It could be a lap of the bugatti circuit and then leave at La Chappelle on the second lap and then at that point join the proper one. But I don't know the circuit well enough to say if that's actually possible or if they just open up that junction for races.
- May 15, 2011
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I have no idea guys 
https://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/133592
here on the map you can see the route, I don't know if it's feasible
https://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/133592
here on the map you can see the route, I don't know if it's feasible
- May 15, 2011
- 45,171
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Stage 13: Pau > Superbagnères - 208km - high mountains
https://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/133613
We have the first really tough mountain stage as the race enters the Pyrenees. We often see stages between Pau and Bagnères-de-Luchon, but I wanted to do a non-traditional stage, so I didn't include Peyresourde, Tourmalet or Port de Balès and went for an uphill finish at the Station de Superbagnères. Superbagnères was used as a MTF 6 times before in the Tour de France, but the last time was in 1989. Interestingly, just this morning I read a rumor on twitter that the 2018 Tour could return to this mountain.
With 4500 meters of vertical gain, this is one of the hardest mountain stages of the race and at 208km it is also the longest. The first half of the stage is pretty easy with just a 4th category hill, 10km at a measly 3% average, but the second half features the 3rd category Col des Ares, 1st category Col de Menté and Col du Portillon and of course the HC Superbagnères climb.
The climbs:
Côte de Capvern (4th Category, 580 m, 10.5 Km at 2.9%, Km 71.7)
Col des Ares (3rd Category, 795 m, 6.9 Km at 4.9%, Km 116.2)
Col de Menté (1st Category, 1338 m, 7.0 Km at 7.8%, Km 144.4)
Col du Portillon (1st Category, 1285 m, 8.2 Km at 6.9%, Km 181.8)
Superbagnères (Hors Catégorie, 1784 m, 16.7 Km at 6.7%, Arrive)
Col des Ares
Col de Menté (from Sengouagnet)
Col du Portillon
Superbagnères, the average % for the entire climb isn't very high but the final 5-6km are at more than 8% average
Col de Menté
Col du Portillon ascent and descent
Superbagnères
Superbagnères summit
Superbagnères climb video impression
https://www.la-flamme-rouge.eu/maps/viewtrack/hd/133613
We have the first really tough mountain stage as the race enters the Pyrenees. We often see stages between Pau and Bagnères-de-Luchon, but I wanted to do a non-traditional stage, so I didn't include Peyresourde, Tourmalet or Port de Balès and went for an uphill finish at the Station de Superbagnères. Superbagnères was used as a MTF 6 times before in the Tour de France, but the last time was in 1989. Interestingly, just this morning I read a rumor on twitter that the 2018 Tour could return to this mountain.
With 4500 meters of vertical gain, this is one of the hardest mountain stages of the race and at 208km it is also the longest. The first half of the stage is pretty easy with just a 4th category hill, 10km at a measly 3% average, but the second half features the 3rd category Col des Ares, 1st category Col de Menté and Col du Portillon and of course the HC Superbagnères climb.
The climbs:
Côte de Capvern (4th Category, 580 m, 10.5 Km at 2.9%, Km 71.7)
Col des Ares (3rd Category, 795 m, 6.9 Km at 4.9%, Km 116.2)
Col de Menté (1st Category, 1338 m, 7.0 Km at 7.8%, Km 144.4)
Col du Portillon (1st Category, 1285 m, 8.2 Km at 6.9%, Km 181.8)
Superbagnères (Hors Catégorie, 1784 m, 16.7 Km at 6.7%, Arrive)
Col des Ares
Col de Menté (from Sengouagnet)
Col du Portillon
Superbagnères, the average % for the entire climb isn't very high but the final 5-6km are at more than 8% average
Col de Menté
Col du Portillon ascent and descent
Superbagnères
Superbagnères summit
Superbagnères climb video impression
- Apr 16, 2009
- 17,455
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Thanks LaFlor.
I always wondered what happened to Superbagnères. The one I remember was from 1986. That one was a monster. Like only 8 riders left going into the last climb. LOL. Hinault attacking like there is no tomorrow. I loved that stage. That one included the Tourmalet. So it softened the legs of the riders before Superbagnères.
