Tour de France 2011

The route
Running from Saturday July 2nd to Sunday July 24th 2011, the 98th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,430.5 kilometres. These stages have the following profiles: 10 flat stages, 6 mountain stages and 4 summit finishes, 3 medium mountain stages, 1 individual time-trial stage (42.5 km). 1 team time-trial stage (23 km).
Distinctive aspects of the race

le Galibier climbed twice, 2 rest days, 23 level 2, 1 or highest level mountain passes or summit finishes, no bonuses will be awarded during the intermediate sprints and stage finishes.
15 new stage towns

Blaye-les-Mines, Cap Frhel, Carhaix, Carmaux, Cugnaux, Galibier Serre-Chevalier, Limoux, Modane - Valfrjus, Mont des Alouettes Les Herbiers, Mr-de-Bretagne, Olonne-sur-Mer, Passage du Gois La Barre-de-Monts, Pinerolo (Italie), Redon, Saint-Paul-TroisChteaux
STAGE 1 - Passage du Gois Mont des Alouettes 191.5 km

Saturday 2 July
EN LIGNE - A SPORTING PERSPECTIVE
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : A change of custom It has been a kind of tradition since 1967 that the Tour starts with a prologue. But, as in 2008, we will start with a road stage. We wanted to shake up the teams plans a little bit and change the way they operate. Only 10 riders can realistically contend for victory in a prologue. But each one of the 198 riders could win this stage and pull on the yellow jersey. Three years ago, the race started in Brittany, and this time were starting in the Vende. The route will follow the coast before turning inland towards Les Herbiers and the Mont des Alouettes. This is not an hors catgorie test, but even so its a finish for the strong men. The pure sprinters will struggle. It will suit someone like Thor Hushovd or a puncheur like Thomas Voeckler.
PROFILE OF THE STAGE

Passage du Gois Mont des Alouettes - 191.5 km
MOUNTAIN PASSES & HILLS

Km 191.5 - MONT DES ALOUETTES (LES HERBIERS) 2.2 km climb to 4.7 % - Category 4
SPRINT
Km 87.0 - AVRILL (D949-D19)
PROFILE OF LAST KILOMETERS

PASSAGE DU GOIS LA BARRE DE MONTS
Le Gois by night Julien Gazeau CG de La Vende Stage site for the first time A tidal causeway linking the mainland to the Isle of Noirmoutier in Vende (85) 2, 173 inhabitants (18, 000 in summer)
The Passage du Gois is a causeway joining the le de Noirmoutier and Beauvoir sur Mer on the mainland, via Barbtre, and is submerged by the tide twice a day. Passable by car, bike or by foot at low tide, it is situated close to La Barre de Monts and the resort of Fromentine. This dynamic resort offers visitors a huge range of all-year-round activities, including sailing, sand-yachting, kite-surfing, walking and bike tours, plus the opportunity to visit the Le Daviaud eco-museum in the Vendes salt and freshwater marshland area. From the Pey de la Blet a tower built in the heart of the forest you can enjoy the superb panoramic view of the marshes, the ocean and the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier, while on the seafront, where there are no cars allowed, and no tall buildings to ruin the view, you can enjoy the sight of the unusual seaside villas dating from the early twentieth century. Surrounded by wide, open spaces (seven kilometres of beaches, almost 700 hectares of forest and 1,200 hectares of marshland), the municipality has made the preservation of its environment, and its living environment, a matter of priority. The Tour first visited this truly unique route in 1999. It is a reminder that vigilance is essential from the very beginning of the race for those aspire to win it. Alex Zlle lost more than six minutes there in a mass fall. But this time, the cyclists will only ride on the Passage du Gois as part of the official ceremony to mark the start of the race. In 2005, the bridge was used to link the mainland to the Isle of Noirmoutier, in an individual time-trial that allowed the very young David Zabriskie, 20 years old, to put on the Yellow Jersey for his first day on the Tour de France.
www.vendee.fr
www.fromentine-vendee.com www.vendee-tourisme.com www.otsi-beauvoir.com www.barbatre.fr www.tour-de-france.vendee.fr
MONT DES ALOUETTES LES HERBIERS
Mont des Alouettes by night Ville des Herbiers Stage site for the first time The summit (232m) of Vende (85) near the cantonal subdivision of Les Herbiers (15, 500 inhabitants) Its from the summit of the Mont des Alouettes, next to the windmills, that visitors get their first sight of the town of Les Herbiers. The capital of the Vendes hilly Haut Bocage area represents what has come to be known as the Venden economic miracle. In just a few years, a number of local businesses have become domestic and multinational giants. Boat builders Jeanneau have become one of the biggest manufacturers of yachts and power boats in the world, while CWF Children Worldwide Fashion lead the pack in the distribution of childrens fashion clothing. Through this rapid development, the image of Les Herbiers was just as rapidly transformed, with development based on respect for one another, respect for nature and a focus on innovative architecture. Les Herbiers locals new way of life so original and bold for a town of its size has reaped the rewards in a variety of ways (the green neighbourhood of Val de la Pellinire, the Tour des Arts and the UNs Agenda 21 sustainable development action
plan) and is now the envy of its neighbours. This boldness, a spirit of innovation, perseverance and solidarity all combine to contribute to this success. A true haven of cycling, and already the host of the Chrono des Nations bike race, Les Herbiers is proud to welcome the Tour de France. This place made a name for itself in history due to its decisive role in the Wars of Vende. The commune of Herbiers has been accustomed to welcoming the best riders at the end of the cycling season for the Chrono des Nations since 1982. This time it will have the opportunity to award the first Yellow Jersey of the 2011 Tour de France. The topography of the final stretch should allow for a confrontation between sprinters and puncheurs (strong cyclists with explosive speed which they use on short, but steep gradients with sudden attacks). This 100% Vendeen route, which will pass by Chantonnay just before the stage finish, may well give ideas to Thomas Voeckler, as he was crowned the French National Road Champion there in June. www.vendee.fr www.ot-lesherbiers.fr www.vendee-tourisme.com www.tour-de-france.vendee.fr
STAGE 2 - Les Essarts Les Essarts 23 km

Sunday 3 July
TEAM TT - A SPORTING PERSPECTIVE
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : Team power This team time trial is short and totally flat. We dont want to end up with big time gaps but at the same time we do want some of the favourites to lose time. But on a course like this the gaps wont, in theory, be too big. Each teams time will be taken when their fifth rider crosses the line. This test is all about getting the balance right. Every team has riders who feel more at home in this kind of test and they will have to rein themselves in slightly because the objective is to finish as a group. Some of the AngloSaxon teams make a point of focusing on the team time trial as these tests underline the homogeneity and intrinsic value of the group as a whole.

Les Essarts Les Essarts - 23 km

Les Essarts Les Essarts - 23 km
LES ESSARTS
Saint Peters church from the nineteenth century, constructed on the site of the former Roman church Mairie des Essarts Stage town on one previous occasion 5, 054 inhabitants Cantonal subdivision of Vende (85)
At the heart of the Vende, Les Essarts is both the principal town of the Les Essarts canton and the seat of the community of the Pays des Essarts municipalities, situated at the crossroads of the A83 running from Nantes to Niort and the A87 between Paris and La Roche-sur-Yon. A number of monuments and places of interest have been preserved from its rich history: the twelfthcentury chateau with its Saracen tower, Saint Peters church, reconstructed in the nineteenth century on the site of the ruins of the twelfth century Roman church, and the twelfth-century Roman crypt, which still stands. Built in 1182, it retains its magnificent archways and pillars of the time. This tight community is nevertheless busy and diverse: 90 clubs or societies cater for everyone from sport to culture to leisure to welfare. Culture, in particular, is given priority: Les Essarts boasts a library, schools, a private college and a public college set for completion in 2013. In addition, thanks to an exchange programme, Les Essarts is twinned with the English town of Bicester, near Oxford, and Neunkirchen-Seelscheid, near Cologne, in Germany, helping to cultivate its openness and sense of belonging to Europe. The peloton of the Tour will continue to progress along the roads of Vendee which are symbolic of cycling. The visits of the Grande Boucle (Big Loop) are frequent there, and it was precisely after a stage finish in Les Essarts that the 2005 Tour left the department. Tom Boonen got ahead of Thor Hushovd in the sprint, and then did so again the next day in Tours, which is also a region of sprinters. Another kind of high speed display will be provided on the daily circuit with a team time-trial focusing on aesthetics and performance. www.vendee.fr www.ot.paysdesessarts.fr www.vendee-tourisme.com www.paysdesessarts.fr www.tour-de-france.vendee.fr
LES ESSARTS
Town hall at Les Essarts Mairie des Essarts Stage town on one previous occasion 5, 054 inhabitants Cantonal subdivision of Vende (85) Les Essarts shares an agricultural and industrial economy, situated in one of the most industrialised areas of the Vende, mid-way between the Pays Yonnais and Cholet. Until 1960, the area was essentially rural, relying on traditional agriculture, based on farming and the rearing of Charolais cattle. It was two residents of Les Essarts, the Batiot brothers, who introduced the breed 100 years ago, and the Vende is still considered that cattle breeds second home. The industrialisation of the area began in the 1960s, and today a number of businesses are based in the areas two industrial zones. Slaughter houses, poultry farms, bread-making, dried animal feed, fine leather goods, auto parts and transport are all industries that provide work for 2,500 people. The roads here at the heart of the Vende may now have become motorways, but now as then, Les Essarts is a dynamic municipality, sure of itself and confident for the future of its inhabitants.
STAGE 3 - Olonne-sur-Mer Redon 198 km

Monday 4 July
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : First opportunity for the sprinters We are heading out of the Vende and into Brittany, crossing the Loire via the Saint-Nazaire bridge, which is the high point of this stage. There is no real difficulty and it seems ideal for the sprinters. They will have to take advantage of this opportunity because they are going to realise very quickly that there arent a lot of finishes that suit them. They will have to take care, though: if the wind gets up off the sea, echelons could form in the closing kilometres.

