Race Design Thread

[Gigs_98]

@Visko

I really like your route. If there is one problem I think it's that the route is maybe a bit backloaded. Your biggest mountain stages are stages 14, 19 and 20 while your medium mountain stages are the stages 3, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15 and 17. Besides that there are two medium length ITT's on stages 6 and 13 and another very hard mtf on stage 5. That means that although you have 7 medium mountain stages only two come after stage 13 and 14 (one of the 2 hardest mountain stages and one of the two ITT's) and the 5 other ones might be wasted since maybe nobody has to attack before stage 13 and 14. Moreover stages 19 and 20 are probably the 2nd and 3rd hardest stages so there is a possibility that all climbers are still not too far behind and will completely save themselves for these two stages. I would therefore prefer it if some of the medium mountain stages would come later. Especially stages 8, 9 and 11 have a great profile but might not lead to action that early.
However these really are no big problems. More likely the first ITT and the first mtf will already cause some big time gaps anyway and there would be at least some action on the medium mountain stages (especially on the ones with an uphill finish)
Oh and actually I just noticed another big problem, the 40 km TTT on stage one. I generally dislike TTT's but I think especially in a route with a lot of hilly terrain and a crosswind stage (btw, I really like that stage) teams will already need enough good rolleurs so I think a TTT, especially at that length, is unnecessary.

Nevertheless awesome route.

 

[Valv.Piti]

I like TTT as long as they are at least 30-40 kilometres long. We need a couple of those monster team time trials back from the 00's in TdF.

Yeah, its an awesome route. Screw the sprinters, who cares about those. A bunch of well designed medium mountain and hilly stages. Reminds me of a better Giro-2015 route.

 

[Gigs_98]

Re:

I like TTT as long as they are at least 30-40 kilometres long. We need a couple of those monster team time trials back from the 00's in TdF.

Yeah, its an awesome route. Screw the sprinters, who cares about those. A bunch of well designed medium mountain and hilly stages. Reminds me of a better Giro-2015 route.

My first association too.

 

[TromleTromle]

Re:

Yeah, its an awesome route. Screw the sprinters, who cares about those. A bunch of well designed medium mountain and hilly stages. Reminds me of a better Giro-2015 route.

Guillen is that you ?
:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[visko]

Re: Re:

Thank you guys!

The Bad:
A slightly backloaded route - with lack of sprinter terrain after restday 1

There are 4 stages for pure fatass sprinters (yeah! screw those!)... but actually 2 of them are in the last week! Lora del Rio 16 and Tabernas 18. Not that Kittel or Cavs would take part in this Vuelta anyway... On the other hand there's plenty of opportunities for the Sagans, Degenkolbs and Van Avermaets of the world. I like those guys better.

The main issue seems to be that's backloaded... and that's fair. But is it that much? Let me explain. The 19 stage to Puerto de Escúllar is a tricky one: after Calar Alto, there's not much there. A long, easy downhill, some flat terrain and a not very steep mountain top finish. You have to go really bonkers on Calar Alto (wich is a monster, and that's the point) to get rid of domestiques... because the stage is short and people will be fresh to limit time losses, came back in the downhill and work from there. It's modeled after the Risoul stage, just shorter with an easier finish. And easier downhill. And a desert instead of snow walls xD.

I mean if I was a climber, I think stages like 11 to Arenas de San Pedro, 15 to Coimbra or 17 to Rute are as good or even better options to gain time without the risk of getting swallowed by a bunch of domestiques.

The Ugly:
Torre... ...it feels weird to go to Portugal after a start in France and Spain has so many special climbs.

I don't like it either when the queen stage of the Vuelta takes place in Andorra or France. But if the queen stage is indeed abroad, I think Portugal is a better choice. Is and unexplored market (the Tour has France and visits Andorra too) with lot's of fans of the sport. That's the purpose of the visit to Portugal. If only there was a Portuguese team, or Rui Costa did something in GTs...

 

[TromleTromle]

@visko

It is a overall a good vuelta - but you should go more flat in Tabernas - and introduce a flat stage between 19/20. plus transform another one in the second week to flat. And start in Bilbao or Girona and it would be almost there.
Nothing bad about the queen stage - good design - just a bit un-Vueltaish to visit both big neighbours (sorry Andorra)

 

[Valv.Piti]

Re: Re:

Yeah, its an awesome route. Screw the sprinters, who cares about those. A bunch of well designed medium mountain and hilly stages. Reminds me of a better Giro-2015 route.

