- Jun 7, 2010
- 19,196
- 3,092
- 28,180
- Feb 20, 2010
- 33,055
- 15,235
- 28,180
The Hitch said:
You had to wait some time, and it wasn't Jens_Attacks that gave it to you in the end (it was McLovin) but you got your wish!
That race looks like a killer (or a perfect Maratona dles Dolomites type amateur event), perhaps it needs a 60km ITT in there to balance the MTF carnage?
Tour touristique de France, stage 12: Castellane - Avignon (208km)
The first 22km aren't shown, but are slightly downhill
Today the tour leaves the Alps. The stage starts in Castellane, a small town dominated by a big rock. The peloton follows the course of the Verdon river on the D952, but takes a small detour, climbing to the highest point of the stage, with this view on the famous Gorges du Verdon as a result:
20km or so later the peloton passes the Lac Saint-Croix on their way to Manosque, a typical provencal town. Here the 7.7km lon 3.8% steep col de Montfuron commences. Meanwhile the environment changes from a rugged mountain landscape to rolling hills with lavender fields.
The road becomes flatter and flatter is the race comes nearer to Avignon, today's stage will probably end in a bunch sprint near the famous pont d'Avignon after making a loop north of the finish town.
The first 22km aren't shown, but are slightly downhill
Today the tour leaves the Alps. The stage starts in Castellane, a small town dominated by a big rock. The peloton follows the course of the Verdon river on the D952, but takes a small detour, climbing to the highest point of the stage, with this view on the famous Gorges du Verdon as a result:
20km or so later the peloton passes the Lac Saint-Croix on their way to Manosque, a typical provencal town. Here the 7.7km lon 3.8% steep col de Montfuron commences. Meanwhile the environment changes from a rugged mountain landscape to rolling hills with lavender fields.
The road becomes flatter and flatter is the race comes nearer to Avignon, today's stage will probably end in a bunch sprint near the famous pont d'Avignon after making a loop north of the finish town.
- Feb 20, 2010
- 33,055
- 15,235
- 28,180
In comparison to the heights of Transylvania or the prettiness of Provence, Hesse may not be as spectacular a backdrop or as brutal a race, but these roads will always have a place in my heart.
Stage 5: Wiesbaden - Königstein im Taunus, 181km
Climbs:
Hohe Wurzel (cat.1) 6,5km @ 6,8%
Emser Straße (cat.3) 2,3km @ 7,4%
Jagdschloß Platte (cat.2) 6,2km @ 5,6%
Ruppertshainer Berg (cat.3) 3,2km @ 6,1%
Glashütte (cat.3) 2,7km @ 5,9%
Seelerbergpass (cat.2) 4,8km @ 5,3%
Großer Feldberg (Schmitten)(cat.1) 7,5km @ 5,4%
Großer Feldberg (Hohemark)(cat.1) 12,2km @ 4,8%
Mammolshainer Berg (cat.2) 2,9km @ 6,6%
The look of the profile and the presence of no fewer than nine categorised climbs tells you that this is the obvious queen stage here in Hesse, as we snake our way from the Hauptstadt of Wiesbaden (the Land's capital despite the presence of the much larger and more powerful Frankfurt) through the Taunus mountains to Königstein, one of the many satellite towns of Frankfurt that sit in the foothills of the Taunus range.
The stage begins almost immediately with its first climb, this being the difficult climb up to the Sendeturm at Hohe Wurzel, which is visible from all over Wiesbaden. As you will see from the profile, there are a few tougher stretches in this climb that will give the riders a sense of what's to come, and give the breakaway a chance to form over the rolling 30km that follow as the riders return to Wiesbaden over a series of smaller lumps, the biggest of which is Emser Straße, which climbs out of Bad Schwalbach and reaches a maximum of 15%. After returning to Wiesbaden the riders turn back into the mountains, close to where they just left the city, but this time taking the less challenging road up to Jagdschloß Platte. Again, the climb is then followed by a period of rolling downhill towards the town of Fischbach, which marks the rough halfway point of the stage, before we enter the terrain familiar to the Rund um den Finanzplatz.
The drag up to Ruppertshain is well known to the race, with a maximum of 15% from this longer, less steep side (the race usually takes it on from the opposite side), which leads into the rise up to the picturesque village of Glashütten, in the shadows of the famous Großer Feldberg. More gradual descending takes us to the base of the very gradual Seelerbergpass, which in turn deposits us at the base of the northeastern approach to the Feldberg itself. The summit of the Taunus' highest peak is crossed initially after a relatively short climb; I can't find a profile for the specific route I have marked, though the last 5km of this route is the same as the one I'm demanding of riders. There is ample room for a finish should the organisers so wish. But instead we will descend into our finishing town, narrowly avoiding the roads we will later use on our drop into Kronberg and eventually to Hohemark, a point just northwest of Oberursel serving as both the gateway to the Taunus and one of the more surreally rural stops for an inner city metro - the Frankfurt U-Bahn line U3 terminates here, of all places. Here the roads turn uphill again, for the longest climb of the race - 12,2km of climbing, though a couple of kilometres at 8% near the top are the worst the riders will have to face, meaning attrition is what will cut the pack down, rather than shredding it with attacks. The road is wide and in good working order, though sections further up have sometimes been weather-damaged, and have had to be removed from the Rund um den Finanzplatz the last two years.