Olonne-sur-Mer Redon - 198 km

Km 143.0 - Cte du Pont de Saint-Nazaire - 1.1 km climb to 4.9 % - Category 4
SPRINT
Km 104.0 - SAINT-HILAIRE-DE-CHALONS

OLONNE SUR MER
The beach at Sauveterre Batrice Lehud Stage town for the first time 13, 600 inhabitants Commune of Vende (85)
Olonne-sur-Mer, situated on the Atlantics Cte de Lumire, is the so-called green lung of the Pays des Olonnes and Venden coast. A seaside resort that attracts an increasing number of visitors, seduced by its natural and peaceful setting, Olonne-surMer is at the heart of a protected nature area, boasting a variety of scenery: wild beaches stretching on for miles, 800 hectares of marshland once farmed for its salt and a forest made up of 1,000 hectares of every imaginable type of fauna and flora. And lets not forget the 50 kilometres of charming bike, horse and walking trails. As many as 180 clubs and societies offer a wide range of entertainment and activities, but Olonne-sur-Mer also harbours a rich history: standing stones, or menhirs, the eighteenth century Pierre-Leve chateau, which survived the War in the Vende, the Notre-Dame church, which dates back to 1000AD, and the Manoir de la Jarrie a fortified manor house from the twelfth century. The name of the initial town which will be hosting a stage of the 2011 Tour for the first time has a familiar ring to it for the races historians. In the 1920s, the neighbouring commune of les Sables-dOlonne, which now belongs to the same Communaut de Communes (federation of municipalities), became a regular meeting place for the Tour. During the thirteen consecutives years when the peloton stopped there, four winners of the Tour dominated the race in les Sables -dOlonne: Henri Plissier, Philippe Thys, Nicolas Frantz and Andr Leducq. www.vendee.fr www.vendee-tourisme.com www.tour-de-france.vendee.fr
REDON
The Redon marina: evidence of the towns rich maritime history

Crdit CCPR.
Stage town for the first time 10,400 inhabitants Sub-prefecture of Ille-et-Vilaine (35) Central town in a region of 60,000 inhabitants, Redon sits on the borders of Brittany and the Loire. A veritable crossroads of waterways, the area has always benefited from the presence of so much water, and is a hub for water sports, such as sailing, canoeing, kayaking and rowing. Its also known for its river fishing, hosting a number of international competitions, as well as being ideal for outdoor pursuits such as climbing, hiking and cycling. Its no accident that next September the Pays de Redon is coorganising the first Outdoor Sports Festival with the Regional Olympic Committee! Redon is also famous for its chestnuts, celebrated every autumn with the Foir Teillouse festival, when thousands of visitors come to enjoy the markets and festivities. Held at the same time, the Festival de la Bogue dOr celebrates traditional music, singing and old tales.
Just two and a half hours from Paris and an hour away from Rennes, Vannes and Nantes by train, Redon is situated at an ideal railway hub, while combining the perfect balance of modernity and tradition. The Tour arrives in Brittany. The peloton will stop in Redon, a town which is part of the regions rich cycling heritage, for the first time. For more than fifty years, a race that is ranked as an Elite National Championship and is popular with the hopes of Brittany has taken place there in spring. Although Redon-Redon is often held on the same day as Paris-Roubaix, the town is also very near Pontchteau, renowned for the events that it organises in the winter for the best cyclo-cross riders. French and even World Championships for this discipline have already been organised there. www.cc-pays-redon.fr www.tourisme-pays-redon.com www.bretagne.fr www.tourismebretagne.com
STAGE 4 - Lorient Mr-de-Bretagne 172.5 km

Tuesday 5 July
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : Brittanys mountain This stage provides some innovation with a finish on the summit of the Mr-de-Bretagne, which comes at the end of a beautiful but very tough two-kilometre climb. The road rises in such a straight line that even from the bottom the finish is almost visible. Its going to be impressive, with steep ramps right from the bottom. But even before getting to that point, there is a series of hills in central Brittany where the twisting roads can be a real slog. The riders will have to be on their guard because these could lead to splits in the peloton and, consequently, a surprise or two. What is for sure is that there wont be any sprinters in contention. Look instead for riders in the mould of Philippe Gilbert or Thomas Voeckler.

Lorient Mr-de-Bretagne - 172.5 km

Km 79.0 - Cte de Laz - 1.6 km climb to 5.9 % - Category 4 Km 172.5 - Mr-de-Bretagne - 2.0 km climb to 6.9 % Category 3
SPRINT
Km 92.5 - SPZET

LORIENT
Aerial view of Lorient town centre Yvan Zedda Stage town on 10 previous occasions 60, 000 inhabitants Sub-prefecture of Morbihan (56) Lorient is a true nugget in southern Brittany! The main town in Brittanys third biggest urban area with 200,000 inhabitants, Lorient manages to combine being very much a city of the future while staying faithful to its roots. Here, energy, adventure and modernity combine; Lorient has it all quality of life, dynamism, a huge number of shops and public services. Above all, Lorient is a
seaside town, and its economy relies on the sea, trade and tourism. Base for some of the worlds top sailors, in 2012 Lorient will host the French leg of the prestigious Volvo Ocean Race. Due to its geographical location, and thanks to its marina and easily accessible beaches, Lorient is the perfect sporting and cultural haven. Easily accessed by air or rail from anywhere in the world, each year it welcomes 700,000 music lovers to its Festival Interceltique. Lorient also boasts a large network of cycle paths, with plenty of opportunities to hire a bike, and was voted Frances sportiest city in 2010 by French sports newspaper LEquipe. Voted the most sporting town in France of the year, Lorient, has inspired adventurers bound for prestigious Transatlantic races for a long time. The Breton port has also contributed to the writing of the magnificent pages of the history of the Tour, during the eight stage finishes which have been held there, like in 1960, when a breakaway of four cyclists reached Lorient 14 minutes ahead of the peloton. The winner of the day, Roger Rivire, thus justified his position as the races favourite, which he then lost after a serious crash in the descent of the Col du Perjuret, giving the advantage to Gastone Nencini. In 2006, Sylvain Calzati won his only stage on the Tour in Lorient, on his own. Website of CAP Lorient Agglomration Website of the Tourism Office Website of Brittany www.tourismebretagne.com
MR-DE-BRETAGNE
Mr-de-Bretagne castle Mairie Mr-de-Bretagne Stage town for the first time 2, 200 inhabitants Cantonal subdivision of Ctes-dArmor (22) Right at the heart of Brittany, Mr-de-Bretagne lies on the border between two departments the Ctes dArmor and Morbihan and benefits from its privileged position between the English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean. Principal town of the canton, its name has always been historically linked to that of Guerldan and its dam. Built in 1930, the Guerldan dam was the forerunner for larger alpine structures. This huge basin of water, which swallowed houses, villages and forests in the Blavet valley when it was built, extends for 12 kilometres and covers an area of 400 hectares. Today, this natural site has become an essential destination for sports enthusiasts and fans of green tourism. The surroundings of this stunning area just beg to be explored: hidden pathways, churches and chapels, chateaux, old forges and slate quarries. Rich in heritage and history, Mr-de-Bretagne knows how to perfectly combine tradition, modernity and respect for the environment. Already a part of the Tour de Frances history having featured on the route a number of times, the towns long, straight climb from which the town gets its name mur meaning wall has even gained itself the nickname The Breton AlpedHuez.
Although the town has never hosted a Tour de France stage finish, it has already made an impact on the races history and has even been nicknamed LAlpe-dHuez of Brittany, due to its wall, a long slope in a straight line, which has often risen up on the cyclists route several times in the past. In 1947, for example, it was situated on the route of a time-trial which had the additional difficulty of being 139 km long! On that day, Jean Robic reestablished himself as the pretender to the title before winning two days later in the final stage. www.cg22.fr www.guerledan.fr Website of Brittany www.tourismebretagne.com www.cotesdarmor.fr/tourdefrance2011
STAGE 5 - Carhaix Cap Frhel 164.5 km

Wednesday 6 July
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : Echelon country
Like the previous stage, this one takes place entirely within Brittany with the setting on this occasion in Finistre and the Ctes-dArmor. The stage heads from Carhaix to Cap Frhel through spectacular countryside, with the final 70km alongside the sea. So, once again, the riders will keep an eye on the wind and be aware of the possibility that echelons might form. It will all depend on the weather, but there might be some surprises today. All things being normal, like the stage into Redon, this stage should be won by a sprinter.

Carhaix Cap Frhel - 164.5 km

Km 45.5 - Cte de Gurunhuel - 2.3 km climb to 5.1 % Category 4
SPRINT
Km 70.0 - GOUDELIN

CARHAIX
The public enjoy the Festival des Vieilles Service communication de

la ville de Carhaix
Stage town for the first time 8, 200 inhabitants Cantonal subdivision of Finistre (29) Carhaix is perhaps best known for its Festival des Vieilles Charrues music festival literally the Old Ploughs Festival which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, running from the 14-17 July. Last year, what is Frances biggest music festival welcomed 240,000 people, but Carhaix also hosts a number of other events and festivals throughout the year, including the Festival of Amateur Theatre in May, the Bagadas festival each 14th July (a meeting of bagado pipe bands and cercles celtiques, or Celtic clubs), the Paris-Brest-Paris cycling event in August and the Brittany Book Festival in October. Situated right in the heart of Brittany, less than an hours drive away from the regions major towns, Carhaix enjoys a strategic and somewhat special location between the Montagne Noires the Black Mountains and the Monts dArre. Capital of the richly historic Poher municipality, Carhaix is one of western Frances oldest cities, built more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Considered the economic powerhouse of central Brittany, Carhaix can offer businesses a strategic position. Drawing from a potential workforce of 110,000 inhabitants, the town boasts strong commercial nous, with 250 shops and services. Carhaix also has more than 190 clubs and societies.
In July, the commune usually vibrates to the rhythm of Les Vieilles Charrues, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2011. This is one of the most popular music festivals in France, with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, James Brown, Joan Baez, Peter Gabriel, Manu Chao, etc. Next year Carhaix will also witness the arrival of the peloton of champions of the cycling planet. In recent years, Carhaix has been preparing for the event by hosting stages of the Kreiz Breizh Elite on several occasions. Mathieu Ladagnous in 2005, and Cyril Gautier in 2008, have already raised their arms there as a sign of victory. Website of the Tourism Office Website of Brittany www.tourismebretagne.com
CAP FRHEL
The emblematic Fort La Latte at Cap Frhel, and a listed monument Phovoir Stage site for the first time The peninsula of Ctes-dArmor (22) Cap Frhel, with its 400 hectares of wilderness, is home to one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in France. A heritage site, it is also the largest area of coastal moorland in Brittany. From the
cliffs, the view extends all the way to the bay of Saint Brieuc, Brhat, the Chausey islands, Saint Malo and Granville a truly panoramic view that attracts a million visitors each year! A paradise for sea birds both migratory and non-migratory Cap Frhel is made up of a number of steep cliffs, inlets and fine sandy beaches, beaten by a merciless, but beautiful, emerald sea. There are also a number of monuments steeped in local history, such as the Fort La Latte a mediaeval fortress built from pink sandstone and the 33-metre-high Cap lighthouse, which can be seen from the old GR34 toll road, now the coastal path. Sports-wise, Cap Frhel is perfect for outdoor pursuits: sailing, horse-riding, hiking, golf, fishing... But for those who are looking for something a little more relaxing, then they need look no further than the beach at Sables-dOr-les-Pins! Above all people go to Cap Frhel for a breath of fresh air, but all five senses are invigorated by a visit there. Cap Frhel has a stunning lighthouse that towers above its spectacular cliffs. Cap dErquy and Cap Frhel are part of the Grand Site de France Network (that includes exceptional, fragile, protected and listed cultural landscapes that are both renowned and emblematic). In terms of cycling, the site initially honoured women by hosting a stage of the Womens Tour of Brittany there in 2005. Website of the Tourism Office Website of the Ctes dARMOR Website of the Tourism Committee of the Cotes dArmor Website of the Tourism Office of Pays de Frhel www.cotesdarmor.fr/tourdefrance2011
STAGE 6 - Dinan Lisieux 226.5 km

Thursday 7 July
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : An opportunity for the puncheurs
The Tours longest stage is not flat. Because we are in Normandy, the route is rolling. We will have to wait and see what happens with any breakaway riders. Although its not a wall of 10%, there is a decent climb 1.5km from the finish in front of the basilica in Lisieux. Some good riders are sure to lose contact there because the peloton is bound to split apart. If a breakaway group is still clear, not all of them will be able to stay with the pace at this point. A stage profile of this type does not suit the Tours favourites, and certainly not a pure climber such as Andy Schleck, but will suit a puncheur. Once again, just like the finish on the Mr-de-Bretagne, the qualities of a rider in the mould of Philippe Gilbert will come to the fore on a stage like this.