Guillen is that you ?
:lol: :lol: :lol:

Close, Im a clone between Guillén and the mighty ZOMEGNAN

 

[TromleTromle]

Re: Re:

Yeah, its an awesome route. Screw the sprinters, who cares about those. A bunch of well designed medium mountain and hilly stages. Reminds me of a better Giro-2015 route.

Guillen is that you ?
:lol: :lol: :lol:

Close, Im a clone between Guillén and the mighty ZOMEGNAN

That would give us 21 uncategorized murito finishes

 

[Gigs_98]

Re: Re:

Yeah, its an awesome route. Screw the sprinters, who cares about those. A bunch of well designed medium mountain and hilly stages. Reminds me of a better Giro-2015 route.

Guillen is that you ?
:lol: :lol: :lol:

Close, Im a clone between Guillén and the mighty ZOMEGNAN

That would give us 21 uncategorized murito finishes

On unpaved roads

 

[Valv.Piti]

Re: Re:

Yeah, its an awesome route. Screw the sprinters, who cares about those. A bunch of well designed medium mountain and hilly stages. Reminds me of a better Giro-2015 route.

Guillen is that you ?
:lol: :lol: :lol:

Close, Im a clone between Guillén and the mighty ZOMEGNAN

That would give us 21 uncategorized murito finishes

Probably a bit overkill, but something like that, yes... I would never have cancelled Crostis, I can assure you that. In fact I would have denied pussyriders like Jens Voigt to participate in my race so it would never have gone so far.

 

[fauniera]

VUELTA A ESPANA

(Tue) stage 9: Caleta de Fuste - Morro Jable, 152 km

The rest day was used for the transfer to Fueteventura, the second biggest of the Canary Islands. The stage is topographically quite easy and could benefit the sprinters. Attackers will like the small hills towards the end and the climbs in the middle of the stage, especially those in the Parque rural de Betancuria.

The deciding factor could be the wind. Fuerte Ventura means Strong Winds and indeed the island is known to be windy, windsurfing is very popular here. The wind usually comes from the northeast and apparently is stronger from May to mid September; given the usual Vuelta schedule the stage should take place at the beginning of September. The barren landscape with next to no vegetation would leave the riders totally exposed to the wind for basically the entire stage.

Caleta de Fuste

Morro Jable

 

[fauniera]

VUELTA A ESPANA

(Wed) stage 10: Puerto del Rosario - Corralejo, 31 km ITT

The first time trial of the race is a dead flat affair in the north east of Fuerteventura. The specialists will like it, the climbers not so much. Since the wind usually comes from the north-east, and can be quite strong, there could be heavy crosswinds. The second half of the stage takes place in the Parque Natural de Corralejo, which is famous for its sand dunes.

Puerto del Rosario

Corralejo

 

[fauniera]

VUELTA A ESPANA

(Thu) stage 11: Playa de Las Américas - El Tanque, 105 km

Wo do some island hopping, Tenerife is hosting stages 11 and 12. Playa de Las Américas is only some 15 km away from the airport and the stage is very short, therefore the transfer shouldn't be a problem.

The stage starts with a 15 km climb at 6,6%. The climb leads up Teide, but we only use the first half of the climb, then descend back to the coast in a big loop.

The route then goes northwest, following the coast and is pretty scenic. It's a long drag uphill, followed by the short and sharp Degollada de Cherfe (1,2 km at 10%) at km 75.

The descent is steep (3,7 km 11,4%) and very technical.

After two smaller climbs (Cruz de Hilda and Mirador de Barácan) the riders will descend back to sea level.

The finale should make Señor Guillén happy, as it features Cruz Grande, a real gem of a murito. It is 5 km long and averages 10%, but the toughest part at the start of the climb is 2,7 km at 14%! Some sections are likely to be steeper than 20%, like this one for example.

Cruz Grande is gorgeous as well, with its tropical setting, palm trees, 17 hairpins and the view of the ocean.

El Tanque (finish)

 

[May0maniac]

I'm currently working on a Vuelta Ciclista de Jujuy y Salta as an alternative to San Juan and San Luis .

 

[Tonton]

INTRO

Tonton Sport Organization (TSO) presents (drum roll): TdF3.

For this edition, my objectives remain pretty much the same as they have always been: if you remember my first two routes, I always try to cover as much of the French territory as I can so taxpayers get to enjoy it. And hopefully kids get inspired, sowing the seeds of a new generation of French riders. In order to win this Tour de France (a.k.a. TdF), the champion will need to peak for three weeks; not two days, not one week. Of course, I will avoid “Kardashian” climbs and finishes. No Mont Ventoux, no Alpe d’Huez, no Tourmalet, but instead I will introduce some esoteric climbs and several new host towns. Of course, I will feature places of historical significance.

