If you're a keen cyclist but not quite up the standard to enter the Tour de France, you could sign up for the "Follow the Race" eight day cycle tour with Ciclismo Classico in July 2009. You'll be able to ride selected sections of the Tour de France route, after the participants have passed, so you can get a real feel for challenges of the race. You'll also have the opportunity to watch parts of the race. The tour is graded as intermediate with 40 - 60 miles a day in the saddle.


© Joe Shlabotnik

If you are interested in the trip you should contact Ciclismo Classico as you'll need to pay a $500 dollar refundable deposit to make a provisional reservation and make a firm booking as soon as the itinerary is finalised.