Dinan Lisieux - 226.5 km

Km 99.5 - Cte de Saint-Michel de Montjoie - 2.4 km climb to 5.9 % - Category 3 Km 156.5 - Cte du Bourg d'Ouilly - 2.7 km climb to 5.6 % - Category 3 Km 197.0 - Cte du Billot - 1.3 km climb to 6.5 % Category 4
SPRINT
Km 131.0 - VASSY

DINAN
Jerzual Ville de Dinan Stage town on 6 previous occasions 11, 600 inhabitants Sub-prefecture of Ctes-dArmor (22) Perched on a hillside overlooking the River Rance, Dinan boasts one Brittanys richest architectural heritages, and doesnt hide its pride for its city walls, with its 14 watchtowers, its four colossal gates and its imposing keep, constructed in the fourteenth century for Duke Jean IV. With its ancient streets lined with fifteenth- and sixteenth-century timber-framed houses with pointed gables, corbelled floors and wooden porches, its Renaissance hotels, its tall Enlightenment period residences, its churches, its old convents and its chapels, Dinan has retained its charm of yesteryear. It is a city which visitors never forget. Steeped in history, it has consistently fought off invaders who have tried to plunder its riches. And mediaeval area of Dinan is a veritable time machine, inviting visitors to follow in the footsteps of such greats as Bertrand du Guesclin, Duchess Anne of Chateaubriand and Auguste Pavie. Dinan is a fine place to lose yourself while walking. The town is the birthplace for the French Womens Champion on many occasions, Edwige Pitel, but its history with cycling began long before that date. Every year, between 1927 and 1931, the Tour stopped in the small port on the banks of the River Rance,
where five different winners were crowned. The Tours last visit there was in 1995, with the start of a stage which finished in Lannion that was won by Fabio Baldato. Since then, the leading cyclists have continued to go to Dinan, for the Ruban Granitier Breton which has since become the Tour of Brittany. www.cg22.fr/ www.bretagne.fr www.dinan-tourisme.com www.codi.fr www.cotesdarmor.fr/tourdefrance2011
LISIEUX
Lisieux basilica G.WAIT Stage town on 3 previous occasions 24, 000 inhabitants Sub-prefecture of Calvados (14) The Pays dAuge, of which Lisieux is the capital, is real Normandy picture-postcard territory a preserved natural environment, and home to horses, cows, cheeses and apple trees, combining everything that the collective imagination of Normandy conjures up, and complemented with a quite exceptional geographical location. Thanks to its position at the heart of the triangle which
makes up Normandys three main cities Caen, Rouen and Le Havre Lisieux is more than justified in selling itself as being at the heart of Normandy life. Its a human-sized town, with easy access to such amenities as a theatre, an aquatics centre, activity halls, a nursery school and access to higher education, combining to offer a privileged lifestyle. Its both a country town, with plenty of parks and open spaces, and a town with plenty of shops, enjoying a good level of tourism thanks to its international reputation as Frances most visited site of pilgrimage after Lourdes. A diverse, dynamic and modern city, Lisieux prides itself on looking after its visitors as well as it does its own inhabitants. The renowned pilgrimage city of Lisieux will welcome the Tours cyclists for the fourth time. In 1964 just like in 1970, the two arrivals which took place there were both after Breton-Norman stages, had a sprint finish and were won by Belgian cyclists, Edouard Sels and Walter Godefroot. During the Tours last visit there in 2006, the race route went in the opposite direction, starting in Lisieux and finishing in Vitr and another sprinter was victorious there: Robbie McEwen, the most Belgian of Australian cyclists. www.lisieux-tourisme.com www.cclisieuxpaysdauge.fr
STAGE 7 - Le Mans Chteauroux 218 km

Friday 8 July
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : How will the yellow jersey play it?
Todays profile is the flattest of this years race and that will probably result in a victory for one of the contenders for the green jersey. Of course, the terrain decides the nature of the route, and in order to get to the Pyrenees from Normandy we have to cross an area where there are no real difficulties. Because of the nature of the stages that have been completed so far, the yellow jersey will not be on the shoulders of one of the races favourites, but it will still be in the possession of a strong team because one of those stages will have been the team time trial. It might perhaps be a Rabobank rider that has it, like Gesink, or an HTC rider, like Martin. But if they are truly determined on contending for the overall title they will no doubt want to pass it on to someone else as quickly as possible. But if someone like Gilbert has it, his Omega Pharma-Lotto team will do all they can to hang to it.

Le Mans Chteauroux - 218 km
SPRINT
Km 192.5 - BUZANAIS

LE MANS
Ple dExcellence sports complex Gilles Mouss / Le Mans Stage town on 7 previous occasions 150, 000 inhabitants Prefecture of Sarthe (72) The Le Mans 24 Hour motor race attracts 200,000 spectators to its circuit each year, and has made the town of Le Mans famous the world over. But sport in general in Le Mans and the Sarthe department attracts more than 100,000 practitioners of all abilities, with access to 1,700 sporting clubs. This is reflected by the huge sports complex, the Ple dExcellence, which brings together a motor circuit, a karting circuit, a racecourse, an equestrian centre, a velodrome and the MMArena the new home for the Le Mans FC football team. Opened at the beginning of this year, the stadium doubles as both a sports arena and a venue for live musical and theatrical events. Just 15 minutes away by tram from the TGV train station, its accessible from Paris in an hour. In addition, both Le Mans and the Sarthes general council remain extremely active when it comes to cultural events, hosting the Festival de lEpau, devoted to classical music, as well as La Nuit des Chimres a summer-long laser light show in Plantagent, the old town area of Le Mans. Thanks to the rich history of the 24 Hours, one of the monuments of motor sports, the prefecture of Sarthe is renowned throughout
the world. It is also the birthplace of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and of Jimmy Engoulvent. Firstly, when he was a small boy, the French cyclist was present when Laurent Fignon won the individual timetrial at the beginning of the 1984 Tour. Engoulvent also saw the peloton pass in front of his family home in July 1988, where JeanPaul Van Poppel outsprinted the daily breakaway, much to its despair, as well as that of Jrme Simon and his young supporter from Le Mans. www.sarthe.com www.sarthe-expansion.com www.lemanstourisme.com www.lemans-unemarque.com
CHTEAUROUX
The Chteau Raoul property of the Indre general council Ville

de Chteauroux
Stage town on 2 previous occasions 49, 000 inhabitants Prefecture of Indre (36) The Chteau Raoul is the name of the towns fifth century chteau, which belonged to Lord Raoul Le Large, and from whom
Chteauroux got its name. The town is also the birthplace of celebrated French actor Grard Depardieu. Chteauroux is a sporting town that boasts 12,000 practitioners across around 50 different sports, with 35 kilometres of bike paths and 193 secure bike parks in which to lock up your pride and joy. Among the towns main sports clubs are the Berrichonne football team, the 2004 French Cup finalists, the elite level Castelroussin 36 triathlon club and the Rugby Athltique Club Castelroussin, who ply their trade in the second division. Situated two hours from Paris, Chteauroux is well known for its metallurgy and farm-produce industries, but also for its expertise in aeronautics, electronics and information technology, ensuring development in the high-tech sectors. The future combines the new HEI school of engineering and an 850-hectare international business park built adhering to the High Quality Environment standard principles of sustainable development. The only two stage finishes that took place in Chteauroux were ten years apart, with the victory of two exceptional sprinters, who together have notched up a total of 27 stages wins. Indeed, in1998 Mario Cipollini was the winner in the prefecture town of Indre. Then in 2008, Mark Cavendish experienced his first stage win on the Tour in Chteauroux. Since then the town has continued to host the Chteauroux-Classic de lIndre, where Jimmy Casper and Anthony Ravard were successful during the last two editions.
STAGE 8 - Aigurande Super-Besse Sancy 189

km Saturday 9 July
MEDIUM MOUNTAINS - A SPORTING PERSPECTIVE
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : An appearance by the favourites
We are starting to get to the heart of the matter now. There is a second-category col, the Croix Saint-Robert, before the finish. The route is lumpy (as you would expect as were in the Massif Central) and will start to take a toll on the legs. However, the favourites rarely lose the Tour on a stage of this kind. But that might happen if theres a lot of action and one of them ends up struggling with some kind of problem. If that does occur, then the race will really be on. That said, its on stages of this type that the sprinters fall back in the overall standings and the favourites climb towards the leading places.

Aigurande Super-Besse Sancy - 189 km

Km 65.5 - Cte d'vaux-les-Bains - 1.7 km climb to 6.2 % Category 4 Km 119.5 - Cte du Rocher des Trois Tourtes - 1.3 km climb to 4.6 % - Category 4 Km 164.0 - Col de la Croix Saint-Robert - 6.2 km climb to 6.2 % - Category 2 Km 189.0 - Super-Besse - 1.5 km climb to 7.6 % Category 3
SPRINT
Km 83.0 - AUZANCES (D996-D4-VC-D4)

AIGURANDE
Place de la Promenade Mairie dAigurande Stage town on 1 previous occasion 1, 700 inhabitants Cantonal subdivision of Indre (36) Principal town of the canton, Aigurande is situated on the administrative border between the Indre and Creuse departments, and has spent a long time playing hide-and-seek between the Marche and Berry regions. With a high point of 440 metres, the municipality enjoys the fresh open air of the lush and varied landscape of the Berrichonne countryside so dear to the writer George Sand. Two rivers the Bouzanne and the Vauvre have their source in Aigurande, and the number of wells in the town remind you that Aigurande got its name from the old Gallic word equoranda, meaning the end of the water. From its past, Aigurande has kept the ruins of its feudal castle, the Notre-Dame church (eleventh-fourteenth century) and the eighteenth-century Notre-Dame de la Bouzanne chapel. But Aigurande is also about living in the present, and boasts a number of shops and small businesses, an ultra-modern printing press and a dynamic environment in which to live. And its looking to the future, too, of course: recent additions to the town include a
new nursery school, a new public services building and a new health centre. The small village of Indre has only been part of the Tour de France route in recent years. But it can already pride itself on the particular link that it has established with Mark Cavendish, who holds the exceptional record of having won 15 stages of the race in three years. Indeed, in 2008 the peloton set off from Aigurande for the 6th stage, just after the first victory of Cavendish on the Tour in Chteauroux. And although it was not mentioned as one of the stages of the 2009 Tour, the races cyclists passed through the village once more on the route between Limoges and Issoudun where Cav raised his arms yet again!
SUPER-BESSE SANCY
Lake Pavin - The 7,000-year-old Lake Pavin is the youngest crater lake in metropolitan, but one of the Auvergnes deepest, most beautiful and most mysterious lakes OT Sancy Stage site on 3 previous occasions Winter sports resort of Puy-de-Dme (63) Part of the commune of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise (1, 700 inhabitants)
This year, the Super-Besse ski resort, in the massif du Sancy, at an altitude of 1,350-1,850 metres, celebrates its 50th birthday. The resort boasts 45 kilometres of ski-run (with nearby MontDores 43 kilometres also within easy reach) and 260 snow canons, as well as offering cross-country skiing. During the summer, its position at the heart of the Auvergne national park opens it up to a host of other sports: horse-riding, fishing, swimming, as well as hiking and mountain biking on the newly improved tracks. And in winter, apart from the skiing, SuperBesse is also home to the final round of the Andros Trophy icedriving championships. Situated seven kilometres down from the resort, the maze of narrow cobbled streets that is the mediaeval and Renaissance town of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise celebrates its rich history. The ski museum here displays a large collection of wooden skis collected from all over Europe, while each summer the Fte des Estives attracts thousands of visitors to watch the Salers cattle being led through the streets to finish up on the plateau next to Lake Pavin. The finish will be judged at the end of a very steep slope as it was in 2008. Thirty years earlier, the Tour first visited Super-Besse, and this marked the start of Bernard Hinaults long relationship with the Grande Boucle (Big Loop). The stage was won by Paul Wellens, but the young French cyclist was already lying in ambush, in second place in the general classification, behind Joseph Bruyre. In 1996, Rolf Sorensen won the second stage of his career on the Tour de France in Super-Besse.
STAGE 9 - Issoire Saint-Flour 208 km

