The Tour de France is one of the most exciting sporting events of the year, and from Gobik we want to share with you a guide so you can enjoy it to the fullest. Here are our best tips to live the Tour de France 2024 experience.
1. Select a Strategic Location
To get the most out of the Tour de France, it is crucial to select a location that allows you to see 2 or 3 stages without having to travel too far. This year, the best options are the stages in the Pyrenees (July 12, 13 and 14) and the Alpes-Maritimes (July 19, 20 and 21).
In the official website of the Touryou can study each stage and decide which one you like the most.
2. Accommodation in the Pyrenees
If you choose to see the stages in the Pyrenees, the best accommodation option is St Lary Soulan or the surrounding area. From there, you will be able to see the end of stage 14, which ends in Pla d'Adet, just 6 km from St Lary, and the start of stage 15, which begins in Loudenvielle, 10 km from St Lary. So you can enjoy the end of one stage and the start of another without having to travel far.
In addition, in this area you have some of the most legendary mountain passes in the world to enjoy training: Tourmalet, Hautacam, Aspin, Horquette d'Ancizan... We recommend that on the day of stage 14, you take the opportunity to climb Col du Portet, one of the hardest passes in the world, which is located after Pla d'Adet (end of the stage).
3. Accommodation in the Alpes-Maritimes
For the stages in the Alpes-Maritimes, you should ideally stay in Nice. However, due to the high demand and high prices during those dates, we recommend looking for accommodation in towns near Nice such as Cagnes-sur-Mer, Vence, or Antibes. These places offer an excellent base to enjoy the Tour without the hassle and cost of the main city.
There you will be able to climb incredible passes such as Izoard, Isola 2000, Barcelonette, Col de la Bonette...
4. Tips to see Finals in Alto
Seeing a stage finish high is an incredible experience, but it requires a bit of planning. Here are a few tips:
- Bike Route: Take advantage of the morning to take a bike route and finish at the point where the stage is going to pass. This way, you will avoid taking a car and parking problems. In addition, cars cannot get off until more than 2 hours after the end of the stage, while bicycles can get off immediately.
- EquipmentBring a small bikepacking bag with food, warm clothes (the weather in the mountains is very changeable) and shoes (to avoid wearing cleats). There are usually food trucks on the road to buy water and food.
- Installation: Set up with time in an area of the port with good visibility and with a nearby esplanade to be able to relax while you wait and enjoy the atmosphere beforehand.
- Tour Caravan: Before the riders, the Tour caravan passes by. Take the opportunity to pick up gifts and enjoy the show.
- Safety RulesDuring the passage of the runners, DO NOT touch them, DO NOT be too close, DO NOT run next to them and DO NOT film them with your arm outstretched. The runners are making a tremendous effort and any slight brush or scare could send them to the ground.
- Road Closed: The road will NOT be open until the green flag car passes. Be patient and respect the safety signs.
- Descent of the Runners: On the high stages, racers bike down to the bus. They carry whistles to warn them of their passage, so DO NOT disturb them on their descent, you could cause a fall.
- Warm Clothing: Be sure to bundle up warmly to tackle the downhill biking. They are downhill Long and cold, so it is essential to be well prepared.
We hope these tips will help you enjoy an unforgettable experience at the Tour de France 2024. From Gobik, we wish you an excellent trip and that you enjoy the most spectacular cycling event in the world.
See you on the roads!
