The 2017 Tour de France route was officially unveiled in Paris yesterday, with a small band of cycling fans taking an extra special interest as the parcours was revealed. Because, for the 100 or so cyclists already signed up for next year's Tour de Force, some 40 will be riding all 3500km of the route - and another 60 have their eyes on riding between 3 and 10 consecutive stages.
The 2017 edition of the Tour de Force will start in Dusseldorf on Saturday 24th June and will end 21 stages later in Paris on Sunday 16th July, having covered the official Tour de France route just one week ahead of the pros. By signing up to one of 10 Tour Tasters riders can experience between 2 and all 21 stages of the Tour.
The route is fully signed and supported with medics, physios and massage therapists, mechanics (including spare parts and a fleet of brand new spare bikes provided by sponsors Trek), luggage transfers and rider transfers between stages where needed.
Some might say it's the best supported ride in the world...
Hotels are all included in the cost, as well as all food (3-course evening meal and breakfast in the hotel and at least 4 feed stops during the day, every 40km or so). A lead cyclist and team look after riders every step of the way, and the organisers say they pride themselves on running "the best supported and friendliest event out there."
The event supports the William Wates Memorial Trust, helping the UK's most disadvantaged young people to avoid a life of crime and violence and fulfil their potential. Riders commit to fundraising a minimum target depending on which Tour Taster they choose. For the majority, this will be £1,200 and we provide masses of support and inspiration for your fundraising effort. To date, the Tour de Force has raised over £2.5 million.
How to ride the Tour de France
Want a taste of Le Tour? Two options are on offer: the "Lifer" package, which involves riding all 21 stages, or a "Tour Taster" package taking in a selection of stages over consecutive days for a cycling holiday with a difference.
All the Lifer places for 2017 are now sold out, but there are still over 70 Tour Taster packages available. Details will be announced shortly at www.tourdeforce.org.uk - in the meantime, you can pay a deposit to guarantee your place when options are revealed on 27 October.
If you're tempted, why not check out Tracy's reflections on riding four stages of this year's Tour. Tracy rode the final four stages through the Alps, including stage 20 as featured in this year's Etape du Tour. You can read Tracy's account here.
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