Anyone managed to get an entry only place in the past? The english version of the website basically says "go with a travel agency". Thing is, my cousin lives in Pau (start town). The french version of the same page describes the purchase of Velo magazine and sending it off etc. Thing is, it bangs on about being a resident. etc.
Has anyone from the UK sucessfully got an entry only place?
A.
Yeah there are normally a VERY limited number of entry only places from Sporting Tours and the like.
Why not apply using your cousin's address in France?
All UK entries are handled through Graham Baxter Sporting Tours, they've got exclusive licence to it. It's a company that gets extremely mixed reviews...
A mate of mine has done it a few times in the past by using his parents address in France as his "home". It's a lot cheaper and easier that way.
Yeah I was planning on using my cousins address. It seems the entries are out in Feb. I think some of my cousins work mates ride it when it's local so perhaps they'd be so good as to stick an entry in for me? It kind of evokes some kind of Gallic mountain mayhem entry panic, except with sunshine and baguettes? 🙂
I did it with friends in 2005. Great experience but it leaves a sour taste that UK folk get so badly stitched up with all-inclusive packages. I'd try a bit of harmless light deception in your shoes.
I must admit that it irked me that the english "translation" of the french website had completely differnt content. It read as "we don't care about you, go with a tour agent"
look for etapeDOTorgDotuk- it's a chap called Ron who does entry only for an extra tenner.
Worked fine for me last year, although I was in the last pen (9000-9500) which was not ideal- although if i'd got my eontry in early enough, it might have changed.
Let me know if you take it up,i'm keen to do it again! -last year's was unforgettable (and not just due to the cramp..)
Thanks Johhny. Will let you know if I'm sucessful.
Adam (nr Bracknell)