Finally, I like to celebrate current and past riders: not just the immortals, but also the great riders that we have forgotten, and the “also-ran”; some were not that great, but they were brave, and I will tell their story.
I want to be innovative, and offer some “balance” to the course. But let’s make it clear: it’s a very tough Tour de France design, and quite a long one: distance-wise, it’s a 90’s Tour. It’s neither front nor back loaded, it’s just loaded. There’s a lot of climbing, but it’s spread out. There are recovery stages, and three rest days. Overall, I think that it is a realistic design…if you’re open-minded of course.

So welcome to the Pavillon Baltard for the presentation of the next Tour de France, with a few words from newly-elected UCI president Oleg Tinkov and his longtime friend and WADA president Bjarne Riis, who receives well deserved accolades for having cleaned the sport, setting new standards such as the 61% maximum hematocrit rule. 60% is the new clean!

But let’s change of subject before I feel compelled to ban myself…

STATS

21 Stages: 7 Flat Stages – 5 Medium Mountain Stages (including one MTF – Mountain Top Finish) – 7 Mountain Stages (including 4 MTF), and 2 ITT (Individual Time Trial) for a total of 107 km.

First Week-End: 214+198+40= 452 km
Week 1: 218+177+183+224+173+186= 1161 km
Week 2: 263+212+181+197+137+219= 1209 km
Week 3: 200+254+67+227+171+62= 975 km
TOTAL= 3797 km

Average distance per stage: 180.81 km
Average distance per stage without ITT: 194.21 km

KOM - 89 Categorized Climbs – 11 HC, 10 Cat.1, 8 Cat.2, 28 Cat.3, and 32 Cat.4 Climbs. Note: no double points on MTF as it has been done with ASO. Instead, MTF get a one category elevation/promotion, and later in the race climbs may get over-ranked in order to make the KOM competition more intense.

And here it is…

I am posting all the stages back-to-back-to back, starting now. It should take 2-3 hours…

 

[Tonton]

STAGE 1 - PORTO VECCHIO-BASTIA -214 km

KOM: Côte de Santa-Maria-Poggio (Cat.3) 4.8 km @ 6.2%, Côte de Poggio-Mezzana (Cat.3) 3.4 km @ 8.6%, Côte de Talasani (Cat.3) 6.4 km @ 5.1%, Route de Castellare-di-Casinca (Cat.4) 3.8 km @ 5.1%, Côte de Venzolasca (cat.4) 3.2 km @ 5.5%, Côte de Lucciana (Cat.3) 4.3 km @ 5.4%, Col de Santo Stefano (Cat.3) 6.6 km @ 6%, Col de Teghime (Cat.3) 5.5 km @ 5.9%.

Pace e salute! Welcome to Porto Vecchio!

“The Isle of Beauty” hosted the Tour de France once; it was in ’13, with three uninspiring stages. One flat, one with climbs in the middle too far from the finish, and another flat stage: lame, to say the least. Or “meh”, as we call it…

Stage 1, like in ’13, will start in Porto Vecchio (Old Harbor – Portivechju in Corsican) and finish in Bastia. Big twist to come…

Of course, in recent years, Porto Vecchio is known as the host town of the late Critérium International. Its final edition was won by none other than Thibaut Pinot, only second to Merckx for his greatness (I think we all agree), but today gives us the opportunity to celebrate another champion and wish him to enjoy the next chapter of his life. Two-time Critérium International winner (’14-’15), Jean-Christophe Péraud forged his success in ’15 by placing a massive counter-attack on Pinot in the Col de l’Ospédale , winning the day and the general classification. He will be remembered as a one tough cookie, covered with bandages many times, impersonating King Tut, and refusing to die. A simple, unassuming guy, and the silver medalist at the Beijing Olympics in ’08. Brilliant time-trialist, excellent climber, Péraud was the runner-up at the ’14 TdF, and he’s a rider that I will miss.

The first half of the race is flat along a swampy coast that was, until the late ‘40s, a breeding ground for malaria-carrying mosquitoes. A BOD (Break Of the Day) is to be expected, so the sprint in Aléria won’t be an opportunity to assess the top sprinters’ form.

The second half of the race should give us some good racing, with attack opportunities in the many hills overlooking the Méditerranée, like the Côte de Lucciana.

Many small climbs will give aggressive riders opportunities and disturb the sprinters’ trains. How can you possibly form a train, with so many hills and a descent very close to the finish? For the attackers, there could be a winning move to be initiated in the Col de Teghimé, the last climb of the day. The descent to Bastia is steep but not very technical. There is very little flat in the run-in to the finish line, with one difficulty worth mentioning: a 90-degree left-turn with 800 meters to go.