Feldberg crests with 21km to go, almost all of which is downhill. The riders descend once again through Königstein, but this time in Kronberg they turn right and descend further to the base of the finishing climb for today, the region's notorious and sometimes exceedingly steep trip through the village of Mammolshain, which is relatively short (just under 3km) at a not-too-taxing average gradient of 6,6%; though much of it is relatively benign, however, some of its steepest stretches can reach a brutal 26%, and the gradient may be dulled slightly by some false flat stretches in the forest between the brutal stretches and the finishing town, though this is not flat by any means; this is effectively a summit finish, though the steepest parts of the Mammolshain climb come with 1,5km to go; and with - hopefully - riders in contention and needing to make up time, this could be a spectacular finale.
Wiesbaden:
Königstein im Taunus:
Stage 5: Wiesbaden - Königstein im Taunus, 181km
Climbs:
Hohe Wurzel (cat.1) 6,5km @ 6,8%
Emser Straße (cat.3) 2,3km @ 7,4%
Jagdschloß Platte (cat.2) 6,2km @ 5,6%
Ruppertshainer Berg (cat.3) 3,2km @ 6,1%
Glashütte (cat.3) 2,7km @ 5,9%
Seelerbergpass (cat.2) 4,8km @ 5,3%
Großer Feldberg (Schmitten)(cat.1) 7,5km @ 5,4%
Großer Feldberg (Hohemark)(cat.1) 12,2km @ 4,8%
Mammolshainer Berg (cat.2) 2,9km @ 6,6%
The look of the profile and the presence of no fewer than nine categorised climbs tells you that this is the obvious queen stage here in Hesse, as we snake our way from the Hauptstadt of Wiesbaden (the Land's capital despite the presence of the much larger and more powerful Frankfurt) through the Taunus mountains to Königstein, one of the many satellite towns of Frankfurt that sit in the foothills of the Taunus range.
The stage begins almost immediately with its first climb, this being the difficult climb up to the Sendeturm at Hohe Wurzel, which is visible from all over Wiesbaden. As you will see from the profile, there are a few tougher stretches in this climb that will give the riders a sense of what's to come, and give the breakaway a chance to form over the rolling 30km that follow as the riders return to Wiesbaden over a series of smaller lumps, the biggest of which is Emser Straße, which climbs out of Bad Schwalbach and reaches a maximum of 15%. After returning to Wiesbaden the riders turn back into the mountains, close to where they just left the city, but this time taking the less challenging road up to Jagdschloß Platte. Again, the climb is then followed by a period of rolling downhill towards the town of Fischbach, which marks the rough halfway point of the stage, before we enter the terrain familiar to the Rund um den Finanzplatz.
The drag up to Ruppertshain is well known to the race, with a maximum of 15% from this longer, less steep side (the race usually takes it on from the opposite side), which leads into the rise up to the picturesque village of Glashütten, in the shadows of the famous Großer Feldberg. More gradual descending takes us to the base of the very gradual Seelerbergpass, which in turn deposits us at the base of the northeastern approach to the Feldberg itself. The summit of the Taunus' highest peak is crossed initially after a relatively short climb; I can't find a profile for the specific route I have marked, though the last 5km of this route is the same as the one I'm demanding of riders. There is ample room for a finish should the organisers so wish. But instead we will descend into our finishing town, narrowly avoiding the roads we will later use on our drop into Kronberg and eventually to Hohemark, a point just northwest of Oberursel serving as both the gateway to the Taunus and one of the more surreally rural stops for an inner city metro - the Frankfurt U-Bahn line U3 terminates here, of all places. Here the roads turn uphill again, for the longest climb of the race - 12,2km of climbing, though a couple of kilometres at 8% near the top are the worst the riders will have to face, meaning attrition is what will cut the pack down, rather than shredding it with attacks. The road is wide and in good working order, though sections further up have sometimes been weather-damaged, and have had to be removed from the Rund um den Finanzplatz the last two years.
Feldberg crests with 21km to go, almost all of which is downhill. The riders descend once again through Königstein, but this time in Kronberg they turn right and descend further to the base of the finishing climb for today, the region's notorious and sometimes exceedingly steep trip through the village of Mammolshain, which is relatively short (just under 3km) at a not-too-taxing average gradient of 6,6%; though much of it is relatively benign, however, some of its steepest stretches can reach a brutal 26%, and the gradient may be dulled slightly by some false flat stretches in the forest between the brutal stretches and the finishing town, though this is not flat by any means; this is effectively a summit finish, though the steepest parts of the Mammolshain climb come with 1,5km to go; and with - hopefully - riders in contention and needing to make up time, this could be a spectacular finale.
Wiesbaden:
Königstein im Taunus:
- Dec 16, 2011
- 345
- 0
- 0
I've decided to reconsider the course of this tour. If you want to attract the sprinters field of the TDU, the old course was far too hard. Furthermore, three days of continuesly hard racing would have probably lead to really defensive tactics. In bold the additions are shown.
