Attend a Cycling Camp in France and Ride Climbs Used in the Tour de France with Carmichael Training Systems

There are many bicycle travel companies out there in the marketplace you could plan a trip with. But if you were to do a comparison between them, it becomes obvious that what they offer to cyclists is pretty similar. What sets one company apart from another is the slight variations.

Most hard-core roadies have been riding long enough to have a good set of skills. But what if you could attend a cycling camp to work on new skills or improve upon the ones you already have while, at the same time, indulging in epic rides, luxury accommodations, and high-end gourmet food? That is exactly what Carmichael Training Systems (CTS) offers cyclists with its Haute-Garonne, France “Bucket List” Cycling Experience.

Who is Carmichael Training Systems?

CTS was founded by Chris Carmichael in 2000. A former pro cyclist for the 7-11 American team in the 1980s, they were the first American team to be invited to participate in the Tour de France. After he retired from the pro peloton, Carmichael wanted to find a way to bring elite, pro training to everyone who might want it.

Carmichael Training Systems is not a bicycle travel company, but it does have elements of travel built into its cycling camps (sometimes labeled as “Bucket List” events). It is through the camps that CTS provides “the opportunity to eat, sleep, and train like a professional athlete, minus the pressure.” That said, CTS is, first and foremost, a personal fitness company that offers individual coaching for cyclists and other types of athletes.

While some of its main clients have been (and are currently) pro athletes, many of the people who choose to work with CTS come from many walks of life. They are burgeoning athletes and weekend warriors who want to improve their skills, learn how to race or train, or even learn how to prioritize fitness and lose weight.

What’s Included in CTS’ Haute-Garonne Cycling Experience?

While this trip that CTS is sponsoring is built around personal fitness and coaching, it supplies similar high-end amenities a specialty bicycle travel company would provide to its guests. In this case, unique accommodations, dynamic cycling routes with expert guides, and high-quality French food and wine.

• Accommodations: Cyclists get to stay at an exclusive French chateau ( a country house or castle).
• Epic rides that cover routes and climbs used in the Tour de France, such as the Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin, and the Col de Peyresourde.

• Cultural immersion where cyclists will experience “charming villages, visit local markets, and enjoy wine tastings at renowned vineyards. Experience the art, history, and culinary delights of the region.”
• Access to experienced cycling coaches to keep cyclists motivated throughout the trip.
• Experience the best in French cuisine every evening
• Indulge in relaxation and wellness with quiet garden strolls, a dip in the chateau’s pool, or even a soothing massage at the on-premises spa.

What’s Included and Costs of the Haute-Garonne Cycling Experience?

For not being a bicycle travel company, specifically, CTS offers the same add-ons to cyclists as if it were one. However, there are a few variations here since cyclists will stay at just one location versus many.

• 7 nights
• All meals
• Ground transport to and from the airport
• Pro mechanic support
• On bike nutrition
• Massage after each day of riding
• Laundry service
• 2 CTS jerseys

What CTS doesn’t provide to cyclists is also fairly typical of what a bicycle travel company would not offer its guests: airfare, bike shipping, alcoholic drinks and additional snacks, and travel insurance.

The cost for this trip is not cheap, by any means, and it is probably higher than what one would pay to book with a bicycle travel company: $10,495 with a required $3,500 deposit upfront.

Last Thoughts

Carmichael Training Systems Haute-Garonne Cycling Experience is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Not only do cyclists partake in a high-end vacation and adventure, but they also can work on improving their cycling skills and fitness.

While this trip comes with a high price tag, cyclists should leave this camp with a sense of accomplishment and with new skills they can use once they return home. Just a side note: this camp doesn’t appear to be offered this year, so if you’re interested, I would suggest that you either email (athleteservices@trainright.com) or call them (866.355.0645) to find out.