Sunday 10 July
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : Made to measure for a strong man This is a long stage with a very up-and-down profile particularly as it features the Pas de Peyrol and the first-ever ascent of the Col de Perthus. Except for the opening 50km, its just climbs and descents all of the way. Its a real leg-breaker. And if the action really takes off then there certainly wont be 100 riders coming in together to contest the finish. Its the kind of stage that should suit Sylvain Chavanel. Last year he won the stage at Les Rousses in the Jura when there were numerous attacks. On this stage, a group containing one of the races strong guys could get clear, which could in turn set off any number of counter-attacks, especially as a stage like this is never easy to control.

Issoire Saint-Flour - 208 km

Km 43.5 - Cte de Massiac - 3.4 km climb to 6.2 % Category 3 Km 99.5 - Col du Pas de Peyrol (Le Puy Mary) (1589 m) 7.7 km climb to 6.2 % - Category 2
Km 116.0 - Col du Perthus (1309m) - 4.4 km climb to 7.9 % - Category 2 Km 127.5 - Col de Cre (1294 m) - 2.9 km climb to 6.3 % Category 3 Km 139.5 - Cte de la Chevade - 3.0 km climb to 7.9 % Category 3 Km 154.0 - Col de Prat de Bouc (Plomb du Cantal) (1392 m) - 8.0 km climb to 6.1 % - Category 2 Km 193.0 - Cte du Chteau d'Alleuze - 2.0 km climb to 4.9 % - Category 4 Km 208.0 - SAINT-FLOUR Monte des Orgues - 1.6 km climb to 6.1 % - Category 4
SPRINT
Km 178.0 - NEUVGLISE

ISSOIRE
The Saint-Austremoine abbey:a jewel in the crown of the Auvergnes churches Herv Monestier
Stage town on 3 previous occasions 14, 780 inhabitants Sub-prefecture of Puy-de-Dme (63) Issoire is at the centre of a small community near ClermontFerrand, whose architecture and landscape give it a Mediterranean feel, where its rich heritage sits side-by-side with its industrial know-how. The Saint-Austremoine abbey, one of the largest churches in the southern Auvergne, shows off its bright stonework, its colours and ornamental style, while from the top of the clock tower, a fifteenthcentury belfry, visitors are afforded stunning views of the town. Issoire is also famous for its light aircraft industry thanks to the Wassmer family. The APM-20 Lionceau is manufactured here, for example. Alcan is home to the worlds first aluminium-lithium casting factory, while Issoire is also home to major businesses such as Aubert et Duval, Valo, Praxy Bourbi and the Moniot group. On a cultural level, concerts are a regular treat for those living in Issoire, which has welcomed artiists such as rap star Abd Al Malik and singer Thomas Fersen. Summer brings with it festivals for folklore and Roman art, night-time markets and a rugby tournament. A protected nature area (the town has been awarded three flowers for its flower displays and natural environment, and is a candidate to be awarded a fourth), Issoire prides itself on being a warm and welcoming town to all. As it was not situated on the borders of France where the race route typically passed, the region became part of the history of the Tour de France in 1983. Situated south of Clermont-Ferrand, the commune of Issoire has nevertheless hosted a stage finish, which was won in 1983 by Pierre Le Bigaut. Two days later, the peloton left the town for an unusual stage that was won by a rider who crossed the finishing line in 7th place. Indeed, in Saint-tienne, Michel Laurent was the victim of a fall caused by his breakaway companion, Henk Lubberding, 50 metres from the finishing line. In 2005, the peloton of the Tour left Issoire for a stage that was won by Giuseppe Guerini in Puy-en-Velay.
SAINT-FLOUR
The Festival des Hautes Terres, and a concert by Nadau JF

Ferraton.
Stage town on 2 previous occasions 7, 300 inhabitants Sub-prefecture of Cantal (15) The capital of the Haute-Auvergne, Saint-Flour is a lively city served by the A75 motorway. Its unique in that it split between two levels: the upper city on the volcanic plateau of Planze at 900 metres, and the lower city down in the Ander valley. Known as an area of history and art, Saint-Flour boasts a rich heritage, and is home to the fifteenth-century Saint Peters cathedral and the Halle aux bleds a fourteenth-century Gothic church, which has recently been renovated so as to show off its wooden archways, its volcanic rock sculptures and its bright colours once more. Nicknamed The Windy City by the poet Camille Gandilhon Gens dArmes, Saint-Flour plays host all-year-round to a number of festivals. The Festival des Hautes Terres celebrates mountain culture, while la Festa del Pas brings together the world of agriculture. Then theres the Chemin dArt Contemporain, when works of art are displayed around the town, and the Dit dAlleuze festival a night-time spectacle in the heart of the Gorges de la Truyre.
Of the two stages which finished in Saint Flour, that of the 2004 edition remains engraved in capital letters in the history of French cycling. The longest stage of the race that year began in Limoges on Bastille Day and was illuminated by Richard Virenque, who spent part of his day in a breakaway with Axel Merckx, before covering the last 67 kilometres on his own. At the finish, Virenque won his 7th stage victory, and the bonanza of points that he acquired in the mountain stages allowed him to set out to win the polka dot jersey for the seventh time, an all-time record in this discipline. www.cantal.fr
STAGE 10 - Aurillac Carmaux 158 km

Tuesday 12 July
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : A transition stage towards the Pyrenees As the race heads towards the Pyrenees, we will be heading through the Cvennes for two days. These stages are rolling, but lack any significant difficulty. But the heat can take a toll on the riders. The breakaway specialists will be dreaming of victory, as will the specialist sprinters, even though the latter are going to spend the whole day suffering because todays route is not all flat. After the first rest day, those riders who have not had a good first week and think that they wont have too many chances beyond this will be determined to show themselves. However, at the same time, the sprinters teams will not want to let them slip away. Consequently, we could well see this stage finish in a bunch sprint.

Aurillac Carmaux - 158 km

Km 62.5 - Cte de Figeac - 2.3 km climb to 6 % - Category 3 Km 70.5 - Cte de Loupiac - 2.5 km climb to 4.1 % Category 4
Km 99.5 - Cte de Villefranche-de-Rouergue - 4.1 km climb to 5.9 % - Category 3 Km 143.0 - Cte de Mirandol-Bourgnounac - 3.9 km climb to 4.1 % - Category 4
SPRINT
Km 37.5 - MAURS

AURILLAC
The town hall Christian Genot Stage town on 7 previous occasions 30, 000 inhabitants Prefecture of Cantal (15)
While it is known that Aurillac got its name from the word Aureliacum, from the Roman house of Aurelius, during the GalloRoman era, the history of the city really goes way back to 885AD, when it was built by Count Graud. A market town on the doorstep of the Midi, Aurillac remains a town of trade and commerce. While dominated by the craft industry for so long, and home to clog makers, goldsmiths, tanners and copperware manufacturers, it was then taken over by the umbrella-making industry, for which the town has become famous. Today the local economy is characterised by a dynamic network of smaller businesses, covering the farm produce, plastics and communications industries. Aurillac is also often falsely accused of being one of Frances coldest places, but in fact it enjoys an average of 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, making it France 21st sunniest town. Situated in the heart of a perfect area for sport and recreation, it is home to two of the worlds biggest cultural events: the Europennes du Got food festival and the International Festival of Street Theatre. The prefecture of Cantal is also the historical capital of the umbrella manufacturing industry, but in general the Tours cyclists have reached the town without any hitches during the last six stage finishes which have taken place there. Luis Leon Sanchez still has an exceptional memory of the last one, where he won his first stage of the Tour de France in 2008, having left all of his rivals behind in a descent, by using one of his favourite victory tactics. Bradley Wiggins is also a leading figure in Aurillac, since he won a stage of the Tour de lAvenir there in 2005. www.cantal.fr
CARMAUX
Jean Jaurs park Mairie de Carmaux Stage town for the first time 10, 400 inhabitants Cantonal subdivision of Tarn (81) Carmaux was built on a large deposit of coal, where the three rivers the Crou, the Croc and the Candou meet, and at the crossroad of Sgala, the Pays Albigeois and the Pays Cordais. The towns mining industry was later joined by a glass-making industry, for a long period making Carmaux a politically charged area of union unrest. Today, the town has is enjoying a new period of expansion, which includes ambitious projects such as the restructuring of the town centre and the pilot project to replace the roof of the Jean-Jaurs school with one made of solar panels. It is a dynamic town, with more than 80 clubs and societies, and hosts events and festivals all year round, including the Grandes Ftes de la Saint-Privat, the A Fleur de Peau festival, celebrating world music, and the Biennale des Verriers, held every two years at the towns glass museum. Carmaux has also been twinned with Neckarsulm in Germany for more than 50 years, while in 2010 it was also twinned with the Italian town of Porcari.
The commune of Tarn played a decisive role in the history of France: it was after the major miners strike in 1892 that Jean Jaurs was able to win the seat as the deputy of Carmaux, his first term of office as a Socialist Activist. Now all the town has to do is to crown a renowned cycling champion for its first appearance on the programme of the Tour de France. For the moment only the Tour de lAvenir has stopped there. www.tarn.fr www.tourisme-tarn.com www.cc-carmausin.fr www.cc-segalacarmausin.frn www.museeverre-tarn.com www.cap-decouverte.net
STAGE 11 - Blaye-les-Mines Lavaur 167.5 km

Wednesday 13 July
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : An opportunity that cant be missed After this stage the sprinters will not have a lot of chances left to show off their skills. They will have just two stages left on which to shine: in Montpellier and then in Paris with the finish on the Champs-lyses. Thats why their teams will undoubtedly be looking to keep a tight rein on the action, just as they will do on the previous stage. But they will have to watch out. Riders of the ilk of Sandy Casar or Jrme Pineau could try to pull off something spectacular today. The profiles of the stages that follow wont allow them to do that. And, as there will still be a lot of teams that have not won a stage up to now, those that havent will be aiming to make an impression.