On the eve of day one of our Tour de France, the riders may enjoy the beauty of Bastia, watch the stars above the harbor and wonder: what will tomorrow bring?

 

[Tonton]

STAGE 2 - ST-FLORENT-COL DE SEVI – 198 km

KOM: Côte de la Tête du Chien (Cat.3) 7.6 km @ 5.6%, Col de Sévi (HC) 21.8 km@ 5.3%.

Much tension is to be expected as the riders board their team buses on the way to the start of Stage 2 in Saint-Florent. For a non-native, finding your way in Corsica is not always as easy as it should be: after all, shooting at road signs is THE national sport in Corsica (by the way, the bottom-left sign is the direction to St-Florent).

Regardless, Saint-Florent is a beautiful little resort town. In recent times, yachts have replaced the fishing boats; Saint-Florent has become a tourism destination where visitors can enjoy the sea, excellent local food, as well as the proximity of the renowned vineyards of Patrimonio.

This stage design on a (somewhat) long climb will ensure that only small time gaps are recorded: no one will win or lose the Tour today, but if you’re a contender you will have to show up or an inferiority complex may burgeon. And you may want to be ahead of your foes before tomorrow (hint).

Again, the first half of the stage is not too challenging. The road follows the scenic western coast of the island, occasionally venturing inland. The intermediate sprint is located in one of the most beautiful places on Earth: Calvi.

The un-categorized Col de Palmarella will get thighs warmed-up before the feeding station in Osani. After Porto, the riders will face the first true test, the third category Côte de la Tête du Chien (dog’s head). Pick the breed, I would say a Doberman.

This is paradise: enjoy les Calanches de Piana. The calm before the storm…

As we leave Sagone, here comes what is considered as the toughest cycling climb in Corsica. Don’t let the modest 21.8 km @ 5.3% gradient fool you; the first five kilometers are flat. And then the climbing begins at around 6% until mid-climb, with a 14.4% stretch leading to the Col Saint-Antoine. More reasonable gradients follow, and a short descent after the 5 km to go banner brings the riders to the final. And then comes the moment of truth: the slope becomes steeper and steeper. The last 1500 meters are absolutely brutal.

The rider of the day won the Tour de Corse in ’77. He was a very fine rider who never quite fulfilled his enormous potential: his name is Régis Ovion.

He burst onto the scene in ’71, winning the Amateur WRRC ahead of Freddy Maertens and José Luis Viejo. Two weeks later, he dominated the Tour de l’Avenir, winning by an obscene margin. Régis turned pro the following year with Peugeot, and was essentially a super-domestique for Bernard Thévenet for the rest of his career. He won 21 races as a pro, including a stage at the Dauphiné in ’73, the French RR Championship in ’75, and Paris-Bourges in ‘78. Notable placings include 5th at LBL in ’73 (7th in ’76), 2nd of the Trophée des Grimpeurs in ‘80 behind Raymond Martin (that year 3rd of the Tdf and winner of the polka-dot - and ahead of Robert Millar), 10th overall at the ’73 TdF, and 15th overall at the ’74 Vuelta.

 

[Tonton]

STAGE 3 - AJACCIO – ITT – 40 KM

Early in this Tour de France and an Individual Time Trial…wow! Why not? With no prologue or semi-prologue, it’s time to check the form of our contenders, and maybe tip the scales the other way after yesterday’s MTF.

In an attempt to favor riders who peak early in this Tour, it makes a lot of sense. The ones who peak late will have their day in the final week. It’s a straight-forward 40 km ITT, flat, with a short but steep climb rue Henri Maillot (the eastern end of Monte Salario) as the only difficulty, and this is where the second time-check is located.

Before rest day, there’s no holding back. Time gaps are to be expected. Not big enough to seal the deal (there’s a lot more racing before it’s done), but enough for CN forums to go crazy. For sure, a great Sunday of cycling in Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoléon.

The first edition of the Tour de Corse in 1920 was won by a Napoléon, our featured rider, the Corsican Napoléon Paoli. He participated in the ’19,’20, and ’21 TdF, not finishing any of them. This Napoléon gained immortality in the Pyrénées during the Bayonne-Bagnères-de-Luchon stage at the ‘20 TdF when he collided with a donkey and landed on its back. The spooked animal took off running (the wrong way) with Napoléon hanging on for dear life. Back on the bike, Paoli reached the foot of the Tourmalet and began the grueling climb.