I always wondered what happened to Superbagnères. The one I remember was from 1986. That one was a monster. Like only 8 riders left going into the last climb. LOL. Hinault attacking like there is no tomorrow. I loved that stage. That one included the Tourmalet. So it softened the legs of the riders before Superbagnères.
- May 15, 2011
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Re:
Yeah. When researching I thought it was maybe a logistics issue. No one I asked really seemed to know. But now with the rumor for next year that doesn't seem to be the case. Sounded like the mayor of Bagnères-de-Luchon just usually prefers a finish in the city.Escarabajo said:
- May 15, 2011
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Re:
the stuff of nightmares for Chaves, Quintana and the like.
60km... oofbp92 said:Tour de France Stage 8: Périgueux - Bergerac, 60km (ITT)
Climbs: None
The second time trial of the race is also the longest, clocking in at the UCI-mandated upper length limit of 60km. Its starting and finishing towns, Périgueux and Bergerac are very frequently used as stopping points whenever the Tour route passes through the Nouvelle Aquitaine region in western France. The most famous stage featuring these two towns was Stage 9 of the 1994 version of the race; also a time trial, albeit 4km longer, it's remembered due to Miguel Indurain's dominant performance, which would give him the maillot jaune (which he would keep until the end of the race), and the moniker "Tirano de Bergerac" ("The Tyrant of Bergerac").
The stage's route follows the west bank of the Isle river until Mussidan, where the riders cross the river and head east through slightly hilly terrain until the finishing line in Bergerac. The pan-flat terrain along the first half of the stage and the straightforward route overall will make this a pure test of power, particularly among TT specialists. Climbers will likely lose a lot of time here, which they will have to try and earn back through very long-ranged attacks in the mountains if they want to stand a chance in the fight for the GC.
the stuff of nightmares for Chaves, Quintana and the like.
- Oct 4, 2015
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Welp, seems like both Tours got to the Pyrenees at the same time :redface: ...
Hopefully this doesn't get too confusing.
Tour de France Stage 9: Aire-sur-l'Adour - Luz-Ardiden, 171km
Climbs: Col du Tourmalet (Souvenir Jacques Goddet, HC), Luz-Ardiden (HC)
After essentially destroying Colombian hopes and dreams in Stage 8 (and I happen to be from Colombia too... whoops? ), the first sunday of the race will give them a chance to shine.
Stage 9 features a pretty standard mountain stage route, with ascents to two well-known HC climbs in the central Pyrenees.
The first two-thirds of the stage are pretty much flat, as we approach the mountains from the north. Then, the gradient starts increasing gradually as we approach the first HC of this Tour de France.
It's a pretty well-known climb, that doesn't really need that much introduction.
The eastern side of the Col du Tourmalet, while shorter than the western side, is also steeper. It's also the most used in the Tour de France, as there are several well-known summit finishes to the west. The one that will be used is also the closest to the foot of the Tourmalet, with essentially no flat between the end of the descent and the beginning of the final climb.
Luz-Ardiden, like most climbs in the central pyrenees, is a constant, moderately steep ascent, averaging just under 8% throughout. Its hardest slopes come at the middle of the climb, with 3km over 9%, before tapering off slightly towards the end. Hard enough for climbers to start gaining back terrain on their opponents, and for over-specialized TT riders to struggle. The final 50km will be extremely hard, with no flat after the foot of Tourmalet, but unless climbers try something crazy in the Tourmalet's slopes (and, for those looking to "try something crazy", the next stage may be more suitable), the battle among GC contenders should be limited to the final climb.
Hopefully this doesn't get too confusing.
Tour de France Stage 9: Aire-sur-l'Adour - Luz-Ardiden, 171km
Climbs: Col du Tourmalet (Souvenir Jacques Goddet, HC), Luz-Ardiden (HC)
After essentially destroying Colombian hopes and dreams in Stage 8 (and I happen to be from Colombia too... whoops?
), the first sunday of the race will give them a chance to shine. Stage 9 features a pretty standard mountain stage route, with ascents to two well-known HC climbs in the central Pyrenees.
The first two-thirds of the stage are pretty much flat, as we approach the mountains from the north. Then, the gradient starts increasing gradually as we approach the first HC of this Tour de France.
It's a pretty well-known climb, that doesn't really need that much introduction.