Blaye-les-Mines Lavaur - 167.5 km

Km 28.5 - Cte de Tonnac - 3.6 km climb to 4.9 % Category 3 Km 135.5 - Cte de Puylaurens - 4.2 km climb to 3.8 % Category 4
SPRINT
Km 85.0 - GAILLAC (D964-D922-D48-D4-VC-D988-D964D988)

BLAYE-LES-MINES
Chteau de la Verrerie home of the Carmausin federation of municipalities, close to the glass museum Communaut de
Communes du Carmausin
Stage town for the first time 3, 200 inhabitants Commune of Tarn (81) The origins of Blaye-les-Mines date back to the building of a royal country house at the start of the fourteenth century. Its only some time later, in the nineteenth century, that the true destiny of this municipality its coal-mining and glass-making industries would become clear. From this glorious past, the town retains plenty of reminders. The Sainte-Marie mine shaft, for example, built in 1922 and restored in 2008, used to transport thousands of miners and bring up tonnes of coal. Restored to remember the towns mining past, its restoration won Blaye-les-Mines the Grand Prix de Patrimoine in 2009, in recognition of its pride in its heritage. Le Domaine de la Verrerie the old glass-works is today a museum. It had been built by the coalmines owners to diversify its activities and make glass bottles. CapDcouverte, a huge open-pit mine, replaced the underground coal-mines, shifting millions of cubic metres of earth. The huge crater measured a kilometre in diameter, and was 150 metres deep, but has now been transformed into a popular theme park of the same name. Sbastian Minards victory in a stage of the 2005 Tour de lAvenir in this village of the coal field of Carmaux may not have been due to luck. The French cyclist may have drawn inspiration and energy from Blaye-les-Mines to set out to achieve his first victory on the Tour. This may also have been the case for the Estonian rider Rein Taarame, who won the individual time-trial there during the 2008 Tour de lAvenir. www.tarn.fr www.tourisme-tarn.com www.cc-carmausin.fr www.cc-segalacarmausin.frn www.museeverre-tarn.com www.cap-decouverte.net
LAVAUR
Lavaur town centre Mairie de Lavaur Stage town on 1 previous occasion 10, 800 inhabitants Cantonal subdivision of Tarn (81) A town of undeniably rich history, Lavaur takes its name from the Gallic word vobero, meaning a hidden stream. The town has a strong identity, which it has always retained while at the same time always looking forward. Capital of the Pays de Cocagne, Lavaur was always a stronghold of catharism faith before playing host to a bishop for five centuries. The cultivation of woad, vineyards and agriculture all combine to form the identity of what is now a resolutely twenty-first century town, and home to the dermo-cosmetic Centre dInnovation et de Dveloppement des Laboratoires Pierre Fabre. Spanning tradition and modernity, Lavaur offers both its inhabitants and visitors all the amenities of a modern city, while remaining aware of the need to be environmentally friendly. Thanks to the rich social and cultural life it offers, and its shops and amenities, Lavaur allows everyone to feel a real attachment to this town, the national and international reputation of which is becoming increasingly important.
During the unique arrival of the Tour de France in Lavaur in 2001, the Belgian cyclist Rik Verbrugghe went on to win the stage which had begun in Pau following a long breakaway. The peloton then left the Pyrenees, where a famous rider from Tarn called Laurent Jalabert had put on the polka dot jersey. In fact, just a few years before, when the Critrium International was held in Tarn, Laurent Jalabert was successful in Lavaur, in 1995. Although he only finished 3rd in the individual time-trial which was won in the town by Pascal Lance, Jaja had already secured the overall victory by winning the first two stages. www.tarn.fr www.tourisme-tarn.com www.tourisme-lavaur.fr
STAGE 12 - Cugnaux Luz-Ardiden 211 km

Thursday 14 July
HIGH MOUNTAINS - A SPORTING PERSPECTIVE
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : Summit finish in the high mountains The races first major climb, the Hourquette dAncizan, an offshoot of the Aspin, makes its first appearance on the Tour. The riders then head onto the Tourmalet. They descend off that and finish with the climb to Luz-Ardiden, which has not featured in the race since 2003. That year, Armstrong crashed after colliding with a spectator, bringing Mayo down with him. Everyone waited for him, then his foot slipped out of his pedal. But in the end the American dropped all of his rivals and went on to win the stage and give himself a bit of breathing space in the yellow jersey. Following this stage, which is a long one at 209km, the overall classification will become a bit clearer and more structured.

Cugnaux Luz-Ardiden - 211 km

Km 141.5 - Hourquette d'Ancizan (1538 m) - 9.9 km climb to 7.5 % - Category 1 Km 175.5 - Col du Tourmalet (2115 m) - 17.1 km climb to 7.3 % - Category H Km 211.0 - Luz-Ardiden (1715 m) - 1.3 km climb to 7.4 % Category H
SPRINT
Km 119.0 - SARRANCOLIN

CUGNAUX
Rue du Pr Vicinal, Espace Culturel Paul Eluard by night Sylvie

Bascoul
Stage town for the first time 16, 100 inhabitants Commune of Upper Garonne (31) Situated 10 kilometres from the Capitole and central Toulouse, Cugnaux is the sixth biggest town in the Haute-Garonne in terms of population. Half urban, half country town, symbolised by the towns communal gardens, its both a pleasant place to live and to visit, and has roved it, too, thanks to two environmental prizes and having been awarded a flower at the 2010 Concours de Villes et Villages Fleuris an annual competition which rewards French towns floral displays. Cugnauxs strong economy is reflected by the 400 businesses who call the towns 280-hectare industrial zone home. Culture is given equal importance through the Artempo arts fair, the Festimanoir theatre and music festival as well as a programme made up of another 50 arts events through the year. As for sport, Cugnaux home to former footballer Daniel Bravo is also a big fan, with more than 4,000 people regularly taking part, with a sports club which covers 17 sports. Environnent, culture and sport: life is good in Cugnaux. The town is situated near Toulouse, which has often been used by the peloton as the gateway to the Pyrenees. In 1985 for example, a stage was mapped out right between the pink city and Luz-Ardiden. On that day, the wearer of the Yellow Jersey, Bernard Hinault began the most agonizing crossing of the Pyrenees of his career. Weakened by a serious fall three days earlier in Saint-tienne, the leader of the La Vie Claire team lost more than 4 minutes on the winner at the summit, Pascal Delgado and a long minute on Greg LeMond, his team mate and his first challenger in the general classification.
LUZ-ARDIDEN
Luz-Saint-Sauveur: Pont Napolon Office du Tourisme Luz Ardiden Stage site on 7 previous occasions Winter sports resort of the Upper Pyrenees (65) Part of the commune of Luz-Saint-Sauveur (1, 100 inhabitants) Luz-Ardiden (altitude 1,680-2,500 metres) is a resort that caters for everyone. Skiers of all abilities are kept happy thanks to 65km of ski-run, a superb infrastructure, a snow park, two ski schools, bars and restaurants at the bottom of the ski-run and a crche and all that, plus a snow guarantee thanks to 110 snow canons. And just a few minutes from the resort, at the foot of the Gavarnie natural amphitheatre, in the heart of the Nouvielle national park, Luz Saint-Sauveur provides the ideal spot for lovers of beautiful views to take a break and savour the atmosphere in this famous climbing area. Its also the perfect place to be reminded that this is an area where cattle breeders practise their art, so why not titillate your taste-buds with some local lamb. Those interested in old stones may want to explore, via the winding streets, the twelfth-century fortified church of the Templars or the ruins of the tenth-century chteau Sainte-Marie. Or head to the Pont Napolon where thrill-seekers can bungee jump or rock climb on the via ferrata
The arrivals in the Pyrenean resort regularly give rise to brilliant performances and noteworthy surprises. After Bernard Hinaults ordeal in 1985, Claudio Chiappucchi also experienced a few setbacks, while he was wearing the Yellow Jersey in 1990. Following the attack of LeMond, he only had a 5 second lead in the general classification, whereas Miguel Indurain had just won the second mountain stage of his career! It was in Luz-Ardiden, four years later, that Richard Virenques run of luck in the mountains began thanks to his first stage win. And during the 2003 edition, Lance Armstrong had to get up after a fall in the ascent and overcome a series of frights before making it to the summit first. www.cg65.fr www.lamourducyclisme.com www.tourisme-hautes-pyrnes.com
STAGE 13 - Pau Lourdes 152.5 km

Friday 15 July
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : A chance for glory This is a stage that will suit the breakaway specialists, the baroudeurs, who can take some big climbs in their stride, because the Aubisque features about halfway through. Last year, one of the most memorable stages was the one over the Madeleine, with the finish about 30km on from that summit. Once again, if there are plenty of attacks, it will only need one of the favourites to get caught out and his rivals will all react, and we will see a significant change in the overall order. On the other hand, a team leader who has already been struggling could try to go for glory on the Aubisque, because from there the road is all downhill. As there is no summit finish today, the best climbers wont go all out today. They will just stay in the wheels. Other riders, those likely to finish between 15th and 30th in Paris, will contest the victory once the sprinters have been eliminated from todays equation.

Pau Lourdes - 152.5 km

Km 43.5 - Cte de Cuqueron - 1.5 km climb to 8.1 % Category 3 Km 65.0 - Cte de Belair - 1.0 km climb to 8.4 % Category 4 Km 110.0 - Col d'Aubisque (1 709 m) - 16.4 km climb to 7.1 % - Category H
SPRINT
Km 82.5 - BIELLE

