It's the general public again, I think. A lot of people automatically rate the stage higher if it's a HC MTF.
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It's the general public again, I think. A lot of people automatically rate the stage higher if it's a HC MTF.
There are few hard constraints, and almost no criticism is in that direction. Sure, I'd wish to see Parpaillon in the Tour, but I don't blame ASO for not moving heaven and earth to make it raceable. I'd wish to see a Tour of more than 4000 km and with no rest days, but I don't cry about that every year.
There are trade-offs, design philosophy, habits etc.
Those are not constants. The Tour has changed a lot, and has over time offered a wide variety of routes. When you pay attention to the routes of the Tour, you can infer intentions and what in a given time is considered as viable options (or just plainly listen to what they say). Several combinations of climbs or novel ascents have been talked about or proposed, and then later featured. Because we mostly consider viable options. Like Iseran-Tignes, Bonette-Lombarde-Sant'Anna di Vinadio and Aubisque-Spandelles.
The previous finishes in Rouen have been boring flat stages. Next year has a hilly finale. Because they actively chose that. The Tour hasn't had a long ITT since 2014 (longest was in 2022 at 40.7 km). Because they have actively chosen that.
There are trade-offs, design philosophy, habits etc.
Those are not constants. The Tour has changed a lot, and has over time offered a wide variety of routes. When you pay attention to the routes of the Tour, you can infer intentions and what in a given time is considered as viable options (or just plainly listen to what they say). Several combinations of climbs or novel ascents have been talked about or proposed, and then later featured. Because we mostly consider viable options. Like Iseran-Tignes, Bonette-Lombarde-Sant'Anna di Vinadio and Aubisque-Spandelles.
The previous finishes in Rouen have been boring flat stages. Next year has a hilly finale. Because they actively chose that. The Tour hasn't had a long ITT since 2014 (longest was in 2022 at 40.7 km). Because they have actively chosen that.
Small cycling fans need not reply
This thread might be relevant to your question
What is the perfect Grand Tour?
Since we spend the last 2-3 months just about each year on discussions related to this topic, I think it would be interesting with a more general thread on the topic. What do we excpect, and what would make us satisfied. I can start with some ideas on what it would take for me to rate a GT route...
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Yeah, I get that. But still next year is a bit overdoing it. They could easily replace 2 of the MTFs with a proper medium mountain stage and either a descent finish or even better; a big climb/small climb as the finish combo. Still would have hade more than enough big MTFs, but added variety and the possibility for more entertaining stage for us true cycling fans.
I know all that and I agree with you. I hate that route.
But I've seen a lot of people saying it's 8 or 9/10 because of the mountain stages.
General public just loves MTF's. And the bigger they are, the better.
I mean, I've seen (a lot of..) people who think that Mortirolo-Aprica stage would be better if it finishes on Mortirolo.
I give it a 7.
I think the pacing is pretty good. If 20-30 kms was added to every stage it would be a 9.
I don't mind having plenty of flat stages; just space them out a little. No more than two in a row. Tick.
Have some punchy stages to create intriguing MVDP type vs. Pogacar type finishers. Tick.
Most interesting medium mountain stage not suffocated by daunting racing after it (stage 10, before rest day). Tick.
Queen stage (18) and hardest MTF before a shorter stage (but multi mountain, potential carnage) and easier MTF. Tick.
Roughly 33 kms of relatively flat ITT. Cross.
The stage 13 MTT may hinder racing on Hautacam a little the previous day, but at least the best pyrenean stage comes afterwards. Stage 15 before the second rest day may also be an interesting hilly stage?
All in all I quite like it.
I think the pacing is pretty good. If 20-30 kms was added to every stage it would be a 9.
I don't mind having plenty of flat stages; just space them out a little. No more than two in a row. Tick.
Have some punchy stages to create intriguing MVDP type vs. Pogacar type finishers. Tick.
Most interesting medium mountain stage not suffocated by daunting racing after it (stage 10, before rest day). Tick.
Queen stage (18) and hardest MTF before a shorter stage (but multi mountain, potential carnage) and easier MTF. Tick.
Roughly 33 kms of relatively flat ITT. Cross.
The stage 13 MTT may hinder racing on Hautacam a little the previous day, but at least the best pyrenean stage comes afterwards. Stage 15 before the second rest day may also be an interesting hilly stage?
All in all I quite like it.
they cut the descent finishes way back in 2022 as well. i think this was probably an overreaction after the 2021 route didn't have a true MTF until like stage 17
i think they just go back and forth on how much descent finishing they like every year or so
Really? One would think that those who know that climb is people who know enough about cycling to realize that that would diminsh the race.
Van der Poel have to be crazy if doesn't put this on the top of his calendar after the Spring Classics next year. Like the WCRR last year, I think he will never have a Tour route that suits him etter. Stage 2, 4, 6, 7 and 11 should fit him pefectly. In addition there are 2-3 possible breakway stages the last week, especially stage 20 to Pontarlier. This is just too good for him to skip.
Two negative points from my perspective:
Looks like a very dodgy opening week, expect crashes, probably mass pile ups.
Those frigging long distances between stage finishes and the next days stage start. Do they never give it a thought, money wins I guess.
Looks like a very dodgy opening week, expect crashes, probably mass pile ups.
Those frigging long distances between stage finishes and the next days stage start. Do they never give it a thought, money wins I guess.
Remember a few years ago one of the GTs was trying to minimize transfers to save CO2? Wasn't it the Tour?
As Ventoux returns next year, are people happy with its use as a MTF. It is very hard to use Ventoux with other climbs as there simply are none of note in the nearby hinterland.
Do you prefer when they do Ventoux twice with a downhill finish in Malaucene.... like in 2021??
Do you prefer when they do Ventoux twice with a downhill finish in Malaucene.... like in 2021??
I'd prefer if they did Ventoux twice with the second ascent being the MTF. No downhill finish.
Yeah, I'm happy with it. Especially since it has been 12 years since the previous finish at the top.
Even better would have been a MTT.
Ventoux just one time, is enough, it's quite fine.
I am more concerned with the fact the will use the wrong side of la loze.
Have it barricaded early enough so they carry their bikes the last part to the finish. LOL
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