A rock detached from the mountain, hit him in the head and knocked him out cold. Napoléon eventually regained consciousness, reached the summit of the Tourmalet in the middle of the night. He was so tired and beat up that he took refuge in a barn and he fell asleep. Paoli missed the start of the following stage and DNF.

 

[Tonton]

STAGE 4 - TOULON-MONTPELLIER – 218 km

KOM: Montée du Vieux Camp (Cat.3) 3.7 km @ 6.9%.

After rest day, we are back in the mainland for Stage 4. The race will start in Toulon.

The city has a deep water harbor. It has been a naval base since antiquity and the headquarters of the French Mediterranean fleet since the 15th century. The Charles De Gaulle calls it home.

The rider of the day grew up just a few kilometers east of Toulon, at La Londe-les-Maures: Richard Virenque. He is one of my all-time favorites. Needless to say he disappointed me, but I (somewhat) forgave him. I remember him, so young, when he became an overnight sensation at the ’92 TdF. He wore the yellow jersey for one day. His smile, boyish looks, and aggressive riding style earned him many fans over the years. We all know his palmarès, the Festina affair (which I alluded to), and the comeback.

This stage design is not revolutionary by any means; the Tour often features a Mistral stage. The wind is coming from the north of the Rhône valley, funneled as it travels southwards, and the result is what we all know: sustained winds, powerful gusts, and the possibility of bordures/echelons. Today, the race may be turned upside down.

Our contenders know it, and the tension is probably growing as the peloton reaches the hills and the intermediate sprint in Paul Cézanne’s hometown of Gardanne.

The road to Lançon-de-Provence offers no particular challenge, overall slightly downhill, with many architectural landmarks along the way, such as the Château de la Barben .

Then we enter the Rhône delta and things get tough. I drew the route to feature as many stretches going east to slightly northwest to maximize the possibility of echelons. When most TV broadcasts begin, we will enjoy horses running wild in the Camargue, riders struggling, as well as marvels of roman architecture in Arles.

Most of the dangers will be over by the time the race reaches the walled town of Aigues-Mortes.

Great TV for us, tough day on the saddle for the peloton: one or more contenders may lose the Tour in the Rhône delta. The finish is in sunny Montpellier.

 

[Tonton]

STAGE 5 - SETE-RIVESALTES – 177 km

KOM: Côte de Palairac (Cat.4) 1.7 km @ 5.7%, Route de Vingrau (Cat.4) 2.8 km @ 4.6%, Pas des Garbes (Cat.4) 2.2 km @ 5%.

Stage 5 begins in yet another gem on the shore of La Méditerranée: Sète, known as the Venice of Languedoc.

After yesterday’s long and (hopefully) windy stage, a shorter, easier day makes a lot of sense. Two intermediate sprints will spice up the stage, located in two towns known for the bitter rivalry between their Rugby teams. Béziers…

…and Narbonne.

The road goes from flat to hilly, as we approach the “ravitaillement” in Albas.

The peloton reaches the 50 km to go banner and a sprint finish seems inevitable. Or maybe not…there are three categorized climbs in the latter part of the stage. An opportunistic attack could be launched in the final 25 km and spoil the party.

Still, my bet is a bunch sprint finish in Rivesaltes, a small town renowned for its sweet wines.

The rider of the day won the only stage ever to start in Sète, Stage 15 of the ’67 Tour. He’s a legend in Germany, as tough a rider as they come. In his career, Rolf Wolfshohl stood on the podium of the cyclo-cross World Championships eleven times, winning three titles.

He is a GT winner, beating his team leader Raymond Poulidor at the (flat-ish – Rik Van Looy was 3rd) ’65 Vuelta. And he won many more races including the ‘68 Paris-Nice. One great Champion.

 

[Tonton]

STAGE 6 - PERPIGNAN-MAZAMET – 183 km

KOM : Grau de Maury (Cat.3) 3.4 km @ 6.9%, Col du Linas (Cat.4) 2.9 km @ 6%, Pech de la Roque (Cat.4) 2.1 km @ 6.3%, Pic de Noré (Cat.2) 13.5 km @ 6.4%.

It’s Thursday and the sixth stage of this Tour de France. Before the week-end showdown in the Pyrénées, the peloton will race from Perpignan to Mazamet: it’s classified as a Medium Mountain Stage.

Perpignan is the capital of the French Catalogne. Like the Basques’ on the other side of the mountain range, the Catalans’ homeland is split by the French-Spanish border. There is a very strong sense of Catalan identity in Perpignan.

