Hey Reader

Planning has been well underway for our 2026 cycling adventure! Here is the first update; I'll keep you posted as we go.

Although the official TDF route has not been announced, I have a source who has confirmed the Tour will be racing from Pau to Gavarnie early in the second week.

Armed with this information, I've been able to book and confirm almost all of our accommodation — I'm still waiting to finalise which hotel in Andorra and pay a deposit for our Girona stay. Everything else is good to go!

Here is our planned itinerary for July 2026...

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NOTE: If you are receiving this email and have not paid your $1000 deposit, I have NOT booked a room for you. If you would like to join us, I need your deposit before I can try to accommodate you. Contact me ASAP if you're keen to join us.

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If you are planning to arrive before July 1st and want to start riding, your best option is to head directly to Girona and meet the group there when we arrive. There is no need to return to Barcelona on the night of June 30th.

If this is you, please let me know, and I can help with some accommodation and transportation ideas to make life easier getting to and staying in Girona.
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Here's a visual of our travel plans next year.

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Truck and Cars... Our Transport

I'll be booking the truck and cars in the coming weeks. Ideally, we'll have them ready to roll on the morning of July 1st, when we'll head to Girona for the first leg of our trip.

If things run to plan, we should have our bikes assembled and sorted, checked in at our hotel, and ready for an easy ride that afternoon before enjoying a beer in a local bar and dinner at our hotel.

I'm looking for three drivers who are happy to drive and be responsible for a car each during the trip.

Each driver needs to be doing the entire trip, and ideally, will be comfortable driving in Europe, on the right-hand side of the roads.

The group will cover the cost of each vehicle, but the driver must be willing to use their credit card to hire the car, and I'll reimburse you. The reason is the car hire company no longer allows one person to be assigned to more than one vehicle.

If you're all good with this, let me know asap.

The small farm roads and flatter terrain around Girona are the perfect way to ease into our trip.

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The Tour de France

The current plan is to see the TDF while we are in the French Pyrenees, at Argeles-Gazost on the stage from Pau to Gavarnie.

Because the official route hasn't been announced yet, my guess is that the riders will come over the Col du Tourmalet, down into the valley where we will be staying, and head up to Gavarnie.

We'll have a couple of options, but most likely will ride up our valley and take the same road the riders will, to Gavarnie.

More details to follow once the official route is announced later this month.

Either way, we're in for a fantastic stage and day!

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Our Group

There are 24 paid and good-to-go riders (men and women) for next year's trip.
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If you haven't already booked your flights, my best suggestion is to contact Jodi O'Sullivan from Travel Managers to get organised.
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You don't need to use Jodi, but she is fantastic at her job and super helpful if anything goes amiss.

She's been instrumental in helping me make these trips as good as they are since 2010.
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There is absolutely nothing in it for me if you book with Jodi. And you can 100% go with your travel agent if you prefer.
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Jodi's details:

M: 0478 405 119

E: jodio@travelmanagers.com.au

If you have the luxury to be flexible with your arrival and departure dates, you should be able to find a bargain or two.

For example, arriving a few days earlier may save you hundreds, and you can meet me in Girona (approximately 90 minutes from Barcelona) to start riding there if you'd like.

The main thing is you need to be at our confirmed meeting spot (Hotel B&B Viladecans near Barcelona airport) on the morning of Wednesday, 1st July. Or, already be in Girona.

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Travel Insurance

It is vital for a trip like this, and you want to get yourself covered ASAP.

Last year, I used Insure and Go, which seemed like a good option, but there are plenty of others to choose from.
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I selected the middle package, "International Comprehensive", and added $6,000 cancellation coverage in case something popped up to ruin plans.

This year, two riders broke bones right before they were due to head to Europe. One had a nightmare with his insurance cover and is still working to be refunded. The other had his and his wife's FULL refunds back in their account less than two weeks after his accident.

Do your due diligence, but get onto this ASAP.

Whoa, sorry about the long email!
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Once I have some more details sorted, I'll update you on our current status, including packing lists, bike gearing, training and preparation ideas, etc.

If you'd like to discuss anything related to the trip, feel free to call me on 0413 852 222 or reply to this email.
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Alright... bring on the French and Spanish Pyrenees in 2026!

Speak soon
Andy

PS

One last thing...
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I'll create a Facebook Messenger Group for all of us. If you're happy to be added to the Group, you can find me at www.facebook.com/andyhellmich — send me a friend request if we're not already, and I'll get you added.