Given the resounding success of the British cyclists at London 2012, and with 2013 marking the 100th edition of the Tour De France, many of you may wish to emulate Wiggins et al. by embarking on your very own cycling holiday.
However, anybody wanting to just turn up in Corsica on the 29th June will be severely disappointed, as the Tour De France is one of the most gruelling cycle races in the world (just look at the severe pain constantly etched onto the faces of PROFESSIONAL riders), and the range of officially licensed Tour De France ‘holidays’ would cost a small fortune.
However, there is a veritable selection of alternative cycling holidays in France for you to choose from, which can accommodate a range of abilities and preferences. These cycling holidays will allow you to encounter the spectacular French countryside and coastline as you cycle through some of the most exquisitely unspoilt provinces of France, experiencing the cool breeze and tranquil backdrops all at your own pace. The wide range of cycling holidays allow you to take in the regions of Provence, Burgundy, Brittany, Corsica, the Dordogne and the Loire; either of which is a much more enticing affair than cycling your way down a rain-sodden A69 in June.
If your French is a bit rusty and you would prefer more of an Iberian feel to your cycling adventure, an extensive range of cycling holidays in Spain are also available for you to choose from. These cycling holidays are available as either guided or self-guided cycling holidays, meaning that all abilities and preferences are catered for. Depending on your individual tastes, you can cycle around the north or south coast of Spain, enjoying bowl after bowl of paella guilt-free (you’ll need to keep your energy levels topped up!).
With the weather in France & Spain infinitely more appealing than the teeming rain of England, it might be worth investing in some ‘weather-appropriate clothing’ for your cycling holiday. For some of you the temptation to take a dip in the ocean to cool-off from all the cycling may be too much, therefore investing in some triathlon clothing would be an excellent idea. This will help you to remain comfortable whilst in the saddle, and also help you to dry off quickly when you emerge from the refreshing waters (much more convenient than awkwardly struggling to hide your modesty hiding behind a towel whilst getting changed).
Hopefully this article has opened you up to the idea of a cycling holiday as an enticing opportunity, as opposed to sitting on a sun lounger for 2 weeks, drinking your weight in cheap cocktails.