Another_Dutch_Guy said:
Tour of Three Islands - 15
Stage 15: Porto-Vecchio - Radici (ITT); 50 km
First day on Corsica is individual time-trial, and it will be a long one. Not only the distance (50 km) but at the ent there is proper climb - Col de Bacinu. First part of this climb is 4,5 km lond with 7% average. Then comes 4 km of little rest (1,5% average) and another 4km long ascent with 8,5% average. From the top it's just a short descent to finish in little village Radici.
KOM:
Col de Bacinu (2) - 12 km; 6%
Time checks:
Col de San Pietro - 12 km
Arca - 21 km
Muratellu - 30 km
Mucchitone - 40 km
Porto-Vecchio:
Mountains near Radici (l'Ospedale in the distance):
Stage 15: Porto-Vecchio - Radici (ITT); 50 km
First day on Corsica is individual time-trial, and it will be a long one. Not only the distance (50 km) but at the ent there is proper climb - Col de Bacinu. First part of this climb is 4,5 km lond with 7% average. Then comes 4 km of little rest (1,5% average) and another 4km long ascent with 8,5% average. From the top it's just a short descent to finish in little village Radici.
KOM:
Col de Bacinu (2) - 12 km; 6%
Time checks:
Col de San Pietro - 12 km
Arca - 21 km
Muratellu - 30 km
Mucchitone - 40 km
Porto-Vecchio:
Mountains near Radici (l'Ospedale in the distance):
- Feb 20, 2010
- 33,055
- 15,235
- 28,180
Tour touristique de France, stage 13: Nîmes - Millau (186km)
This stage starts at the Roman theatre in Nîmes, crosses the national park of the Cévennes and finishes in Millau after a twisty descent.
From the start near les Arènes the course heads west on a wide road for about 60km. The landscape changes from flat to rolling, crossing some shallow rivers that flow in between the first hills of the Cévennes. Near Sumène the first hill occurs when the peloton has to climb out of the vally of the Rieutord. After the climb the peloton plunges into the valley of the Hérault and takes a more northerly direction to Valleraugue, at the foot of the Mont Aigoual. Here the first big climb of the day starts: the col de la Sereyrède, long but not steep at all. After the top, the narrow road sneaks through the canyon of the Trevezel and into the canyon of the Dourbie. Past an an old watermill the village of la Roque Sainte-Marguerite is reached, the start of a 2nd category climb to Saint-André de Vézines. This climb is followed by 18km on a rolling plateau and the final descent to Millau.
This stage starts at the Roman theatre in Nîmes, crosses the national park of the Cévennes and finishes in Millau after a twisty descent.
From the start near les Arènes the course heads west on a wide road for about 60km. The landscape changes from flat to rolling, crossing some shallow rivers that flow in between the first hills of the Cévennes. Near Sumène the first hill occurs when the peloton has to climb out of the vally of the Rieutord. After the climb the peloton plunges into the valley of the Hérault and takes a more northerly direction to Valleraugue, at the foot of the Mont Aigoual. Here the first big climb of the day starts: the col de la Sereyrède, long but not steep at all. After the top, the narrow road sneaks through the canyon of the Trevezel and into the canyon of the Dourbie. Past an an old watermill the village of la Roque Sainte-Marguerite is reached, the start of a 2nd category climb to Saint-André de Vézines. This climb is followed by 18km on a rolling plateau and the final descent to Millau.
Tour of Three Islands - 16
Stage 16: Bonifacio - Zonza; 163 km
This is one of the shortest stages, but should provide action on the last climb of the day Col de Bavella. The only big one apart from Bavella is well known Col de L'Ospedale. However it's too far from finish to thin the peloton, it will mostly just tire the legs.
After 125 km cyclists will be for last time this day at the coast. From there it's 30 km to the summit of Col de Bavella, but not just of climbing of course. Firstly there is flat section along Solenzara river. Then the road rises to Bocca di Larone. These are rather tough 5,5 km during which will riders get to 610 metres above sea level. After short descent comes the closing ascent to Col de Bavella. It's 8 km long with average around 9%. The toughest kilometer is the sixth (over 11% average), therefore this is quite steady climb but steep nonetheless. There are nice views of fascinating mountains surrounding the road from the top at 1250 metres.
Descent to the finish in Zonza is 9 km long and it is not very steep (around -4%). The road is narrow, but differences made in this descent should be in seconds.
KOM:
Col de L'Ospedale (1) - 12,7 km; 6,7%
Punta di Pascialella (3) - 7,2 km; 5,5%
Bocca di Larone (2) - 5,4 km; 8,4%
Col de Bavella (1) - 7,9 km; 8,9%
Sprints:
Muratellu - 35 km
Solenzara - 124 km
Bonifacio:
Zonza:
Stage 16: Bonifacio - Zonza; 163 km
This is one of the shortest stages, but should provide action on the last climb of the day Col de Bavella. The only big one apart from Bavella is well known Col de L'Ospedale. However it's too far from finish to thin the peloton, it will mostly just tire the legs.
After 125 km cyclists will be for last time this day at the coast. From there it's 30 km to the summit of Col de Bavella, but not just of climbing of course. Firstly there is flat section along Solenzara river. Then the road rises to Bocca di Larone. These are rather tough 5,5 km during which will riders get to 610 metres above sea level. After short descent comes the closing ascent to Col de Bavella. It's 8 km long with average around 9%. The toughest kilometer is the sixth (over 11% average), therefore this is quite steady climb but steep nonetheless. There are nice views of fascinating mountains surrounding the road from the top at 1250 metres.
