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The sentries spot them as the pack crests the hill on the edge of town. A frantic call ripples through the streets --
"Ils arrivent!" "Eccoli!" -- and all business halts. Townsfolk line the streets as the armada streams into the square,
a whirring blur of primary colours, pistoning legs and stern, battle-hardened faces. Small children and old men alike
strain to catch a split-second glimpse of their heroes. The crowd erupts as one; a hundred throats calling out in an
exultant cry. And then, as quickly as they came, they're gone; on to the next town, to victory, to immortality. The
moment is fleeting, but the memories last all year.

We've done the math: Europe + summer + professional cycling + B&R = pure thrill. It's an equation that's been
adding up to incredible cycle-bound adventures for 12 years, and 2009 is shaping up to be the best yet. This year,
we're taking in the two biggest jewels in the Grand Tour crown -- the Tour and the Giro d'Italia -- and we want
you in our peloton. Featuring great riding on some of the world's most challenging routes, stays at top hotels, race
contact so close you can almost count the spokes and loads of signature B&R touches, we're confident that the
only way you can get closer to the action is to ride the races yourself.

Blessed with its own unique character and a lore that rivals France's big race, the Giro d'Italia is an enduring
highlight of Italy's sporting calendar. The names of its champions--Merckx, Magni, Hinault, Binda and the immortal
Campionissimo himself, Fausto Coppi--are as legendary as its treacherous tendon-testing climbs: Pordoi, Mortirolo,
the Stelvio. Here, pink is the colour of victory, and the King of the Mountains reigns supreme.

2009 is a special year for the Giro, and not purely for the participation of a seven-time Tour champ. Celebrating its
100th anniversary, Italy's big race is shaping up to be one for the ages. One thing's for certain, you haven't truly
experienced a European bike race until you've immersed yourself in the joyful chaos of Italy in the grips of Giro
fever.

     May 10-15, 2009
     Trip Length: 6 days / 5 nights
     Start/Finish: Treviso / Bolzano
     Price per Person: from $6,295

     To request a copy of this itinerary, contact Paolo Biron at 1.866.551.9090.

In France, bike racing isn't a sport; it's religion. "As a prime French national obsession," sportswriter William McHale
wrote, "the Tour ranks somewhere between l'amour and lunch." And as partial as we are to a good midday meal,
our hunger for the World's Greatest Bike Race can only be sated each July. The personal storylines are already
making headlines: Can Contador co-exist with his legendary new teammate? Will Team Columbia's '08 gains carry
over into '09? Can Cadel Evans and his surgically-repaired knee bounce back from last year's disappointing finish?
And, most importantly, will Captain Comeback make it eight?

This year's Tour is an international affair, crossing through six countries over the course of its 3,445-km (2,140-
mi.) route. Fittingly, B&R's Tour is, too; picking up in Geneva, we begin with a spirited ride in the French Alps,
catch up with the riders at Col de la Colombiere and a two-night stay in Geneva. Next, we head south to
Provence, home to picturesque towns, the splendid Hostellerie de Crillon in Crillon-le-Brave, a thrilling chase
through the mountains and a little hill called Mont Ventoux. From there, its on to Paris for the final sprint, a
Champagne toast and a night on the town in the City of Light.

     July 21-27, 2009
     Trip Length: 7 days / 6 nights
     Start/Finish: Geneva / Paris
     Price per Person: from $7,995

To request a copy of this itinerary, contact Jerome Bore at 1.866.551.9090.




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