Perpignan has hosted Le Tour on 36 occasions, but only 9 times since ‘47. As designs became less of a lap/loop (tour) of/around France and shortcuts became common practice, Perpignan became less of a commodity. The peloton will first head to the northwest, passing through the wine country and a small town fittingly named Latour De France, before reaching the Massif des Corbières guarded by the Château de Quéribus.

Three small categorized climbs could make the likes of Cav’ Man, André le Gorille, and le Beau Marcel think about a quiet afternoon in the grupetto (if or when it forms). Before the “ravito” in Limoux (Blanquette anyone?), the route reaches Rennes-le-Château, center of an old conspiracy theory which led to a blockbuster movie: The Da Vinci Code.

Views of Carcassonne will make for a good broadcast as we reach the final part of the stage.

We can expect skirmishes on the climb to the Pic de Noré: it’s tough enough of a climb. With the favorites unwilling to burn their ammo, one or two Top-10 or Top-5 wishful may attempt to gain a few seconds. The descent to Mazamet has a few hairpins and there’s little flat to the finish.

The rider of the day is obvious… you’d think. Well, thanks but no thanks. No Jaja. Instead, let’s celebrate a rider who won 17 TdF stages, four of them starting or finishing in Perpignan: Jean Alavoine (1888-1943). His record in the TdF? 1909: 2 stages and 3rd overall. 1912: 3 stages and 5th overall. 1914: one stage and 3rd overall. 1919: 5 stages and 2nd overall. 1920: DNF le Tour but 2 stages and 3rd overall in the Giro. 1922: 3 stages and 2nd overall. 1923: DNF but 3 stage wins. Add two National titles (’09 and ’20) for good measure. We can only imagine what his record would have been, if it wasn’t for WW1.

All great actors and artists dream of the perfect ending: Jean Alavoine died on stage, crashing in ’43 while competing in a veterans’ race. RIP.

 

[Tonton]

STAGE 7 - TOULOUSE-GUZET-NEIGE – 224 km

KOM: Col du Bac (Cat.4) 2.4 km @ 6.6%, Col de Montségur (Cat.3) 8.4 km@ 5.9%, Port de Lers (Cat.1) 11.4 km @ 7.1%, Prat-Mataou (HC) 12.5 km @ 6.1%.

In this TdF design, in order to lessen the potential for defensive riding in the Pyrénées and encourage attacks, I decided to avoid consecutive big Mountain Stages. So today offers a one-two punch course, there will be a Medium Mountain Stage on Saturday, and the showdown on Sunday. Now you know what to expect...

Today is Friday, and it’s time for our first Pyrénées stage; there’s no doubt that the atmosphere is not too relaxed as the riders get on the saddle in Toulouse.

This is one of my trademark one-two punch designs. It’s a long stage too. Riders were given opportunities to gather energy leading up to this. And since tomorrow is not a monster stage, let’s get it on!

Today’s intermediate sprint will be contested in Mirepoix. We are in the heart of the Cathar Country. For sure, today we’ll get some breathtaking helicopter views as part of the broadcast. With KOM points at stake, the peloton will face its first test of the day, climbing towards the Château de Montségur, showed here with the Château de Roquefixade in the background.

After more than 170 km, the action truly begins with the ascension of the Port de Lers. Bodies are weakened and the climb is robust.

After a short descent, there’s a little more climbing to the Col d’Agnés. We now enter the final; the gloves are off.

The descent to Aulus-les-Bains is not an easy one by any means, and with no time to rest, the final climb to Prat-Mataou begins. I chose to attach the Cronoescalada track instead of a traditional profile, because average gradient, percentages are misleading here: the descent mid-climb affects the average gradient big time. Look at the colors: a lot of pink. It’s one very tough climb indeed…

One can easily imagine gaps up to a minute: my bet is 20, 30 seconds.

As we reach the Pyrénées, let me introduce to you the rider of the day, the Champion of all Pyrénées, one of Spain’s greatest riders of the late ‘20s and ‘30s: Mariano Cañardo Lacasta (1906-1987) was born in the Basque Country and moved to Catalunya while in his teens. First Spanish winner of the Euskal Herriko Itzulia, a.k.a. the Vuelta Cyclista al País Vasco in ’30, winner of the Volta a Catalunya a record 7 times, Cañardo was also a four-time Spanish National Road Race Champion.

Known for his aggressive riding and complete set of skills, Mariano Cañardo Lacasta also won a Basque stage (San Sebastián- Zaragoza) and finished runner-up in the first Vuelta in ’35.