Descent to the finish in Zonza is 9 km long and it is not very steep (around -4%). The road is narrow, but differences made in this descent should be in seconds.
KOM:
Col de L'Ospedale (1) - 12,7 km; 6,7%
Punta di Pascialella (3) - 7,2 km; 5,5%
Bocca di Larone (2) - 5,4 km; 8,4%
Col de Bavella (1) - 7,9 km; 8,9%
Sprints:
Muratellu - 35 km
Solenzara - 124 km
Bonifacio:
Zonza:
Tour of Three Islands - 17
Stage 17: Ghisonaccia - Bastia; 172 km
Stage for fast men who can survive some climbs or for some long breakaway to succeed. From the last hill (Borgo) it's 20 km to Bastia
KOM:
Punta Querceto (2) - 8,6 km; 6,4%
Col de Prato (2) - 18 km; 3,8%
Borgo (3) - 4,2 km; 5,8%
Sprints:
Corte - 61 km
Casa Nostra - 145 km
Bastia:
Stage 17: Ghisonaccia - Bastia; 172 km
Stage for fast men who can survive some climbs or for some long breakaway to succeed. From the last hill (Borgo) it's 20 km to Bastia
KOM:
Punta Querceto (2) - 8,6 km; 6,4%
Col de Prato (2) - 18 km; 3,8%
Borgo (3) - 4,2 km; 5,8%
Sprints:
Corte - 61 km
Casa Nostra - 145 km
Bastia:
Tour of Three Islands - 18
Stage 18: Bastia - Corte; 173 km
The race is slowly approaches its end and GC battle will take place this day. Halfway down this stage there is one of the toughest climbs in the northern part of Corsica - Bocca di Battaglia. Especially the last 5 km with 9,5% average will be hard, though probably not raced that fast considering the position of the climb.
After tricky descent to Piana some more hills are on the way. The most important will be the last two. Firstly Croce d'Arbitro, the harder of them will rip the field and probably see some attacks too, since it's only 20 km to go from the top. After short easy descent comes the last one, Bocca d'Ominanda. It's quite easy, but it's hard to predict what will happen here after 160 km in the saddle. The descent to Corte has many turn but mostly not very sharp.
KOM:
Col de Santo Stefano (3) - 6,7 km; 5,2%
Bocca di Battaglia (1) - 16 km; 6,5%
Castifao (3) - 3,2 km; 6,4%
Croce d'Arbitro (Prato di Givelina) (2) - 5,5 km; 7,9%
Bocca d'Ominanda (3) - 6,5 km; 4,7%
Sprints:
Guardiola - 72 km
Ponte Castirla - 161 km
Corte:
Stage 18: Bastia - Corte; 173 km
The race is slowly approaches its end and GC battle will take place this day. Halfway down this stage there is one of the toughest climbs in the northern part of Corsica - Bocca di Battaglia. Especially the last 5 km with 9,5% average will be hard, though probably not raced that fast considering the position of the climb.
After tricky descent to Piana some more hills are on the way. The most important will be the last two. Firstly Croce d'Arbitro, the harder of them will rip the field and probably see some attacks too, since it's only 20 km to go from the top. After short easy descent comes the last one, Bocca d'Ominanda. It's quite easy, but it's hard to predict what will happen here after 160 km in the saddle. The descent to Corte has many turn but mostly not very sharp.
KOM:
Col de Santo Stefano (3) - 6,7 km; 5,2%
Bocca di Battaglia (1) - 16 km; 6,5%
Castifao (3) - 3,2 km; 6,4%
Croce d'Arbitro (Prato di Givelina) (2) - 5,5 km; 7,9%
Bocca d'Ominanda (3) - 6,5 km; 4,7%
Sprints:
Guardiola - 72 km
Ponte Castirla - 161 km
Corte:
- Feb 20, 2010
- 33,055
- 15,235
- 28,180
Easy(ish) final climb suggests attacks needed on penultimate climb - check. Could be a very good stage that one, depending on the GC position beforehand.
Tour of Three Islands - 19
Stage 19: Francardo - Ajaccio (Monte Salario); 192 km
Initially, cyclists have to climb the neverending Col de Vergio (road goes through thiscanyon shortly after start). It's of course the longest climb in this years edition. At the time they'll get to the sea, they will have ridden already 110 km.
Despite the fact that whole this stage is hilly, the decisive section will be the last 30 km. It starts with Punta di l'Avena, the steepest climb (in average) on narrow road. The peloton will be stretched and shortly after this punchy hill comes another killer climb - Punta Pozzo di Borgo. Many good riders will suffer here. However the battle continues. After 12 km extremely technical descent to Ajaccio (probably the most difficult descent included in this race at all) comes final ascent to Monte Salario.
