By Andrew Matranga
This grandest of Tours takes its southwesterly swing from the Alps and points its nose toward the final showdown in the Pyrenees. At 210.5 km this stage, the race’s third longest, could give the GC contenders fits. The principal difficulty is the Côte de la Croix-Neuve (AKA, Montée Laurent Jalabert), that leads to the finish.
But first, there is challenging terrain and conditions as the race rides through the Massif Central. This is a stage that will test both the sprinters and the climbers. And, there will be heat–plenty of it. Look for the first sprint in Mariac to be hotly contested by Petacchi and Hushovd, as they are one-two in the running for the green jersey. Then the 13.7 km climb to the Suc de Montivernoux begins and the riders take a rolling course before descending into the valley along the Le Lot River.
The steep finish will further separate the climbers from the rest of the field–that is, if the climbers are well paced to the foot of this 3km ascent and allowed to burn matches. It’s a short hill climb, but super-pitched at near 10% grade. Starting in Mende proper at the Rue des Écoles, the first kilometer weighs in at 8.3% and then tilts up to 10.5% in the second kilometer before punching out at 10.9% at the top.
Bonus Coverage
The Tour in 3D: You can view the entire Tour de France in 3D, zooming in on each killer climb and screaming descent, by checking the ride report and clicking “Download to Google Earth” (software required). It’s a whole new way to see these mountains up close from the comfort of your desk.
Here are two rides from our map contributors that pack in some rolling hills and worthy climbs.
Seattle, WA: Kitsap Peninsula
Ferry from Seattle to explore Kitsap Peninsula’s lonely country roads on this 78-miler featuring two mean climbs and stunning panoramas of Olympic National Park.
New York, NY: 9W to The Runcible Spoon
If 9W is one of the most popular routes for New York City cyclists looking to escape Manhattan, then the Runcible Spoon is their most rewarding destination.