The eastern side of the Col du Tourmalet, while shorter than the western side, is also steeper. It's also the most used in the Tour de France, as there are several well-known summit finishes to the west. The one that will be used is also the closest to the foot of the Tourmalet, with essentially no flat between the end of the descent and the beginning of the final climb.
Luz-Ardiden, like most climbs in the central pyrenees, is a constant, moderately steep ascent, averaging just under 8% throughout. Its hardest slopes come at the middle of the climb, with 3km over 9%, before tapering off slightly towards the end. Hard enough for climbers to start gaining back terrain on their opponents, and for over-specialized TT riders to struggle. The final 50km will be extremely hard, with no flat after the foot of Tourmalet, but unless climbers try something crazy in the Tourmalet's slopes (and, for those looking to "try something crazy", the next stage may be more suitable), the battle among GC contenders should be limited to the final climb.
- Oct 4, 2015
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Tour de France Stage 10: Tarbes - Loudenvielle, 224km
Climbs: Ares (cat. 3), Menté (cat. 1), Peyresourde (cat. 1), Aspin (cat. 1), Ancizan (cat. 2), Azet (cat. 1)
The last stage before the rest day takes us into the mountains for the Pyrenees' "Queen Stage". With 224km, 6 categorized climbs (including 4 cat.1 climbs but no HCs), and about 5000m of altitude gain, this is going to be an endurance test for all riders.
This time the approach into the mountains is much shorter, as we start in Tarbes and head east for about 65km before turning into the mountains, taking on the shallow cat. 3 Ares, and the steeper cat. 1 Menté.
Then, the route goes up the Bagnères-de-Luchon valley, before heading west into the (arguably) hardest climb of this stage, the Col de Peyresourde.
After the descent there's a bit of a breather for riders, in the form of 15km of descending false flat, before entering the first of the final 3 climbs, with no respite in between.
First comes the Col d'Aspin, with a profile loosely resembling that of Peyresourde (somethat irregular first half, constant slopes around 8% for the second), albeit a couple kms shorter.
Right afterwards, riders take on the last 8.5km of the western side of the Hourquette d'Ancizan, with two well-defined sections at around 7-8% separated by 1km of descent.
Then comes the final climb, the very difficult Col d'Azet. Its middle section, with constant slopes between 8 and 11%, will likely see some moves from climbers willing to take a gamble... or at least will see weaker uphill riders fall off the pace, as by this point they'll already have over 200km of racing and 4000m of ascent in their legs.
After Azet riders take on the steep and technically-demanding descent down Azet's eastern side, before eventually reaching the finish line in Loudenvielle. This will be the chance for good climbers to get back into GC contention, particularly if they manage to get into a breakaway early into the stage. With so much climbing, particularly in the second half of the stage, controlling a dangerous breakaway will be a challenge. Even if teams succeed at keeping dangerous riders within the main group, there's always the chance for a big move at Azet, where contenders will likely be on their own, particularly if the pace is high throughout.
Climbs: Ares (cat. 3), Menté (cat. 1), Peyresourde (cat. 1), Aspin (cat. 1), Ancizan (cat. 2), Azet (cat. 1)
The last stage before the rest day takes us into the mountains for the Pyrenees' "Queen Stage". With 224km, 6 categorized climbs (including 4 cat.1 climbs but no HCs), and about 5000m of altitude gain, this is going to be an endurance test for all riders.
This time the approach into the mountains is much shorter, as we start in Tarbes and head east for about 65km before turning into the mountains, taking on the shallow cat. 3 Ares, and the steeper cat. 1 Menté.
Then, the route goes up the Bagnères-de-Luchon valley, before heading west into the (arguably) hardest climb of this stage, the Col de Peyresourde.
After the descent there's a bit of a breather for riders, in the form of 15km of descending false flat, before entering the first of the final 3 climbs, with no respite in between.
First comes the Col d'Aspin, with a profile loosely resembling that of Peyresourde (somethat irregular first half, constant slopes around 8% for the second), albeit a couple kms shorter.
Right afterwards, riders take on the last 8.5km of the western side of the Hourquette d'Ancizan, with two well-defined sections at around 7-8% separated by 1km of descent.
Then comes the final climb, the very difficult Col d'Azet. Its middle section, with constant slopes between 8 and 11%, will likely see some moves from climbers willing to take a gamble... or at least will see weaker uphill riders fall off the pace, as by this point they'll already have over 200km of racing and 4000m of ascent in their legs.