It's clear that in this stage there can be made some differencies, but everyone should spend energy wisely, because the next day one can lose dozens of minutes
KOM:
Col de Vergio (2) - 40 km; 3%
Col de Sévi (3) - 5,2 km; 6,2%
Bocca di Sarzoggiu (2) - 10 km; 6%
Punta di l'Avena (2) - 1,3 km; 16%
Punta Pozzo di Borgo (1) - 7,6 km; 8,9% (last 4 km; 11,4%)
Monte Salario (3) - 5,7 km; 5,4%
Sprints:
Casaglione - 100 km
Marchesi - 154 km
Ajaccio (from Monte Salario)
Stage 19: Francardo - Ajaccio (Monte Salario); 192 km
Initially, cyclists have to climb the neverending Col de Vergio (road goes through thiscanyon shortly after start). It's of course the longest climb in this years edition. At the time they'll get to the sea, they will have ridden already 110 km.
Despite the fact that whole this stage is hilly, the decisive section will be the last 30 km. It starts with Punta di l'Avena, the steepest climb (in average) on narrow road. The peloton will be stretched and shortly after this punchy hill comes another killer climb - Punta Pozzo di Borgo. Many good riders will suffer here. However the battle continues. After 12 km extremely technical descent to Ajaccio (probably the most difficult descent included in this race at all) comes final ascent to Monte Salario.
It's clear that in this stage there can be made some differencies, but everyone should spend energy wisely, because the next day one can lose dozens of minutes
KOM:
Col de Vergio (2) - 40 km; 3%
Col de Sévi (3) - 5,2 km; 6,2%
Bocca di Sarzoggiu (2) - 10 km; 6%
Punta di l'Avena (2) - 1,3 km; 16%
Punta Pozzo di Borgo (1) - 7,6 km; 8,9% (last 4 km; 11,4%)
Monte Salario (3) - 5,7 km; 5,4%
Sprints:
Casaglione - 100 km
Marchesi - 154 km
Ajaccio (from Monte Salario)
- Feb 20, 2010
- 33,055
- 15,235
- 28,180
Hopefully some people can be tempted to go for it on the penultimate climb, since the stage is well designed for that.
Here we go with me being pessimistic... this is what I suspected might replace the Vuelta al País Vasco in the World Tour, given McQuaid's tendencies, the type of race he seems to be supportive of, and my own disillusionment with the way the sport's race distribution is going. In any event, this is a race that I'm sure will take place somewhere along the line, whether WT or not, and I may as well take a look at the options.
So here we have, the Tour of the United Arab Emirates - 6 stages, with each of the constituent Emirates getting to host either a stage start, finish or both. I'm sure McQuaid will enjoy the hospitality.
Stage 1: Dubai (At The Top) - Dubai (At The Top), 110km
To get us going, we have a pan-flat circuit race in one of the most ludicrously extravagant spots on earth, Downtown Dubai. The home of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, photographs of this preposterously expensive project look every bit as unreal as the CGI mockups; the ongoing development has a cost running into the multiple billions, and therefore a bicycle race may be a relatively low-rent way of drawing attention to the area, ridiculous as that may sound. But then, common sense and practicality is of no interest at Downtown Dubai, with the tallest building in the world (the 828m Burj Khalifa) and the largest shopping mall in the world (the 1200-shop strong Dubai Mall) already on the premises.
The riders will complete 16 interminably dull laps going up and down the roads curling around the perimeter of the complex before finishing with a sprint. Oh the drama. Perhaps to add a bit of spice they could hold it at night with insane amounts of lighting, like the Singapore Grand Prix. It just feels like it would be right.
Dubai (At The Top):
Here we go with me being pessimistic... this is what I suspected might replace the Vuelta al País Vasco in the World Tour, given McQuaid's tendencies, the type of race he seems to be supportive of, and my own disillusionment with the way the sport's race distribution is going. In any event, this is a race that I'm sure will take place somewhere along the line, whether WT or not, and I may as well take a look at the options.
So here we have, the Tour of the United Arab Emirates - 6 stages, with each of the constituent Emirates getting to host either a stage start, finish or both. I'm sure McQuaid will enjoy the hospitality.
Stage 1: Dubai (At The Top) - Dubai (At The Top), 110km
To get us going, we have a pan-flat circuit race in one of the most ludicrously extravagant spots on earth, Downtown Dubai. The home of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, photographs of this preposterously expensive project look every bit as unreal as the CGI mockups; the ongoing development has a cost running into the multiple billions, and therefore a bicycle race may be a relatively low-rent way of drawing attention to the area, ridiculous as that may sound. But then, common sense and practicality is of no interest at Downtown Dubai, with the tallest building in the world (the 828m Burj Khalifa) and the largest shopping mall in the world (the 1200-shop strong Dubai Mall) already on the premises.
The riders will complete 16 interminably dull laps going up and down the roads curling around the perimeter of the complex before finishing with a sprint. Oh the drama. Perhaps to add a bit of spice they could hold it at night with insane amounts of lighting, like the Singapore Grand Prix. It just feels like it would be right.
