A trip that includes travel by bicycle is special, maybe even a once in a lifetime occurrence. That said, with all the bicycle travel companies in the marketplace that offer similar things, how do you find the one that is right for you?
Well, what if you could not only experience the roads and races of the current season up close, but you could also ride the roads from races in cycling’s past? What if you could even meet a cycling legend or other personalities from the cycling world? This is the kind of experience that Velo Echappe International attempts to provide.
Who is Velo Echappe International?
The company was founded by Brian Rounds in Denver in 1993. Velo Echappe International hosts trips that allow cyclists to ride the roads of the Grand Tours and Spring Classics in Europe with a special focus on the Tour de France. The company also works with Bicycling Magazine, Velonews, Performance Bicycles, and Peloton to sponsor its trips.
What Makes A Trip With Velo Echappe International Unique
One of the elements that makes Velo Echappe International special is that it gives riders the opportunity to meet cycling legends as well as others from the cycling industry. Here is a list of those personalities.
- Bill Strickland, Editor of Bicycling Magazine
- Phil Anderson, the first Australian to wear the yellow jersey at the Tour de France
- Eddy Merckxx
- Greg Lemond
- Dave Scott and Mark Allan, 6-time Ironman champions
- Johan Museeuw, three-time winner of Paris Roubaix
Velo Echappe International has been named Official Tour Operator for the Tour de France by Bicycling Magazine and the ASO, the organizers of the Tour de France.
Trips Velo Echappe International Offers and What’s Included
Since the company focuses on offering Tour de France and other pro cycling race experiences to its clientele, its trips change every year. Currently, the trips they list on their “Tours” page are for trips in 2024.
In addition to its regular Tour de France experience, the company also has trips centered around Paris Roubaix, Tuscany, the Tour of Flanders, the Pyrenees, and the Alps. Trips with Velo Echappe International seem to regularly feature riding with Johan Museeuw.
And using Velo Echappe International’s Paris Roubaix trip as an example, it is 6 days and 5 nights and costs $4,799. That includes the following.
- Stay at four star hotels
- Rental bike (if needed)
- VE Tshirt
- All breakfasts and snacks while riding, plus three group dinners
- Spending a day with Johann Museeuw
- Live viewing of the Paris Roubais
- Riding the Paris Roubaix Challenge
- Expert guides
- Support vehicles
- Pick up/ drop off from airport locations
- Daily Bike Maintenance
Last Thoughts
If you are a fan of pro cycling and a cyclist, then a trip with Velo Echappe International seems like a great choice. The company immerses you in the race experience and puts you in touch with people from the world of cycling.
And although their prices and amenities seem similar to other bicycle travel companies, how often do you get to ride the roads of a Grand Tour or talk with cycling’s most esteemed personalities?
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