After Azet riders take on the steep and technically-demanding descent down Azet's eastern side, before eventually reaching the finish line in Loudenvielle. This will be the chance for good climbers to get back into GC contention, particularly if they manage to get into a breakaway early into the stage. With so much climbing, particularly in the second half of the stage, controlling a dangerous breakaway will be a challenge. Even if teams succeed at keeping dangerous riders within the main group, there's always the chance for a big move at Azet, where contenders will likely be on their own, particularly if the pace is high throughout.
- Apr 15, 2016
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Very nice stages by all at the moment.
Superbagneres is a climb that should be used in Tour.
Also the 60 km ITT reminds me of the 1994 stage where Big Mig crushed everyone.
Superbagneres is a climb that should be used in Tour.
Also the 60 km ITT reminds me of the 1994 stage where Big Mig crushed everyone.
- May 15, 2011
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Gigs_98 said:
You may be right, but my main goal was to shorten and thoughen the long flat/rolling part between the end of the descent of the Grand Colombier and the start of the mont du Chat. Shortening it wasn't that difficult, but thoughen it and keeping the same ascent of the Mont du Chat proved a harder task. By using the intermediate climbs I did, the only option was to climb MdC from the east, and to backtrack over the Col de l'Épine to finish in Chambéry.
Gigs_98 said:
You may be right here too. I tried to alter stage 12, but I didn't find anything that I liked. You can use Aubisque-Tourmalet-Aspin(or Ancizan)-Val Louron before a real mtf at Peyragudes (instead of a hilltop finish). That would probably be a harder stage, but i liked the original more than this.
TromleTromle said:
That stage is beyond repair. You can only make it as short as possible. And I did that by a major shift in start and finishlocations in the final part of my take at the 2017 TdF. I made some starting location a finish and the other way around, so it's the least realistic part of my design.
Stage 16: Embrun - Col d'Izoard: 130km, medium mountains + MTF
Stage 17: Briançon - Serre Chevalier: 203km, high mountains
This stage needs a bit of backtracking, that's more specific to the giro or vuelta. But if you can climb Alpe d'Huez twice in the same stage, this must be possible too.
Stage 18: Briançon - La Mure: 174km, high mountains
Same start as the previous stage, but I'm running out of inspiration.
Stage 19: Romans-sur-Isère - Salon-de-Provence: 229km, flat/hilly
Similar in length and appearnace as the original stage, but with a different start.
Stage 20: Marseille - Marseille: 57km, itt
Proper length itt, more or less a light version of the Sestri Levante itt in the 2009 Giro d'Italia.
Stage 21: Montgeron - Paris: 103km, flat
Leave it as it is. I'm a traditionalist.
rghysens said:Gigs_98 said:
You may be right, but my main goal was to shorten and thoughen the long flat/rolling part between the end of the descent of the Grand Colombier and the start of the mont du Chat. Shortening it wasn't that difficult, but thoughen it and keeping the same ascent of the Mont du Chat proved a harder task. By using the intermediate climbs I did, the only option was to climb MdC from the east, and to backtrack over the Col de l'Épine to finish in Chambéry.
Gigs_98 said:
You may be right here too. I tried to alter stage 12, but I didn't find anything that I liked. You can use Aubisque-Tourmalet-Aspin(or Ancizan)-Val Louron before a real mtf at Peyragudes (instead of a hilltop finish). That would probably be a harder stage, but i liked the original more than this.
TromleTromle said:
That stage is beyond repair. You can only make it as short as possible. And I did that by a major shift in start and finishlocations in the final part of my take at the 2017 TdF. I made some starting location a finish and the other way around, so it's the least realistic part of my design.
Stage 16: Embrun - Col d'Izoard: 130km, medium mountains + MTF
Stage 17: Briançon - Serre Chevalier: 203km, high mountains
This stage needs a bit of backtracking, that's more specific to the giro or vuelta. But if you can climb Alpe d'Huez twice in the same stage, this must be possible too.
Stage 18: Briançon - La Mure: 174km, high mountains
Same start as the previous stage, but I'm running out of inspiration.
Stage 19: Romans-sur-Isère - Salon-de-Provence: 229km, flat/hilly
Similar in length and appearnace as the original stage, but with a different start.