Dubai (At The Top):
- Feb 20, 2010
- 33,055
- 15,235
- 28,180
Stage 2: Sharjah (University of Sharjah) - Ras al-Khaimah (al-Qasimi Corniche), 180km
Climbs:
Masafi (cat.3) 20,0km @ 1,5%
Wadi al-Seder (cat.2) 5,4km @ 6,7%
The second stage sees us travel to and from some of the less notoriously spend-happy Emirates, over our first climbs. We start not in Sharjah itself, but at the American University, a few kilometres inland from the city centre. This has dramatic architecture and nice wide roads to support a pro péloton. We head due east, through the likes of al-Dhaid, to head straight for the mountains inland; the road slowly turns its way uphill towards the settlement of Masafi, sat between the two mountains of Jabal Thawban and Jabal Siji. After that it's a downhill drop into al-Hala, before our first real climbing test; Wadi al-Seder is made more difficult by being on packed dirt roads for much of the way; realistically they may prefer to take the much more dull, flattish route via Ghub and Dahir.
Climbing ends 71km from home, and tarmac recommences shortly afterward; from then it's a very shallow downhill as the riders make their way back down to the coast; the wind could become an important factor the closer they get, just as in Qatar and to a lesser extent Oman. The riders reach the coast 8km from home; from then only a sweeping left-hander 1km from home in Ras al-Khaimah itself, to take us to the finish on the Corniche.
Sharjah:
Ras al-Khaimah Corniche:
Climbs:
Masafi (cat.3) 20,0km @ 1,5%
Wadi al-Seder (cat.2) 5,4km @ 6,7%
The second stage sees us travel to and from some of the less notoriously spend-happy Emirates, over our first climbs. We start not in Sharjah itself, but at the American University, a few kilometres inland from the city centre. This has dramatic architecture and nice wide roads to support a pro péloton. We head due east, through the likes of al-Dhaid, to head straight for the mountains inland; the road slowly turns its way uphill towards the settlement of Masafi, sat between the two mountains of Jabal Thawban and Jabal Siji. After that it's a downhill drop into al-Hala, before our first real climbing test; Wadi al-Seder is made more difficult by being on packed dirt roads for much of the way; realistically they may prefer to take the much more dull, flattish route via Ghub and Dahir.
Climbing ends 71km from home, and tarmac recommences shortly afterward; from then it's a very shallow downhill as the riders make their way back down to the coast; the wind could become an important factor the closer they get, just as in Qatar and to a lesser extent Oman. The riders reach the coast 8km from home; from then only a sweeping left-hander 1km from home in Ras al-Khaimah itself, to take us to the finish on the Corniche.
Sharjah:
Ras al-Khaimah Corniche:
Tour of Three Islands - 20
Stage 20: Propriano - Station du Val d'Ese; 225 km
This is undoubtedly a queen stage. I put the longest and hardest stage on the penultimate day so I hope it won't cause conservative riding throughout the other stages.
The route goes up and down all day long therefore there are not many places to rest. At the end of this day cyclists will be knackered and for many it will be hard to finish inside the limit. The fact that it has 10 categorized climbs speaks for itself.
Start is in Propriano and almost immediately comes the first climb of the day and it's first category climb (one of three on the route). Col de Saint-Eustache is the longest climb and one would expect the bunch not to ride hard, knowing what lies on front of them. Hence it should be perfect for an early break to build up advantage on the peloton. We can expect mostly contenders for KOM jersey not conteding for GC in the move.
The key part begins around 80 km before finish. Main group on Col de Sorbe should be significantly reduced with only the best domestiques left. This ascent is followed by Col de Vizzavona and some short flat sections too. From the top of Col de Sorba, it is around 35 km to the base of another tough climb - Col de Scalella. I would expect, that on the top of this climb may be separated from their helpers. And only 27 km are left from the top. Firstly a 10 km descent to Bastelica, where the last stage starts. Then comes short Col de Ciano with some steep pitches. Afterwards brief rather flat section before the final ascent to ski resort Station du Val d'Ese.
If the race wasn't decided before this stage, it will be now.
KOM:
Col de Saint-Eustache (1) - 16,3 km; 5,9%
Punta di Poggio Grosso (2) - 10,8 km; 6%
Punta della Rotta (2) - 13,7 km; 6,7%
Col de Verde (3) - 11,8 km; 4,3%
Crête de Chufidu (2) - 10,1 km; 6,6%
Col de Sorba (2) - 9,2 km; 7%
Col de Vizzavona (3) - 6,3 km; 5,7%
Col de Scalella (1) - 11,4 km; 7,1%
Col de Ciano (3) - 3,1 km; 7,8%
Station du Val d'Ese (from km 9 on this profile) (1) - 9 km; 7,7%
Sprints:
Zicavo - 67 km
Vivario - 160 km
Propriano:
Station du Val d'Ese (only found decent pic in winter, seems like not many people visit this place; finish is down there near theese houses):
Stage 20: Propriano - Station du Val d'Ese; 225 km
This is undoubtedly a queen stage. I put the longest and hardest stage on the penultimate day so I hope it won't cause conservative riding throughout the other stages.
The route goes up and down all day long therefore there are not many places to rest. At the end of this day cyclists will be knackered and for many it will be hard to finish inside the limit. The fact that it has 10 categorized climbs speaks for itself.
Start is in Propriano and almost immediately comes the first climb of the day and it's first category climb (one of three on the route). Col de Saint-Eustache is the longest climb and one would expect the bunch not to ride hard, knowing what lies on front of them. Hence it should be perfect for an early break to build up advantage on the peloton. We can expect mostly contenders for KOM jersey not conteding for GC in the move.