PAU
The Pyrnes a symbol of passion and ambition DG / OTC Pau
Stage town on 63 previous occasions 87, 000 inhabitants Prefecture of Pyrnes-Atlantiques (64) Pau Porte des Pyrnes is at the heart of an area of 250,000 strong men and women who share an identity built on peace, sharing and passion. Its an outdoor sports destination with a white-water stadium, Europes oldest golf course and a vast network of hiking trails. You feel close to nature in the town, too, in its many parks and gardens. Its also a favourite cultural destination, with Chteau de Pau a favourite destination, especially when lit up at night, when visitors can enjoy a spectacular walk in its grounds. Its a town fit for a king, and is the birthplace of Henri IV and Jean-Baptiste Bernadette, who was to become king of Sweden. Its also a gastronomic heaven, with a number of delicious local produce: Juranon wine, poultry, foie gras, goats cheese... Lastly, the area boasts a growing economy: geosciences, farm produce, aeronautics and the equine industry are all prevalent. And then theres Pau Broadband Country a co-operative project which supplied Frances first high-speed broadband network. The newly rebranded area of Pau Porte des Pyrnes provides all you need to be seduced for a day, a weekend or a whole lifetime. The capital of Barn was the birthplace of Henri IV. Pau has also played an important role in the history of the Tour de France since the first finish was judged there in 1930, as it has become the races most visited city after Paris and Bordeaux. In total, seven of the Tours former winners have won in Pau. And if the stages that started in the city are also taken into account, it can pride itself as being part of a kind of Grand Slam with the other two cites. Anquetil, Merckx, Hinault, Indurain and Armstrong, the Tours record-holders, also have something in common as they have won stages linked to Pau. www.agglo-pau.fr
LOURDES
Fortified chateau with the Pyrenean museum in its keep E. Bielle Stage town on 2 previous occasions 15, 700 inhabitants Cantonal subdivision of the Upper Pyrenees (65) Lourdes is the third most popular place of catholic pilgrimage in the world after the Vatican and Mexicos Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and is visited by almost six million people each year. Ever since the appearances of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, the city has had to adapt to the needs of pilgrims and visitors by providing quality services and infrastructure. It is served by both a major railway station and an international airport, and only Paris has more hotels. This charming town nestles in the shadow of its fortified chateau (eleventh-seventeenth centuries), which also houses the Pyrenean museum. The area also offers a wide variety of sports and leisure activities: golf, fishing and walking around a huge glacial lake, cycling and rollerblading, as well as downhill mountain biking from the summit of the Pic du Jer, which is accessed via the 100-year-old funicular. Lourdes is also the perfect Midi-Pyrnes base from which to explore the rest of the surrounding mountains in the Pyrnes.
With more than 5 million visitors per year, the city is the third most visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the world. The town celebrated the150th anniversary of Bernadette Soubirous visions of the Virgin Mary in 2008, but the Tour de France only stopped there for the first time in 1948, with the win of Bartali. Although it was the only finish in the town of the former rugby capital (which won the French Championships eight times), four other stages have also finished in the neighbouring winter sports resort of Hautacam. www.cg65.fr www.lamourducyclisme.com www.tourisme-hautes-pyrnes.com
STAGE 14 - Saint-Gaudens Plateau de Beille 168.5 km

Saturday 16 July
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : Will the champion emerge? This is the last of the big Pyrenean stages. There are six tough tests: the Col de Portet-dAspet, the Col de la Core, the Col de Latrape, the Col dAgnes, the Port de Lers and the finish at the Plateau de Beille. These climbs dont have the same notoriety as the Aubisque and Tourmalet, but the cumulative amount of climbing will make for a great stage. At 168km, its short, but there will be attacks right from the start. It is no secret that the big guns will show what they are made of on a stage like this. Note also, that every rider who has previously won at Plateau de Beille has gone on to the win the Tour that same year

Saint-Gaudens Plateau de Beille - 168.5 km

Km 26.5 - Col de Portet-d'Aspet (1 069 m) - 4.3 km climb to 9.7 % - Category 2 Km 62.5 - Col de la Core (1 395 m) - 14.1 km climb to 5.7 % - Category 1 Km 94.0 - Col de Latrape (1 110 m) - 5.6 km climb to 7.2 % - Category 2
Km 109.0 - Col d'Agnes (1 570 m) - 10.0 km climb to 8.2 % - Category 1 Km 118.0 - Port de Lers (1 517 m) - 3.8 km climb to 5.5 % - Category 3 Km 168.5 - Plateau de Beille - 15.8 km climb to 7.9 % Category H
SPRINT
Km 36.5 - ORGIBET

SAINT-GAUDENS
Rieucaz and the Pic de Cagire, five kilometres after the stage start Eric Sentucq
Stage town on 12 previous occasions 12, 160 inhabitants Sub-prefecture of Upper Garonne (31) Saint-Gaudens, the central town in the Pays de Comminges, is the perfect logistical base. Sub-prefecture of the Haute-Garonne, the town benefits from a number of services and amenities backed up by commercial knowledge and expertise. But SaintGaudens and the Comminges are also part of a green area that attracts fishermen to its rives, such as the Garonne; its about the ski resorts with their white gold; its about the hiking and mountain bike trails, and the roads taken by touring cyclists; its about the famous sites of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, the church at Saint-Gaudens, the Montmaurin Gallo-Roman villa, the spa towns of Luchon, Salies-du-Salat and Barbazan Its about leading a cultural and sporting life through the National Centre for Street Arts in Encausse, the Pronomade(s) arts festival, the Comminges jazz festival, the womens International Tennis Open, the International Indoor Trial (motorbike trials riding), Les Pyrnennes, a festival of agriculture taking place every three years at the largest farm in the Pyrnes, the Salon de la Montagne, celebrating Pyrenean culture, and a number of concerts and events. Saint-Gaudens is a town that certainly keeps itself busy! Situated at the crossroads of the different main roads in the Pyrenees, the town has hosted nine stage finishes and ten stage starts, of which the last one was in 2009. For example in 1970, after leaving Saint-Gaudens, Bernard Thvenet secured his first stage victory in La Mongie. Above all, during the 1976 edition, the Saint-Gaudens- Saint-Lary-Soulan stage was decisive in the fight between Lucien Van Impe and Joop Zoetemelk for the Yellow Jersey. After his victory on his own in the Pyrenees the Belgian climber remained in the lead in the general classification. www.ccsg.fr www.tourisme-stgaudens.com
PLATEAU DE BEILLE
Plateau de Beille in summer: Gascon cows and Mren horses are put out to pasture for four months on the plateau ADT09 Stage site on 4 previous occasions Winter sports resort of Arige (09 Part of the Communaut des communes (federation of municipalities) of the Valleys of Ax (5,600 inhabitants) The stage finish is in the west of the dpartement in the Pyrnes Arigeoises national park. From the Bellongue, the countryside leads you to Bethmale a valley of legends, known for its cheeses and clogs. Then its on to the climbs: the Col de la Core, the Col dAgnes, the Port de Lers, leading to the Auzat valley. This is a playground for people paragliding, canyoning, climbing and caving. A little further on, the caves at Niaux are home to paintings which are 14,000 years old. Yet further, and we reach Plateau de Beille, which, at 1,800m, offers an amazing 360 view. A rich array of flora and fauna can be found here: prickly pine trees, lilies and another type of flower all perfect surroundings for wood grouse. In winter, Plateau de Beille turns into the Pyrnes number one Nordic skiing area, with 70km of ski-run and 42km of snowshoe trails. In summer, its a pasture land where Gascon cows and
Mren horses roam free for four months. Its an area that is an absolute must for hikers, horse riders or mountain bikers following the tour of the Valles dAx. Although cross-country skiing is principally carried out there during the winter, the Plateau de Beille has rapidly established its reputation in the summer as a determining factor in the Tour de France, with four stage finishes in 10 years. After Marco Pantani as a forerunner in 1998, Lance Armstrong was victorious there twice, in 2002 and in 2004, followed by Alberto Contador who won the stage in 2007. In short, all the Plateau de Beilles winners have ended up wearing the Yellow Jersey. www.cg09.fr www.vallees-ax.com www.ariegepyrenees.com www.valleedax.fr
STAGE 15 - Limoux Montpellier 192.5 km

Sunday 17 July
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : The race within the race We needed to get to the Alps as quickly as possible, but without making the transfers too long. Finishing in Montpellier enables us to achieve this objective. On stages of this type, the heat can be punishing. If the sun is beating down, its going to cause some real damage because the riders will already have expended a huge amount of energy. If some riders decide to make the going tough today, it could really have an impact on some of the teammates of key riders. Lets not forget that all of the favourites depend on those team-mates Every day, theres a real race within a race! This stage should go the way of the sprinters, whose only chance of victory after this will come on the Champslyses.

Limoux Montpellier - 192.5 km

Km 82.0 - Cte de Villespassans - 2.2 km climb to 4.6 % Category 4
SPRINT
Km 146.5 - MONTAGNAC (D613-D5)

LIMOUX
The Limoux carnival the longest in the world at the Place de la Rpublique Service communication ville de Limoux Stage town for the first time 10, 300 inhabitants Sub-prefecture of Aude (11) Throughout its history, Limoux spread out from the church at its centre before striking rich with its linen and leather trade. Limoux is famous for its Blanquette sparkling wine, its Toques et Clochers auction, its carnival and its gastronomy. Blanquette is the oldest sparkling wine in the world. Discovered in 1531, the winemaking method used to create it was later used to make Dom Prignon champagne. It is the main industry of the town and the region, as is the Anne de Joyeuse cave, which also produces top-quality wines. The Toques et Clochers wine auction is organised each spring in order to raise money to restore old church steeples clochers in the area. After the auction, dinner is cooked by a top chef a toque, which is in fact the name of the traditional white chefs hat. Each winter, the Limoux Fcos, or carnival, is celebrated for a period of three months. Festivities commence twelve weeks
before Palm Sunday, making it the longest carnival in the world. And as for gastronomy, take your pick from pbradous (biscuits), salted liver artichokes, duck, fricassee, limos (brioche), pescalhos (pancakes), nougat... The town is very renowned for Blanquette, a sparkling wine which inspired the famous monk Dom Prignon to create the mthode champenoise (the traditional method used in the Champagne region of France to produce the sparkling wine known as champagne). In terms of cycling, the town is welcoming the Tour de France for the first time this year, but it is already familiar with prestigious podiums. In 1976, during a stage of the Grand Prix du Midi Libre, Lucien Van Impe, a future winner of the Tour, finished first in Limoux, ahead of Bernard Hinault and Raymond Poulidor. As for women riders, Limoux is also one of the regular stage sites of the Tour de lAude. Mariane Vos, the Womens World.
MONTPELLIER
Place de la Comdie Ville de Montpellier Stage town on 29 previous occasions 260, 000 inhabitants Prefecture of Hrault (34)
It has taken centuries a thousand years, even for the agricultural area of Monte Pestelario to become the Montpellier of today, with its magnificent mansions, the Place de la Canourgue, Saint-Peters cathedral, and the Peyrou royal garden bearing witness to its past greatness. Historical figures such as Jacques Coeur, finance minister to King Charles VII, have done much for the citys reputation. The Peyrou royal garden is at the highest point of the city, and is home to a magnificent bronze statue of Louis XIV the so-called Sun King in whose honour the garden was built. While still boasting a sumptuous historic centre, Montpellier has had to grow and adapt to accommodate an unprecedented growth in population. New neighbourhoods include Antigone, Malbosc, Odysseum, Ovalie and Port Marianne, helping to make Montpellier the eighth largest city in France, and one of Southern Europes economic capitals. Frances most dynamic city in terms of its population is also used to seeing the Tours riders come out of nowhere, who typically fight it out there in a sprint. In any event, this was the scenario of the last two straight stages, which were won in 2005 and in 2007 by Robbie McEwen and Robert Hunter respectively. As luck would have it, Montpellier has become an unusual feature in statistical terms in the history of the Tour de France. Indeed, the prefecture of Hrault hosted the 500th stage of the Grande Boucle (Big Loop) in 1936. Almost 30 years later, in 1963, another Belgian cyclist, douard Sels, won the stage there, on the day that the 1000th stage took place! www.montpellier-agglo.com www.ot-montpellier.fr
STAGE 16 - Saint-Paul-Trois-Chteaux Gap 162.5

km Tuesday 19 July
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : Ideal for a wily campaigner Its the start of the final week. The race heads into Gap, crosses the Col de Manse, then drops down again into the finish after completing a small circuit. As were heading towards the Alps, this stage is not flat, which is what you would expect, but it isnt too hard either as it just rises steadily throughout. It will suit a rider in the mould of Flecha or Garcia Acosta, that is to say one of the wily old campaigners who can cope with the climbs pretty well. Be aware also that something often happens after the second rest day, and it may be something completely unexpected. In 2003, for example, in order to avoid crashing into the prone figure of Joseba Beloki, Lance Armstrong opted, on pure instinct, to indulge in a bit of cyclo-cross over an Alpine meadow. That stage ended up making the headlines without any previously expecting it to.