Stage 20: Marseille - Marseille: 57km, itt
Proper length itt, more or less a light version of the Sestri Levante itt in the 2009 Giro d'Italia.
Stage 21: Montgeron - Paris: 103km, flat
Leave it as it is. I'm a traditionalist.
Well you could also downhill the izouard post-agnello (tribute sharkie). And then do a cdf-t/g-les deux alpes (tribute Pantani) next day. Otherwise the options are truly dreadfull.
But looking back -
What (almost) worked: 1. Mdc (biche/gc wasted a bit even though they killed some legs.
2. The dreadfull foix stage
3. Peyra talliade
What didnt work.
Pdf - extended version of mur de huy
Peyragudes as above
The dreadfull alpes.
Heck, even foix would go down the drain when Bertie retires.
- May 15, 2011
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LaFlorecita said:Hmmm... that's 1 of the stages in my fantasy TDFTromleTromle said:
Will keep my mouth shut from now on :surprised:
I don't think the Planche des Belles Filles is that bad. It's a good first, early test for riders: steep, short and irregular; it isn't meant to create enormous time gaps but just a quick shakeup, and as a Stage 5 MTF it's perfect. As long as it's not meant to be the pinnacle of the first week, its a good MTF.
Re:
Well yes but it takes a mountain stage slot!!
Instead we need alps/pyra first weekend. And pdf should be used in a 100-120 km ambush stage between the high mountains..
Brullnux said:
Well yes but it takes a mountain stage slot!!
Instead we need alps/pyra first weekend. And pdf should be used in a 100-120 km ambush stage between the high mountains..
Re: Re:
Agree with you the climb iiself is great - but ASO is abusing everything in their quest for money. And the stage ad duch was just underwhelming this year
Brullnux said:
Agree with you the climb iiself is great - but ASO is abusing everything in their quest for money. And the stage ad duch was just underwhelming this year
- Oct 4, 2015
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Tour de France Stage 11: Foix - Ax 3 Domaines, 142km
Climbs: Garabeil (cat. 1), Pailhères (HC), Bonascre (cat. 1)
After the first rest day, we resume the race at the foot of the eastern pyrenees, in Foix. Stage 11 is short, but features a very tough 3-climb chain in the second half of the stage.
The first climb of the stage, Garabeil, has a very tough middle section, with 3 km at around 9%, but is otherwise relatively shallow. It's only the first of three climbs, though.
The second climb is the HC Port de Pailhères. A long and fairly steep ascent, with gradients oscilating between 5 and 11%, this climb is plenty hard enough for climbers to have the perfect laucnhing pad for attacks. The short length of the stage and its location right after the rest day will make such long-range attacks much less risky.
The final climb is the short and very steep ascent to the summit finish at Ax 3 domains, on top of the Plateau de Bonascre, constantly around 9% gradient except for a small relatively flat section near the top. Should Pailhères not be enough for climbers to get away from their opponents, a move here will help them shave off some seconds from non-climbers. Big gaps are possible, but will likely require a riskier attack from Pailhères, which again turns out to be less risky than usual, due to the stage's short length.
Climbs: Garabeil (cat. 1), Pailhères (HC), Bonascre (cat. 1)
After the first rest day, we resume the race at the foot of the eastern pyrenees, in Foix. Stage 11 is short, but features a very tough 3-climb chain in the second half of the stage.
The first climb of the stage, Garabeil, has a very tough middle section, with 3 km at around 9%, but is otherwise relatively shallow. It's only the first of three climbs, though.
The second climb is the HC Port de Pailhères. A long and fairly steep ascent, with gradients oscilating between 5 and 11%, this climb is plenty hard enough for climbers to have the perfect laucnhing pad for attacks. The short length of the stage and its location right after the rest day will make such long-range attacks much less risky.
The final climb is the short and very steep ascent to the summit finish at Ax 3 domains, on top of the Plateau de Bonascre, constantly around 9% gradient except for a small relatively flat section near the top. Should Pailhères not be enough for climbers to get away from their opponents, a move here will help them shave off some seconds from non-climbers. Big gaps are possible, but will likely require a riskier attack from Pailhères, which again turns out to be less risky than usual, due to the stage's short length.