 

[Tonton]

STAGE 8 - ST-GIRONS-LOURDES – 173 km

KOM: Col de Portet d’Aspet (Cat.2) 6.1 km @ 6.4%, Col de Buret (Cat.4) 1.7km @ 5.2%, Col des Ares (Ct.3) 5.5 km @ 5.2%, Côte d’Aygouas (Cat.4) 2 km @ 7.6%, Côte de Thèbe (Cat.4) 2.4 km @ 5.5%, Col de Mortis (Cat.3) 5.6 km @ 6.2%, Côte de Cazenave (Cat.4) 3.2 km @ 4%, Col de Mazouau (Cat.4) 1.4 km @ 6.5%, Col de Coupé (Cat.4) 3.2 km@ 4.2%, Côe de Couret (Cat.4) 3.1 km @ 5.8%, Col des Palomières (Cat.3) 5.6 km @ 6.4%, Côte de Labassère (Cat.3) 3.8km @ 6.4%, Col de l’Oussouet (cat.3) 3.4 km @ 8.3%.

In recent times, we have very seldom witnessed more than one stage with GC action per mountain range. So hopefully, by squeezing a Medium Mountain Stage on Saturday, we’ll have action both on Friday and on Sunday. And who knows, if we’re lucky, maybe some Vino action today.

So today, Saturday, is a great opportunity for a baroudeur to win a stage. Some pretenders may think that they will be overlooked and place a sneak attack. The leaders may play it defensive, but the race should be entertaining, starting in Saint-Girons.

With 3606 meters of climbing in 173 kilometers, it won’t be a walk in the park, and the riders will realize it immediately. The ascent of the Cat.2 Col de Portet d’Aspet, first of thirteen categorized climbs, will be served as the appetizer. There will be little time for the peloton to enjoy the scenery and the many medieval towns along the way, such as St-Bertrand-de-Comminges.

The foothills of the Pyrénées have been settled for tens of thousands of years. Many caves bear (no pun intended) witness to the lives of our ancestors. Before reaching Aventignan for the intermediate sprint is one of such caves: la Grotte de Gargas, where many artifacts have been found, cave paintings, maybe even the hand print of a relative.

After the Col de Coupé, another cave, la Grotte de Labastide, attests that lions once roamed the plains and hills of Southern France.

The ravitaillement zone in Pruhle offers little reprieve. The route heads to Lourdes via Bagnères-de-Bigorre, with more climbing. It has been up and down all-day: the last climb of the day, the Col de l’Oussouet is short but nasty, and it could be the theater of a skirmish. The lower part of its descent is very steep and its hairpins are very technical. The road gets flat with 5 km to go and the finish in the Holy Town of Lourdes.

Our rider of the day is one of my father’s all-time favorites and one of the greatest pure climbers in cycling history: as such, he gained a huge following. He was Le Roi René (King René). René Vietto won over the heart of the French public in ’34, giving his front wheel to his leader Antonin Magne in the Perpignan to Ax-les-Thermes stage. A picture was taken of Vietto weeping, realizing that he had lost his chances, waiting for a team car that took forever to come.

The next day, Vietto was first over the Portet d’Aspet when Magne crashed. Vietto heard the news, turned around and rode back up the mountain and gave Magne his bike. In that Tour, 20 year-old René Vietto won four stages, the KOM, and finished fifth overall. After three knee surgeries (imagine what knee surgeries must have been like back then), he finished 2nd in ’39, and 5th again in ’47, after wearing yellow for fifteen days.

 

[Brullnux]

None of the images seem to work, Tonton

 

[Tonton]

STAGE 9 - OLORON STE-MARIE-ST-JEAN-PIED-DE-PORT – 186 km

KOM: Pas le Lamayo (Cat.1) 12.9 km @ 7.9%, Col d’Orgambidesca (Cat.1) 8.1 km @ 9.6%, Col de Burdincurutcheta (Cat.1) 8.4 km @ 9.5%, Col d’Arnosteguy (Cat.1) 12.5 km @ 7.2%, Pic de Beillurti (HC) 6.3 km @ 12.6%.

What a beautiful Sunday! I can picture myself, just showered after my morning ride, stretching my aching legs on the couch. Yes, my friends, here is (yet) another Pays Basque stage courtesy of TSO.

I will advocate for a big Basque stage until it happens. This one is the toughest one to date. 5760 meters of elevation, extreme gradients, no prisoners taken: brutal. Domestiques can’t help all the way. Teams will be shattered, we can expect big time gaps, a lot of drama; today’s winner will earn himself a place in the History of the TdF.