The key part begins around 80 km before finish. Main group on Col de Sorbe should be significantly reduced with only the best domestiques left. This ascent is followed by Col de Vizzavona and some short flat sections too. From the top of Col de Sorba, it is around 35 km to the base of another tough climb - Col de Scalella. I would expect, that on the top of this climb may be separated from their helpers. And only 27 km are left from the top. Firstly a 10 km descent to Bastelica, where the last stage starts. Then comes short Col de Ciano with some steep pitches. Afterwards brief rather flat section before the final ascent to ski resort Station du Val d'Ese.
If the race wasn't decided before this stage, it will be now.
KOM:
Col de Saint-Eustache (1) - 16,3 km; 5,9%
Punta di Poggio Grosso (2) - 10,8 km; 6%
Punta della Rotta (2) - 13,7 km; 6,7%
Col de Verde (3) - 11,8 km; 4,3%
Crête de Chufidu (2) - 10,1 km; 6,6%
Col de Sorba (2) - 9,2 km; 7%
Col de Vizzavona (3) - 6,3 km; 5,7%
Col de Scalella (1) - 11,4 km; 7,1%
Col de Ciano (3) - 3,1 km; 7,8%
Station du Val d'Ese (from km 9 on this profile) (1) - 9 km; 7,7%
Sprints:
Zicavo - 67 km
Vivario - 160 km
Propriano:
Station du Val d'Ese (only found decent pic in winter, seems like not many people visit this place; finish is down there near theese houses):
Tour touristique de France, stage 14: Millau - Carcassonne (187 km)
This is the second consecutive stage through the massif central, it goes south and just reaches the first foothills of the pyrenees.
Soon after the official start of the stage the peloton passes the viaduc de Millau, followed by some deserted roads through the sparsely populated parc national regional des grands causses. The 2nd category climb to the col de Sié isn't particularly long or steep, but it can provide a launching platform for a breakaway, if it hasn't formed already. The slowly descending road between Lacaune and Mazamet doesn't offer great natural beauty, but the landscape still is easy on the eye.
In Mazamet the 1ste category climb to le pic de Nore will be the last difficulty of the day, before descending to the plain of the Aude river. The stage will finish here in front of the medieval city of Carcassonne.
This is the second consecutive stage through the massif central, it goes south and just reaches the first foothills of the pyrenees.
Soon after the official start of the stage the peloton passes the viaduc de Millau, followed by some deserted roads through the sparsely populated parc national regional des grands causses. The 2nd category climb to the col de Sié isn't particularly long or steep, but it can provide a launching platform for a breakaway, if it hasn't formed already. The slowly descending road between Lacaune and Mazamet doesn't offer great natural beauty, but the landscape still is easy on the eye.
In Mazamet the 1ste category climb to le pic de Nore will be the last difficulty of the day, before descending to the plain of the Aude river. The stage will finish here in front of the medieval city of Carcassonne.
Tour of Three Islands - 21
Stage 21: Bastelica - Ajaccio; 173 km
Final stage can be divided into 3 parts.
First is descent from Bastelica to the coast. Second is big loop including also some challenging ascent. Then there are two loops around Ajaccio. Both are basically around Monte Salario and content 3 small hills. First is 1,5 km long with 10,5% average. Immediately after short descent comes another hill. It's 3 km long at 6%. The last one is 1,2 km long with around 8% average (this is essentially Monte Salario ascent from west). After 3 km in the last loop there is finish line in Ajaccio.
So it wasn't completely true, that the penultimate stage is the last, where differencies could appear. After hard stage the day before, even in the last stage the punchier types of riders might gain some seconds.
KOM:
Pietrosella (2) - 6,6 km; 7%
Col Saint-Georges (3) - 7 km; 6,1%
Sprints:
Ajaccio - 124 km
Ajaccio - 149 km
Bastelica:
Stage 21: Bastelica - Ajaccio; 173 km
Final stage can be divided into 3 parts.
First is descent from Bastelica to the coast. Second is big loop including also some challenging ascent. Then there are two loops around Ajaccio. Both are basically around Monte Salario and content 3 small hills. First is 1,5 km long with 10,5% average. Immediately after short descent comes another hill. It's 3 km long at 6%. The last one is 1,2 km long with around 8% average (this is essentially Monte Salario ascent from west). After 3 km in the last loop there is finish line in Ajaccio.
So it wasn't completely true, that the penultimate stage is the last, where differencies could appear. After hard stage the day before, even in the last stage the punchier types of riders might gain some seconds.
KOM:
Pietrosella (2) - 6,6 km; 7%
Col Saint-Georges (3) - 7 km; 6,1%
Sprints:
Ajaccio - 124 km
Ajaccio - 149 km
Bastelica:
- Feb 20, 2010
- 33,055
- 15,235
- 28,180
Lol, no parade to congratulate the winner for YOU! This could certainly be fun if the GC is still tight, but after a 9-climb monolith the previous day I doubt it will be.
Tour touristique de France, stage 15: Carcassonne - Pla Guillem (144km)
This will be the shortest stage of this tour de France, and there won't be much time to indulge in touristic sights.