- May 17, 2013
- 7,506
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Re: Re:
Agree with you the climb iiself is great - but ASO is abusing everything in their quest for money. And the stage ad duch was just underwhelming this year[/quote]
...underwhelming because there was nothing before la PDBF, unlike in '14. It could be made even harder by using the "Ballons Comtois" before Chevreres-PDBF, without making it too brutal, it would make ambushes possible.
TromleTromle said:
Agree with you the climb iiself is great - but ASO is abusing everything in their quest for money. And the stage ad duch was just underwhelming this year[/quote]
...underwhelming because there was nothing before la PDBF, unlike in '14. It could be made even harder by using the "Ballons Comtois" before Chevreres-PDBF, without making it too brutal, it would make ambushes possible.
I apologise to the others doing Tour de Frances right now, but I have one that I quite want to publish soon and I'm going on holiday in a couple of days for a pretty long time so I'm just gonna speed through it now.
Tour de France sans Alpes
The race is based on some of Eshnar's old alps or dolomite-less Giros, but moved to France. I am sure people have done it in the past as well, probably avoiding the Pyrenees too, but I don't know France well enough to go that far so all I could do, for now, is eliminate the alps. It was quite a fun challenge, and I got to really focus on the Central Massif for a couple of stages which produced some nice end products, and some stages in the Jura too. It is mostly based in France, but has two excursions elsewhere (well, four stages in total because the stage following one which ended in a foreign country began in the sameself country) to Spain and France. Anyway, here goes:
Stage 1: Brest - Brest ITT 19.5km
For the first time since 2008, the Tour begins in Brittany. The opening stage is an ITT not too dissimilar to this year's Dusseldorf time trial (or Marseille actually), albeit slightly longer and a bit hillier (about 300m of climbing apparently, which isn't insignificant, but the gradients are never over 5%). There are a couple of technical sections but there are also quite a few straight and wide sections. It should really be for the specialists, and damage limitation for climbers. There is one point crossing over the sea/river mouth the second time where on the bridge there are tramlines, so that will need to be sorted out, but if it is done in Milan it can be done here.
Brest
Stage 2: Le Conquet - Lannilis 148.5km
Ribinoù! Since we are in Brittany, why not take a leaf out of Tro-Bro-Leon's book and make it hell for the riders. There are probably more Ribinoùs on course than I have marked, but it is actually surprisingly hard to find every single one used in Tro Bro Leon because of the lack of decipherable maps that are available on the map. So I have had to make my own using Flamme Rouge and Streetview as guides. But it should give a rough idea, I can't have missed mroe than thre or four sections. Ribinoù sections:
1. Kerastreat Bihan (+++, 1000 m, Km 10.6)
2. Kerascot (++++, 1100 m, Km 18.1)
3. Rue de l'Ancienne Voie Ferree (++, 600 m, Km 42.1)
4. Rue de Ridiny (++, 800 m, Km 55.8)
5. Rue de Cosquer (+++++, 2200 m, Km 63.0)
6. Kerdolan (++++, 1600 m, Km 87.0)
7. Lizouarn (++++, 900 m, Km 98.4)
8.Saint Gildas (+++, 500 m, Km 99.5)
9. Trohonan (++++, 800 m, Km 127.6)
10. Kerouartz (+++++, 1000 m, Km 129.8)
11. Trohonan #2 (++++, 1000 m, Km 140.0)
12. Kerouartz #2 (+++++, 1000 m, Km 142.0)
The stage is pretty short, under 150km, so it should be raced pretty fast. Combine that with the narrow breton roads, the breton wind, and the ribinoù sections, it will be very, very nervy for the peloton. The riders immediately get their first taste of the off road sections, and it should help shake up the race slightly so that a break escapes. As a result of having two sections in the first 20km, a strong break could well get away with riders who may be experienced on the cobbles, or Bretons themselves. There are another couple of sections in the next 40km, but they are not particlarly hard until the Rue de Cosquer, the longest section of the race (ok, a 300m stretch in the middle is asphalted). This will certainly cause a split among the peloton, but as it is more sterrato than farmland and nearly 100km out, it should probably come back together unless a team is feeling very aggressive (with a potentially strong wind as well). There is a tricky middle section with a couple of minor climbs and three sections, although one is only half a kilometre long, which once again could provide action and splits, even if it is pretty far out. Hopefully the upcoming stages will tempt riders to go for it now.
