5 Mountain Stages that Could Make or Break the Tour
In terms of bicycle racing, a stage (also known as a leg or a heat) is an individual unit of the overall race itself. Stages are usually seen in multi-day races and are broken down into several parts based on things like distance to be covered. Cycling stages are typically one day each, with each day featuring its own challenges. Some stages, particularly those in mountain tours, are so demanding that they test the endurance and ability of even the strongest cycler. Here are 5 such mountain stages that could make or break the tour.
Mâcon to Bellegarde-sur-Valserine
This stage, number 10 in the tour, offers climbers the chance to make up any time they may have lost in the previous time trial stage. But if they want it, the competitors will have to work for it because stage 10 covers 194km and features a grueling 20km ascent that brings bikers to an altitude of 1501m. The route runs through the big mountain pass of Col du Grand Colombier and is most certainly a test of endurance. If you can tackle this pass on Discover France’s Alpes Challenging Tour, you will know exactly how the 2012 Tour participants feel.
Albertville to La Toussuire – Les Sybelles
Covering a distance of 140km, this stage (number 11) presents cyclists with back to back 2000m climbs, enough to challenge even the most seasoned competitor. The first climb, Col de la Madeleine, brings cyclists to the 2000m high summit at the 40km mark of the stage. Then it’s immediately on to the second climb, Col de la Croix de Fer, which appears right after la Madeleine’s decent. This climb pushes bikers upward to an altitude of 2067m. Etape du Tour competitors will face these mountains as they complete a full stage of the TDF. So arduous is this stage that it has the potential to single out possible winners of the 2012 TDF and leave finishers of the Etape with a lifetime of bragging rights.
Limoux to Foix
This stage kicks off the Pyrenean series of the tour and covers a distance of 192km. It is the 14th stage of the race and features two incredibly steep climbs that reach gradients of a grueling 14%. These two challenging climbs are called Port de Lers, at 1517m, and Mur de Péguère, at 1375m, steep slopes that will undoubtedly reveal the fittest competitors of the race.
Pau to Bagnères-de-Luchon
Stage 16 of this tour stretches on for 197km and features four significant climbs sure to challenge even the strongest cyclers. The climbs that are the most strenuous are known as the Tourmalet, the Aspin, the Aubisque and the Peyresourde. Only those with the most powerful leg muscles will win out on these ascents and those proudly boasting yellow jerseys risk losing their position in the race during this stretch, with four grueling days remaining. This stage has already developed a reputation as one of the toughest stages in the 2012 Tour, so we wouldn’t they make it the 2nd Etape du Tour open to the public.
Bagnères-de-Luchon to Peyragudes
This stage, number 17, is the last high mountain stage in the tour. That means it is the leg of the race that will most likely reveal the tour’s winner. Stretching on for 144km, competitors must power on tirelessly if they hope to finish on top. The key is to start out strong and keep pushing onward with everything you’ve got to ascend the steepest slope of the Col de Menté, continue on to Col des Ares and finally charge toward the summit of Port de Balès to reach the coveted red pennant. With so much at stake and such a demanding conclusion, no racer is out of danger during this stage.
Competitive cycling, as with any race, is not for the faint of heart. Only the fittest competitors who can power their way through some the most difficult climbs on earth will come out on top and be able to say they are victorious. The five stages listed here can make or break the tour and will most certainly separate the winners from the losers and prove who has what it takes to be a champion! Participants on Discover France TDF Cycling Tours have the opportunity to ride all or a portion of these select Tour stages. Are you up for the challenge?