Saint-Paul-Trois-Chteaux Gap - 162.5 km

Km 151.0 - Col de Manse - 9.5 km climb to 5.2 % Category 2
SPRINT
Km 117.5 - VEYNES

SAINT-PAUL-TROIS-CHTEAUX
The towns twelfth-century Roman cathedral at sunset Ville de

Saint-Paul-Trois-Chteaux
Stage town for the first time 8, 600 inhabitants Cantonal subdivision of Drme (26) Saint-Paul-Trois-Chteaux is a charming village in the Drme Provenale, which nestles among vineyards, truffle oaks and fields of lavender, and manages to combine heritage, the land, authenticity and conviviality. Beneath it, the villages former inhabitants have left behind a number of relics from the prehistoric age, from antiquity and the middle Ages. The mediaeval cathedral, a remarkable example of Roman architecture, is emblematic of the town, sitting majestically in the centre of the village. Inside the city walls, you will discover a host of attractions: mansions, charming little squares adorned with fountains and outdoor cafes. Saint-Paul-Trois-Chteaux is also a gastronomic delight, best known for its truffles, providing 60 per cent of Frances truffles to the market, as well as its wine (AOC wines from Grignan-les-Adhmar) and its many great restaurants. The influence of the village also goes beyond its walls its also known for its childrens book festival, its soul jazz festival, its
classical music festival Les Musicales en Tricastin and a film festival. Although it will be hosting a stage of the Tour for the first time, Saint-Paul-Trois-Chteaux was nevertheless a start town on the occasion of Paris-Nice and was one of the races highlights in 2009. Indeed, for the 6th stage, the set off from there heading for the Montagne de Lure for the main stage of the Race to the Sun. Alberto Contador was majestic in the final ascent. He won the stage and went into first position in the general classification, with a comfortable lead over Luis Leon Sanchez. However he lost the race the next day in the stage in Fayence because he was ravenous and was therefore completely drained. This led to the start of the endless discussion about the vulnerability of El Pistolero. www.ladrometourisme.fr
GAP
A giant human logo on the mountain Eric Balavoine Stage town on 20 previous occasions 37, 785 inhabitants Prefecture of Hautes Alpes (05)
Principal city of the Hautes-Alpes a dpartement close to the hearts of cyclists who dream of testing themselves on the slopes of the mountain passes there Gap is on the famous Route Napolon, and capital of the Southern Alps, mixing the pleasures of Provence with the pure Alpine air. It is best known today for its beautiful scenery, with the town surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails and perfect mountain bike routes. Nearby, the Gap-Tallard aerodrome is the ideal base for fans of aerial sports, with the surrounding area recognised internationally for its perfect air and wind conditions. The Cse cliffs are also famous among climbers seeking the ultimate thrill. The golf course at Gap-Bayard offers stunning views of the 3,000-metrehigh Vieux Chaillol, where fanatics of the little white ball game can enjoy the pure mountain air. When the Tour visited just last year, 1,000 locals climbed the 2,000-metre-high Charance to arrange themselves to create a giant version of the citys logo for the French TV cameras. The following image will be associated with the arrivals of the Tour in Gap forever. During the ninth stage of the 2009 Tour, four kilometres from the finish, in the descent from La Rochette, Joseba Beloki lost control of his bike after the tyre of his rear wheel exploded on a patch of melted tarmac, causing the Spanish cyclist to fall just in front of Lance Armstrong, who avoided falling by heading off the road to go downhill through the fields before rejoining the peloton. His acrobatic talents thus allowed the American rider to avoid a disaster and to go on to win the Tour de France for the fifth time. www.cg05.fr www.gap-tourisme.fr Tourist Board Hautes-Alpes
STAGE 17 - Gap Pinerolo 179 km

Wednesday 20 July
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : The Alps begin There are still four intense race days left. Heading to Brianon, the road rises gently. Then the riders must cross climb the Col de Montgenvre, descend, then climb again up to Sestrires this time, then descend again into Pinerolo. Ahead of them is still the Pra Martino, a small climb thats 7km long and of modest gradient. A rider who is good in the mountains such as Cadel Evans may well be able to make an impression there, because the final run-in, which enables tribute to be made to the 150th anniversary of Italian unification, doesnt feature any notable difficulties. This stage will bring huge satisfaction to the people of Pinerolo, who for many years have been keen to host a stage finish. The town is near to the border and offers the opportunity for this years only incursion into foreign territory.

Gap Pinerolo - 179 km

Km 71.5 - Cte de Sainte-Marguerite - 2.8 km climb to 7.4 % - Category 3 Km 85.5 - La Chausse (monte de Brianon) - 1.4 km climb to 8.3 % - Category 3
Km 96.5 - Col de Montgenvre (1 860 m) - 7.9 km climb to 6.1 % - Category 2 Km 117.0 - Sestrires (2 035 m) - 11.1 km climb to 6.3 % Category 1 Km 171.0 - Cte de Pramartino - 6.7 km climb to 6 % Category 2
SPRINT
Km 81.5 - VILLAR-SAINT-PANCRACE

GAP
The market in Gap Serge Moro
Stage town on 20 previous occasions 37, 785 inhabitants Prefecture of Hautes Alpes (05) This stage of the Tour provides Gap with the perfect opportunity to further reinforce its links with Pinerolo the days finish town with which Gap has been a twin town for almost 40 years. From the start, the riders will head through the northern-most area of the Hautes-Alpes, tackling some of the races most mythical climbs. Thanks to these climbs, and to the Tour, the Hautes-Alpes has perhaps encouraged cycling more than any other department through well-executed town planning which takes the needs of the cyclist into consideration. The tourism committee has created 20 shared and signposted paths to encourage the sport and, during the summer, you can enjoy some of cyclings best known climbs in complete safety due to them being closed to motor vehicles. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the Serre-Ponon lake, Europes biggest man-made reservoir, the town of Embrun, perched up on the cliff, and the fortifications at Vauban de Brianon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Grand Boucle (Big Loop) has visited Gap 20 times and has witnessed the victories of the leading cyclists Raphal Gminiani, Gastone Nencini, Jean-Franois Bernard, Erik Zabel, Alexandre Vinokourov and Pierrick Fdrigo. But the prefecture town of Hautes-Alpes was also the start for legendary stages to Brianon, which were successively won by Louison Bobet, Fausto Coppi and Federico Bahamontes. Since then, the stage leaving from Gap generally finishes in LAlpe du Huez, which was the case in 1991, (with the victory of Gianni Bugno) or in 2006 (Frnk Schleck). www.cg05.fr www.gap-tourisme.fr
PINEROLO
The Acaja main street and the senate building Remo Caffaro Stage town for the first time 36, 000 inhabitants Town of the Province of Turin (Italy) Before becoming part of Italy, Pinerolo, located around 40 kilometres south-west of Turin, was, at different times, both French and Savoyard. This toing and froing made at the discretion of history manifest in the towns different names: Pinerolo in Italian, of course, but also Pignerol in French, Pinareul in Piedmontese and even Pineirol in Occitan-Alpin. In addition, the town also gave its name to Penarol, a neighbourhood of Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, perhaps best known for its football team. The towns fortress was where Nicolas Fouquet, a superintendant of finances to Louis XIV, was imprisoned in the Iron Mask, and for which Pinerolo is best known. Arriving in 1669, the legendary and enigmatic prisoner would remain secretly locked for 12 years. Since 1999, Pinerolo has put on a historical reconstruction each October La Maschera di Ferro which this year attracted some 70,000 visitors. At the end of the show, the identity of the masked man is revealed.
Surrounded by mountains and valleys and steeped in history, Pinerolo is just waiting to be explored. Following the example of Saumurs Cadre Noir national riding school in France, Pinerolo is home to Italys cavalry, and upholds its traditions. Pinerolo can also claim its place as an Olympic town having held the curling here as part of the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. Its also a cultural town full of museums: Le Museo Nazionale de lArma di Cavalleria, la Collezione Civica dArte di Palazzo Vittone, le Museo Diocesano, le Museo Storico del Mutuo Soccorso et la Casa del Senato. The San Donato cathedral, the San Maurizio basilica one of the towns landmarks and Pinerolos old town, with its squares and picturesque mediaeval streets, are also all well worth a visit. All year round, Pinerolo also holds a number of cultural events: la Rassegna dellArtigianato, la Maschera di Ferro, and international equestrian competitions. Pinerolo is all this and more: a smiling, welcoming town. The Tour will be stopping for the first time in Pinerolo, which hosted a stage of the Giro dItalia from Cueno to Pinerolo, in 1949, which became historic. The Maddalena Pass would already have been enough to exhaust a bull. But it was just the beginning, wrote Dino Buzatti, the special correspondent of the Corriere della Sera to describe the dual between Coppi and Bartali. On that day, Coppi, the younger of the two, gave the deathblow to the elder rider: Today Bartali understood that he had reached decline. And for the first time he smiled.
STAGE 18 - Pinerolo Galibier SerreChevalier 200.5 km

Thursday 21 July
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : A record to celebrate a centenary We return to France and there are three very big cols on the menu. The Agnel will be tackled for the first time ever from this side, then theres the Izoard and its legendary Casse Dserte, followed by the Galibier. This will be our chance to celebrate the centenary of this mythic climbs first appearance on the race route back in the 1911 Tour de France. In addition, the finish, located at an altitude of 2,645 metres, will be the highest in the races history. It will remove from the history books the place held since 1986 by the 2,413m Col du Granon. This stage will certainly see a match-up between all those riders who are in contention for the overall title, as will the stage the following day. Whoever is leading the race runs the risk of succumbing to such physical demands.