The stage begins in Oloron-Sainte-Marie, and there’s not much time to find the racing legs. After 17 km, the peloton reaches Arette and the first of five monster climbs begins towards La Pierre Saint-Martin. KOM points will be awarded near the top, at the Pas de Lamayo (1450m).

After a long descent, the peloton will face the short and steep uncategorized climb to the Port de Larrau before another descent. This one is much shorter, just about two kilometers, and the ascent to the Col d’Orgambidesca begins. This is a gem of a climb; the final seven kilometers are at or above 10%. This one will hurt…

At the summit of the climb, we reach Les Chalets d’Irraty (Col Bargargiak) and the peloton will make a right turn onto the road to Ahusquy. The next twelve or so kilometers are on a narrow (1 ½ car wide) road with short descents and climbs to the summits of the Col d’Iratzabaleta, Col d’Ugatze, Col d’Arhansus, Col Burdin Oatze, and finally the Col Ibarburia (Auberge d’Ahusquy). We now descend towards Bastida and the feeding station. Then it’s time for our next climb, the vicious Col de Burdincurutcheta…

From this side, the Col de Burdincurutcheta is a very demanding climb, and it will take its toll. It was a 1st category climb in ’86 and ’87 with Pensec and Alcala first at the summit. In ’03, the easy side (Cat.3) was used and Hamilton led the field.

After the summit, up above, the helicopter shows the mystic cromlech of Occabé.

The road is not flat at all, with short up and downs to the Col de Sourzay, the Col d’Irau, the Col d’Asqueta, the Col d’Arthe, and then the descent. Game is on.

Before reaching Estérençuby, we abandon D301 and make a left onto D428. This is where a small inn named Artzain Etchéa (the shepherd’s house in Basque) is located. There’s no better stay for a cycling vacation and the food is fantastic. Add to the fare a good glass of wine from nearby Irouléguy, and you are all set.

This marks the beginning of the final, which for some will be the beginning of the end.

When looking at the profile, Artzain Etchéa is where the green ends at the bottom of the Col d’Arnostéguy. The road gets very steep, very quickly: the average gradient doesn’t give justice to the difficulty of this col, due to the flat-ish part near the summit. But look at these kilometer gradients in the middle of the climb: 9.1%, 9.4%, 9.8%, yikes…what a strectch!

The descent to Arnéguy is both steep and technical. By now, the bodies are tired. The mind is not clear. And there is one more climb to conquer, a nasty, nasty ascent considered as the most difficult one in mainland France: the Pic de Beillurti.

The climb begins with a 400 meter stretch in excess of 20%. A small section at 6% after one kilometer of climbing is the only place to recover…and it’s immediately followed by almost a kilometer at 13.5-14%. The rest of the climb is always at more than 10%, with a 200 meter section at close to 15% near the top.

The road gets back to D128, re-using 500 meters of the flat road at the top of the Arnostéguy. The two-way road “innovation” is very feasible, actually, considering that groups will be very small and the big grupetto very far behind. We can paint a line in the middle of the road to split it, and close the 500 meter stretch to the public.

Cars descending the Col d’Arnostéguy can use the road, and the ones coming from the Pic de Beillurti can ride on the short grass; with very little work, it’s also possible to use the road to the small creek (at the top of the picture), and have the cars take a short cut.

ASO wouldn’t do that, but at TSO, we dare.

The descent to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is steep, not extremely technical, but it will be dangerous: riders will ache, be mentally drained. That’s when mistakes happen.

Bernard Labourdette was born in Lurbe-Saint-Christau, just south of Oloron-Sainte-Marie, in 1946. After a brilliant amateur career, including wins in the first two editions of the Tour du Béarn in ’63 and ’64, Labourdette turned pro in ’69. His best season was in ’71, when he finished 17th at the Vuelta before winning a stage at the Dauphiné. A few weeks later, Bernard won a stage at the TdF, finishing 8th overall. He began the Tour as a super-domestique for Luis Ocaña, but after his leader’s fall in the Col de Menté, he had to step up. Two days later, in front of friends and family, at home in the Pyrénées, Labourdette won his greatest victory. He placed a vicious attack in the Soulor, increased his lead in the Aubisque, and crossed the line in Gourette 1’32” ahead of Merckx, and 1’34” ahead of Van Impe. No less. Chapeau!

The finish is located in the old capital of the traditional Basque province of Lower Navarre, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

Tonight, I can imagine the forums going crazy, Irondan and the mods doing quadruple shots of espresso, working long hours in an attempt to keep passions under control. Some pre-Tour favorites have lost a lot of time, there’s still a long way to go, but as always some will ask: should rider X now go stage hunting or quit and focus on the Vuelta?