The featherweight climbers will await this stage with great anticipation, but first the peloton has to follow the flat banks of the Aude river to Limoux and later to Quillan. The river valley becomes more and more narrow, and soon after the gorges of Saint-Jean the peloton crosses the Aude and starts the climb of the col de Jau, the first climb of the day. The narrow road reaches an altitude of 1506m and then turns into a twisty descent, finishing in Prades. From here, the peloton will have a splendid view on the Pic du Canigou, the highest summit in the eastern Pyrenees.
Instead of staying on the main road, the course follows a narrow mountain road to Vernet-les-Bains, resulting in some nice views.
When leaving Vernet les Bains, the last climb of the day kicks off. It begins at a gentle 5% but soon becomes steeper and steeper. Meanwhile the road surface is quickly detiorating and it would be no exaggeration to say that this road is France's own colle del finestre, 17.2km long @ 9.4% and culminating at 2275m above sea level.
This will be the shortest stage of this tour de France, and there won't be much time to indulge in touristic sights.
The featherweight climbers will await this stage with great anticipation, but first the peloton has to follow the flat banks of the Aude river to Limoux and later to Quillan. The river valley becomes more and more narrow, and soon after the gorges of Saint-Jean the peloton crosses the Aude and starts the climb of the col de Jau, the first climb of the day. The narrow road reaches an altitude of 1506m and then turns into a twisty descent, finishing in Prades. From here, the peloton will have a splendid view on the Pic du Canigou, the highest summit in the eastern Pyrenees.
Instead of staying on the main road, the course follows a narrow mountain road to Vernet-les-Bains, resulting in some nice views.
When leaving Vernet les Bains, the last climb of the day kicks off. It begins at a gentle 5% but soon becomes steeper and steeper. Meanwhile the road surface is quickly detiorating and it would be no exaggeration to say that this road is France's own colle del finestre, 17.2km long @ 9.4% and culminating at 2275m above sea level.
- Feb 20, 2010
- 33,055
- 15,235
- 28,180
Well, that's a combination that makes my Jau-Mantet double looks pretty tame. What kind of room is there at the summit of this one? Why does the Tour always insist on not using any of the French-Basque or French-Catalan climbs?
- Feb 20, 2010
- 33,055
- 15,235
- 28,180
Back to McQuaid's fantasyland, rather than historic, traditional races...
Stage 3: Umm al-Quwain - Umm al-Quwain, 14,7km (ITT)
Starting outside the old fort and finishing nearby at the municipal park, this shortish chrono takes place on a course consisting of several out-and-back sections in the least populous of the United Arab Emirates, Umm al-Quwain. The route cuts much of the Old Town Area off from the main body of the city, and is absolutely pan flat for its entirety; nowhere can the less adept chronomen limit their losses.
There is some interesting scenery to look at, from the mosque, the Al-ʕarabi Sports Complex, the dramatic façade of the Palma Beach Resort and the imposing municipal buildings. The city is rapidly increasing in size and glamour, but is still far more infected with smalltown charm than most of its neighbours.
Tourists' guide notwithstanding, this is one for the hard and fast time triallists to wrestle control of the race.
Umm al-Quwain:
Stage 3: Umm al-Quwain - Umm al-Quwain, 14,7km (ITT)
Starting outside the old fort and finishing nearby at the municipal park, this shortish chrono takes place on a course consisting of several out-and-back sections in the least populous of the United Arab Emirates, Umm al-Quwain. The route cuts much of the Old Town Area off from the main body of the city, and is absolutely pan flat for its entirety; nowhere can the less adept chronomen limit their losses.
There is some interesting scenery to look at, from the mosque, the Al-ʕarabi Sports Complex, the dramatic façade of the Palma Beach Resort and the imposing municipal buildings. The city is rapidly increasing in size and glamour, but is still far more infected with smalltown charm than most of its neighbours.
Tourists' guide notwithstanding, this is one for the hard and fast time triallists to wrestle control of the race.
Umm al-Quwain:
TdF fantasy stage
Torra - Serra di Pigno; 208 km
When designing the GT I created some good stages, that wasn't included in the final version. Here is one of them. A demanding mountain stage from Torra to Serra di Pigno.
Climbs:
Col de Sant'agostino - 12,5 km; 5,4%
Col de Prato - 15 km; 5%
Col de Bigorno - 15,8 km; 4,5%
Col de Teghime - 7 km; 8,1%
Bocca di San Giuvanni (sterrato for the last 7 km (8,5% average) + 8 km of descent too) - 13,6 km; 7,3%
Cima di Guaita (also sterrato) - 5,4 km; 7,6%
Serra di Pigno - 11 km; 8,5%
Serra di Pigno (other photos - 1, 2):
Torra - Serra di Pigno; 208 km
When designing the GT I created some good stages, that wasn't included in the final version. Here is one of them. A demanding mountain stage from Torra to Serra di Pigno.
Climbs:
Col de Sant'agostino - 12,5 km; 5,4%
Col de Prato - 15 km; 5%
Col de Bigorno - 15,8 km; 4,5%
Col de Teghime - 7 km; 8,1%
Bocca di San Giuvanni (sterrato for the last 7 km (8,5% average) + 8 km of descent too) - 13,6 km; 7,3%
Cima di Guaita (also sterrato) - 5,4 km; 7,6%
Serra di Pigno - 11 km; 8,5%
Serra di Pigno (other photos - 1, 2):
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