The coast, which will be very visible throughout
Then comes a section right next to the sea, and this hopefully, if all is well, cause some echelons. Then as the riders come back to Lannilis, they take ont he final two sectors, twice. This is where the race should reallt explode, on some very difficult sections. If the race is not broken up the first time, it will be the second time around the circtuit. I believe this is the same circuit used in Tro-Bro-Leon, but I am not completely certain as it was hard to find a good map of it. Cobbled classics specialists should take the stage, and there should be gaps between GC contenders. If it is wet, then they will be 2014 style. If dry, then only 20-30 seconds probably. But it should still be an exciting opening Sunday regardless. The finish is quite technical, with four courners in the final 1km, so let's hope it isn't a sprint.
The Trohonan section. Or Kerouartz. I'm not sure. I think Trohonan.
Stage 3: Morlaix - Lorient 165.5 km
Uneventful flat stage. The finish isn't technical so all good. The start is fairly rolling I guess.
Lorient
Stage 4: Vannes - La Roche-sur-Yon 203.5 Km
Longer, flatter uneventful flat stage. The finish is actually slightly uphill, as you can see from the last 5km profile below. Streetview makes it seem more uphill than that, so I want to say it's a 500m drag at around 3-4%, perhaps slightly more (but shorter). Kittel can still win it, but will be made to work for it.
Last 5km
Stage 5: La Rochelle - Bordeaux 230km
Even longer, flatter uneventful flat stage. It was at this point I realised just how bloody big France is and how hard it is to get from north to south. I apologise for three probably boring stages in a row. It won't happen again (I don't think). However, this one is right next to the coast, so maybe there is a chance for echelons. You never know.
Bordeaux
Stage 6: Biscarrosse - San Sebastian 206.2km
Ahaha! Hills! Climbing! And it only took three and three quarter stages and 750km to get there! Ok, we are in Spain. But the achievment is there nonetheless. The stage is incredibly flat until we get to the Spanish border, where a climb and a descent takes us to Irun. There, the riders climb the infamous Jaizkibel, from the wrong side, before a descent into San Sebastian. The Jaizkibel will serve as a shake up, before the decider of Monte Ulia, a murito which is bloody steep. The Murito is actually further east than Monet Ulia, but the finish is the same, so I called it the same. The road is in good condition, but private towards the top (for some reason) so will need to be opened up. The descent is not very steep at all (I made an effort to pick the longer route so nobody crashed) and not too hard. The finish is on the classic San Sebastian boulevard.
The actual climb I used is about 1km longer, with the second km at about 6-8% average
Tour de France sans Alpes
The race is based on some of Eshnar's old alps or dolomite-less Giros, but moved to France. I am sure people have done it in the past as well, probably avoiding the Pyrenees too, but I don't know France well enough to go that far so all I could do, for now, is eliminate the alps. It was quite a fun challenge, and I got to really focus on the Central Massif for a couple of stages which produced some nice end products, and some stages in the Jura too. It is mostly based in France, but has two excursions elsewhere (well, four stages in total because the stage following one which ended in a foreign country began in the sameself country) to Spain and France. Anyway, here goes:
Stage 1: Brest - Brest ITT 19.5km
For the first time since 2008, the Tour begins in Brittany. The opening stage is an ITT not too dissimilar to this year's Dusseldorf time trial (or Marseille actually), albeit slightly longer and a bit hillier (about 300m of climbing apparently, which isn't insignificant, but the gradients are never over 5%). There are a couple of technical sections but there are also quite a few straight and wide sections. It should really be for the specialists, and damage limitation for climbers. There is one point crossing over the sea/river mouth the second time where on the bridge there are tramlines, so that will need to be sorted out, but if it is done in Milan it can be done here.
