day
  • Meals: Breakfast

After our final home cooked breakfast of the week we will transfer back to Carcassonne for the journey home, hopefully feeling fitter and stronger and brimming with confidence!

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The Cycling

Terrain

Riding in the French Pyrenees is not without its challenges. Depending on group requirements our routes may include a number of significant cols and a fair amount of climbing, with steep and challenging sections. Road surfaces are generally good, however caution should be exercised, especially when descending, as occasional potholes and gravel patches do occur. Descents are as frequent and as long as the ascents and many feature tight bends and switchbacks.

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Road Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 2 - 3: Gentle to Moderate

Average distances around 70-90 km with occasional challenging climbs

A moderately difficult tour somewhere slightly tougher than a Grade 2, but not as difficult as Grade 3

Some long days and significant climbs

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

You’re reasonably fit and ride frequently at weekends, sometimes staying on the bike for a number of hours at a time. You do enjoy an occasional challenge and quite happy climbing but you‘re unlikely to be found daydreaming about ticking off all the famous cols of the Tour de France. That said the prospect of tackling a semi-serious to serious mountain pass doesn’t fill you with dread. You enjoy the social aspect of cycling and look forward to the occasional coffee-stop as much as the riding itself. You have good control of your bike and feel confident in your skills to ascend and descend safely. Whilst you find a full day in the saddle fulfilling, you’re not obsessed and as much as you are looking forward to the riding on your holiday, you’re also looking forward to a little local culture and cuisine. Grade 2-3 would be a good option for you.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

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Almost every day I felt that I had achieved more than I could have hoped for!

Manisha, Holland

Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a £300 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
11/04/2025 Last Spaces
Return Date
18/04/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
£1,385.00
Start Date
04/05/2025 Last Spaces
Return Date
11/05/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
£1,385.00
Start Date
01/06/2025 Last Spaces
Return Date
08/06/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
£1,385.00
Start Date
07/09/2025
Return Date
14/09/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
£1,385.00
Start Date
21/09/2025 Guaranteed
Return Date
28/09/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
£1,385.00
Start Date
19/10/2025
Return Date
26/10/2025
Duration
8 days
Price
£1,385.00
*

Late Availability

We want you to know which holidays are coming up soon, so you don’t miss out! If a trip has this symbol beside it, it means you don’t have long to snap up your place.

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin/double rooms)

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in First Aid

D) Assistance in establishing fitness goals and help with building training plans

E) Nutritional guidance, on and off the bike

F) Individual fitness assessment and coaching advice

G) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Carcassonne (CCF) airport

H) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Carcassonne (CCF) airport

I) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike rental (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills etc)

H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en-route

I) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

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Private Departures

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

The Essentials

Travel Options

As your holiday is a guaranteed departure please feel free to make any necessary travel arrangements according to the information below. If you would like to discuss your travel options please contact us.

Arrival Date: #trip.departureDate#

Arrival Point: Carcassonne Airport (CCF)

Arrival Time: By 16:15 – airport transfer scheduled to depart the airport at 17:00 for the transfer to Chalabre

Departure Date: #trip.returnDate#

Departure Point: Carcassonne Airport (CCF)

Arrival Time at Airport: 14:30 (please consider this when booking your return travel and allow enough time to check in for your chosen flight.)

Please forward details of your travel arrangements to us once they are confirmed.

Please note: If you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the above time windows there may be an additional charge for individual transfers.

Accommodation

For this trip we will stay in a period 16th century French house with twin share rooms. It is important to note that depending on the size and make up of the group (and particularly if you select the single room option) this might be in apartment style accommodation, where you might share a bathroom and a communal relaxation area. It is possible to do a small amount of laundry on request. Wi-Fi is available.

Bike Hire

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own we have bikes available to rent.

These bikes are typically Giant TCR or equivalent, great bikes with good quality components.

If you do decide to rent we can include a helmet and all necessary spares for the trip. Please request helmets when booking.

If you ride with clip-in pedals please bring your own pedals along with you.

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