That’s me on the left on the Col de la Madone
My name is Justin. I first cycled on these roads as a teenager on holiday with my family, and I enjoyed it so much that it became my life-long dream to buy a place of my own out here. A few years ago, I was able to realize that dream.
Like many people, cycling took a back seat in my life whilst I focused on career and family. But in the mid-noughties, I rediscovered cycling, since when I’ve followed a very typical progression: ad hoc rides were followed by joining the local cycling club (GS Henley in Henley-on-Thames in the UK) and doing the weekend club run. For want of a challenging goal, I entered the 2007 Etape du Tour, training for it by doing a number of UK sportives. The Etape was a complete disaster (a whole other story) so with a sense of unfinished business, I entered La Marmotte in 2008 with a more successful conclusion, and again in 2011, this time comfortably achieving a Gold time.
In 2010 I tried road racing for the first time and was hooked. I soon gained promotion to 3rd category, racing initially in crit races at Hillingdon in west London and similar circuits before progressing to more challenging races on the road.
The sale of my business in 2008 enabled me to realize my life-long dream and I bought the apartment in Beaulieu, undertaking a complete re-modelling of the space and renovation which was completed in early 2011. Since then, I have organised and guided many trips to share my love of cycling in this part of the world with other cyclists. My guests have included top-5 age-group Ironman world champions, to recreational cyclists, and everything in between.
Climbing one of my favourites…the Col de Castillon
In 2013, I participated in my first road races in France – a complete revelation. Although the basic premise is the same as in the UK – a road race is a road race, after all – there is something incredibly special about racing when the sun is shining, you are racing in the most stunning terrain, and the whole atmosphere is decidedly more relaxed than in the UK. A trip with us gives you the unique opportunity to include entry into a local race as part of your holiday. You can read a write-up of my first French race experience here >>
So whether you are a casual cyclist, “weekend warrior”, sportive competitor, triathlete or road racer, I will know from both personal experience and from discussions with you, where you are coming from and what you are looking for from your trip, and will ensure everything is organised and delivered to meet your goals.
It is entirely up to your group whether or not I ride with you as guide; I enjoy guiding groups but I also understand that some groups prefer to self-guide. Some groups may prefer a mix – e.g. the first couple of days guided, and thereafter self-guided. Whatever you choose, I can provide advice on routes, where to stop for coffee and lunch, and where to replenish bidons, and I can provide both paper map and GPS route for download to a Garmin or similar.
I look forward to welcoming you to Beaulieu-sur-mer.
It’s the vision of a passionate cyclist sharing the best of the region.Paul E
His hospitality, route-knowledge and personal cycling ability, make him a great person to cycle with – who needs a GPS when he is alongside you!!Scott G
Justin is a tremendous host – full of local knowledge and seemingly with an in-built map of mountain passes and picturesque lunchtime restaurants in his head.James A
Justin is a very considerate host and with his unrivalled knowledge of the area will plan routes to suit the group’s abilities.Simon J
You could not find a more friendly and helpful guide, brilliant company for the whole trip and also great cycling knowledge both in terms of route advice and guidance.Rob G
I just wanted to thank you for another fantastic trip to Beaulieu, and for being such a great host!Andy B
Justin is a fantastic host and he knows the local area like the back of his hand.James W