Brest
Stage 2: Le Conquet - Lannilis 148.5km
Ribinoù! Since we are in Brittany, why not take a leaf out of Tro-Bro-Leon's book and make it hell for the riders. There are probably more Ribinoùs on course than I have marked, but it is actually surprisingly hard to find every single one used in Tro Bro Leon because of the lack of decipherable maps that are available on the map. So I have had to make my own using Flamme Rouge and Streetview as guides. But it should give a rough idea, I can't have missed mroe than thre or four sections. Ribinoù sections:
1. Kerastreat Bihan (+++, 1000 m, Km 10.6)
2. Kerascot (++++, 1100 m, Km 18.1)
3. Rue de l'Ancienne Voie Ferree (++, 600 m, Km 42.1)
4. Rue de Ridiny (++, 800 m, Km 55.8)
5. Rue de Cosquer (+++++, 2200 m, Km 63.0)
6. Kerdolan (++++, 1600 m, Km 87.0)
7. Lizouarn (++++, 900 m, Km 98.4)
8.Saint Gildas (+++, 500 m, Km 99.5)
9. Trohonan (++++, 800 m, Km 127.6)
10. Kerouartz (+++++, 1000 m, Km 129.8)
11. Trohonan #2 (++++, 1000 m, Km 140.0)
12. Kerouartz #2 (+++++, 1000 m, Km 142.0)
The stage is pretty short, under 150km, so it should be raced pretty fast. Combine that with the narrow breton roads, the breton wind, and the ribinoù sections, it will be very, very nervy for the peloton. The riders immediately get their first taste of the off road sections, and it should help shake up the race slightly so that a break escapes. As a result of having two sections in the first 20km, a strong break could well get away with riders who may be experienced on the cobbles, or Bretons themselves. There are another couple of sections in the next 40km, but they are not particlarly hard until the Rue de Cosquer, the longest section of the race (ok, a 300m stretch in the middle is asphalted). This will certainly cause a split among the peloton, but as it is more sterrato than farmland and nearly 100km out, it should probably come back together unless a team is feeling very aggressive (with a potentially strong wind as well). There is a tricky middle section with a couple of minor climbs and three sections, although one is only half a kilometre long, which once again could provide action and splits, even if it is pretty far out. Hopefully the upcoming stages will tempt riders to go for it now.
The coast, which will be very visible throughout
Then comes a section right next to the sea, and this hopefully, if all is well, cause some echelons. Then as the riders come back to Lannilis, they take ont he final two sectors, twice. This is where the race should reallt explode, on some very difficult sections. If the race is not broken up the first time, it will be the second time around the circtuit. I believe this is the same circuit used in Tro-Bro-Leon, but I am not completely certain as it was hard to find a good map of it. Cobbled classics specialists should take the stage, and there should be gaps between GC contenders. If it is wet, then they will be 2014 style. If dry, then only 20-30 seconds probably. But it should still be an exciting opening Sunday regardless. The finish is quite technical, with four courners in the final 1km, so let's hope it isn't a sprint.
The Trohonan section. Or Kerouartz. I'm not sure. I think Trohonan.
Stage 3: Morlaix - Lorient 165.5 km
Uneventful flat stage. The finish isn't technical so all good. The start is fairly rolling I guess.
Lorient
Stage 4: Vannes - La Roche-sur-Yon 203.5 Km
Longer, flatter uneventful flat stage. The finish is actually slightly uphill, as you can see from the last 5km profile below. Streetview makes it seem more uphill than that, so I want to say it's a 500m drag at around 3-4%, perhaps slightly more (but shorter). Kittel can still win it, but will be made to work for it.
Last 5km
Stage 5: La Rochelle - Bordeaux 230km
Even longer, flatter uneventful flat stage. It was at this point I realised just how bloody big France is and how hard it is to get from north to south. I apologise for three probably boring stages in a row. It won't happen again (I don't think). However, this one is right next to the coast, so maybe there is a chance for echelons. You never know.
Bordeaux
Stage 6: Biscarrosse - San Sebastian 206.2km
Ahaha! Hills! Climbing! And it only took three and three quarter stages and 750km to get there! Ok, we are in Spain. But the achievment is there nonetheless. The stage is incredibly flat until we get to the Spanish border, where a climb and a descent takes us to Irun. There, the riders climb the infamous Jaizkibel, from the wrong side, before a descent into San Sebastian. The Jaizkibel will serve as a shake up, before the decider of Monte Ulia, a murito which is bloody steep. The Murito is actually further east than Monet Ulia, but the finish is the same, so I called it the same. The road is in good condition, but private towards the top (for some reason) so will need to be opened up. The descent is not very steep at all (I made an effort to pick the longer route so nobody crashed) and not too hard. The finish is on the classic San Sebastian boulevard.
The actual climb I used is about 1km longer, with the second km at about 6-8% average
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