Pinerolo Galibier Serre-Chevalier - 200.5 km

Km 107.0 - Col Agnel (2 744 m) - 23.7 km climb to 6.5 % Category H Km 145.5 - Col d'Izoard (2 360 m) - 14.1 km climb to 7.3 % - Category H Km 200.5 - Col du Galibier (2 645 m) - 22.8 km climb to 4.9 % - Category H
SPRINT
Km 46.5 - VERZUOLO (SR589-SP8)

PINEROLO
A view of Pinerolo Remo Caffaro
Stage town for the first time 36, 000 inhabitants Town of the Province of Turin (Italy) Since it first appeared as part of the Giro route in1949, Pinerolo has hosted four other stage finishes and all of them have been won by Italian cyclists. The town was also used as the start site for an individual time-trial heading for the resort of Sestrires in 1993. At the height of his domination, wearing the pink jersey, Miguel Indurain finished first and was getting ready to win his second Tour of Italy. A few weeks later, the Spanish cyclist also won the Tour de France for the third time in a row.
GALIBIER - SERRE CHEVALIER
At the heart of the Alps and the Meije glacier Agence zoom Stage site for the first time The Col du Galibier, the summit (2, 645 m) of Hautes-Alpes (05), on the territory of the commune of Montier-les-Bains (1, 060 inhabitants) Serre-Chevalier, the winter sports resort of Hautes-Alpes The Col du Galibier, the natural border between the departments of the Hautes-Alpes and Savoie, is the summer gateway to the
valley of Serre-Chevalier, which extends from the summit of the climb to the town of Brianon. Under a Mediterranean sky, amid larch forests and eternally snow-covered peaks and at the edge of the Ecrins national park, the Serre-Chevalier valley offers a range of mountain-based activities: a 300km network of sign-posted hiking trails, rock climbing, and white-water rafting and kayaking. Theres also a huge choice of routes for those wishing to explore on two wheels, and its the summit of the Col du Galibier where the finish line is for the SCLA the Serre-Che Luc Alphand cyclosportive event, to which local man and former ski champion Luc Alphand gives his name. Theres also the thermal baths at Montier-les-Bains, whose waters are reputed to help gastric and rheumatic ailments in particular. In winter, Serre-Chevalier, home to 250km of ski-running, ranks as one of Europes largest ski resorts. In 1911, the Tours peloton had hardly recovered from the shock of discovering the Pyrenean mountain passes, the year before. The cyclists were only slightly familiar with the Alps, even though the Col Bayard had already been crossed several times since 1905. The ascent to the Col du Galibier, which was being climbed for the first time, was via the north slope and took the race to another level. In those days it reached its highest point at an altitude of 2,556 metres. Since the building of a new road above the tunnel in the 1970s, its summit is now situated at an altitude of 2, 645 metres, which will allow it to surpass the Col du Granon (2, 413 metres) as the highest finish in the Tours history.
STAGE 19 - Modane Valfrjus Alpe-dHuez 109.5

km Friday 22 July
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : The stage everyone is afraid of Todays route runs in the opposite direction to yesterdays. The riders tackle the successive climbs of the Col du Tlgraphe and the Galibier, and then finish with the climb to Alpe dHuez, which returns after an absence of three years. It is a short stage. Nevertheless, all of the riders will be afraid of it. Those who arent going so well will be concerned about the cut-off time for elimination and the favourites will know that they will pay a heavy cost for any sign of weakness. The shortness of the stage allows the climbers to attack from very early on, which is not something they will be used to. This stage will be thrilling and, bearing in mind that it comes on the back of two other tough days, there is a chance that a lot of damage will be done today.

Modane Valfrjus Alpe-dHuez - 109.5 km

Km 26.5 - Col du Tlgraphe (1 566 m) - 11.9 km climb to 7.1 % - Category 1 Km 48.5 - Col du Galibier (2 556m) - 16.7 km climb to 6.8 % - Category H Km 109.5 - Alpe d'Huez (1 850 m) - 13.8 km climb to 7.9 % - Category H
SPRINT
Km 94.5 - LE BOURG-D'OISANS

MODANE VALFRJUS
Modane by night M. Auger
Stage town for the first time 3, 500 inhabitants Cantonal subdivision of Savoie (73) The gateway between Savoie and Italy, and between the Haute Maurienne and the Haute-Alpes, Modane, at 1,000 metres, has, since the 1992 relaxing of border controls, had to accept the challenge of the tourism economy while continuing to develop other projects such as particle physics research at its underground laboratories and the rail link between Lyon and Turin, set for completion by 2020. At the heart of the Vanoise national park, just four hours from Paris by TGV and served by the A43 motorway, Modane has still kept elements of its past such as its military forts evidence of its annexation from Savoie to become part of Italy before becoming part of France in 1860 and the fifteenth-century Charmaix chapel nestled on the mountainside. Modane has a rich heritage based on a wellpreserved natural environment, at the heart of which is its ski resort, Valfrjus home to new forms of winter sports such as skwalling a hybrid of skiing and snowboarding and speed riding, where skiing meets paragliding... At the heart of the biggest area in the world in which to ride your bike as long as you dont mind hills and with 300 days of sunshine a year, Modane-Valfrjus is a true mountain of activity. The towns history has been influenced by its geographical position, in the centre of trade between France and Italy, especially since the drilling of the Frjus Tunnel. Next July, on the day after the Franco-Italian stage of the race, Modane will become a member of the Tour de Frances club of stage towns. It will become the nineteenth commune in Savoie to feature on the programme of the Grand Boucle (Big Loop) since 1947. www.valfrjus.com www.cg73.fr
www.savoie-mont-blanc.com www.maurienne-tourisme.com
To the site of Modane Valfrjus Top of the page
ALPE-DHUEZ
Besson lake, at 2,000 metres OT Alpe dHuez Stage town on 26 previous occasions 1, 345 inhabitants Winter sports resort of Isre (38) Both a winter and summer resort, Alpe dHuez nicknamed the island of the sun is at the heart of the Oisans massif, in Isre, just an hour away from Grenoble, two hours from Lyon and two and a half from Geneva. Perched at an altitude of 1,860 metres, on a south-facing plateau, the resort certainly lives up to its nickname, averaging 300 days of sun per year. Topping out at 3,300 metres, the panoramic viewpoint up at the Pic Blanc is quite something, giving views over one fifth of French territory, and from where you can see Mont Blanc, Mont Ventoux, the Massif Central, Switzerland and Italy. With so much space 10,000 hectares of it its the perfect area for a variety of outdoor activities: hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, paragliding... And all summer, the resort plays host to cycling events such as Alpe dHuZes, La Marmotte, the Mgavalanche, and the tape du Tour-Mondovlo, as well as triathlons and the supermotard
French championships. Featuring 21 hairpin bends, Alpe-dHuez is one of the Tour de Frances best-loved climbs, featuring regularly on the route. Each corner has a sign, counting down the riders over the 14 kilometres to the summit. From Fausto Coppi, who was the pioneer in 1952, to Carlos Sastre, who also built his success on the famous road with 21 bends in 2008, the list of winners of LAlpe-dHuez groups together the names of legendary champions, with six winners of the Tour in total. In 2011, the ascent to the resort will nevertheless remind many of the races followers and viewers of the heated exchange between Bernard Hinault and Laurent Fignon during the 1984 Tour. The intellectual with round glasses was the French Champion at that time, and perfectly manoeuvred his elder to secure the Yellow Jersey at the summit. Although the Colombian rider Luis Herrera went over the finishing line 49 seconds ahead of him, Fignon had just gained the decisive upper hand and had achieved one of his greatest performances.
STAGE 20 - Grenoble Grenoble 42.5 km

Saturday 23 July
INDIVIDUAL TIME-TRIAL - A SPORTING PERSPECTIVE
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : A strong man rather than a specialist This is the races only individual time trial, as the one in the first week was a team time trial test, while putting another one into the middle of the race didnt really serve any great purpose. The profile is rolling and the road does climb, although there arent any cols as such. Victory wont automatically go to a specialist because the final time trial of the Tour is a very physical test that suits a strong man last years Bordeaux-Pauillac test won by Cancellara was an exception. In this solitary exercise, there is no way a rider can bluff or hide in the wheels of their team-mates. But I think that the Tour will have been decided before Grenoble. It is often the third place on the podium, the best young rider classification or the team prize that is decided on this stage.

Grenoble Grenoble - 42.5 km

Grenoble Grenoble - 42.5 km
GRENOBLE
The Belledonne mountains viewed from the banks of the River Isre Jacques Marie Francillon
Stage town on 38 previous occasions 160, 000 inhabitants Prefecture of Isre (38) Thanks to its location at the heart of the Alps, and so surrounded by mountains, lovers of outdoor sports and activities will find the perfect base in Grenoble. The birthplace of Stendhal, the inventor of the guide book concept, Grenoble is a city where you are reminded of his quote that there is a mountain at the end of every street. Boasting a dense and diverse heritage, stretching from the Gallo-Roman period to todays sustainable-living environment, the city is a destination for visitors attracted by the charm of its narrow streets and squares, bustling year-round with students and a number of festivals. There is plenty to discover, too, such as Grenobles museum, the MC2 Culture Centre and the National Centre of Contemporary Art, Le Magasin. Or head off for a high-altitude adventure by taking the urban cable car up to the Bastille, which offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the French Alps. So come to Grenoble a city that goes beyond! A Tour stage town since 1905, Grenoble has a special place in its history for having hosted an event of which the impact was insignificant at the time. In 1919, at the start of the 11th stage, a new kind of ceremony was held, as a yellow jersey, which had been created to identify the leader of the general classification in the peloton, was handed over to Eugne Christophe. The innovation which was going to change the face of cycling was lavishly praised by a ten-line news item in LAuto (the daily sports paper). Since then 267 champions have put on the famous garment. www.lametro.fr www.grenoble-tourisme.com www.isere-tourisme.com
GRENOBLE
The Bastille urban cable car provides great views of Grenoble

Sylvain Frappat
Stage town on 38 previous occasions 160, 000 inhabitants Prefecture of Isre (38) In Grenoble, sport is something for everyone to enjoy. With 130 facilities used by 2,300,000 people throughout the year, more than 2,000 events per year and a dedicated budget of around 13 million, since 1995 Grenoble has championed sport for all. By investing in new equipment, and by supporting and developing new activities, clubs and initiatives, Grenoble ensures that sport plays a major role in bringing people together, promoting a feeling of belonging, of taking part, all with resulting health benefits to the individual. Whether training or coaching, whether its team sports or individual pursuits, and whether youre just starting out or are at international level, Grenoble encourages the values of sport for everyone, by everyone www.lametro.fr www.grenoble-tourisme.com www.isere-tourisme.com
STAGE 21 - Crteil Paris Champs-lyses 95 km

Sunday 24 July
JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : A sprint by tradition It has been the tradition since 1975 for the Tour de France to end with a prestigious stage finish on the Champs-lyses. At the start in Crteil, we will remember Laurent Fignon, who held a licence with the local club. In 1989, his duel with Greg LeMond maintained the suspense right to the finish, where Fignon was sure that he would be the winner. That was the only occasion that the final stage was run as a time trial. Every other time, it has been a road stage that has been decided in a bunch sprint, except on four occasions. Those exceptions were the victories taken by Alain Meslet in 1977, Bernard Hinault in 1979, Eddy Seigneur in 1994 and Alexandre Vinokourov in 2005. It is incredibly hard to get a telling gap on this stage when breakaway riders are always within sight of the peloton.

Crteil Paris Champs-lyses - 95 km
SPRINT
Km 59.5 - PARIS

CRTEIL
Dupeyroux Park Michel ESCURIOL (m.e.) Stage town on 3 previous occasions 90, 000 inhabitants Prefecture of Val-de-Marne (94) The gateway to Paris, just eight kilometres away, and capital in its own right of the Val-de-Marne department since 1965, Crteil is located in the south east of the Ile-de-France region, between the Seine and Marne rivers. An old market town, Crteil has enjoyed huge expansion since the 1960s, and over time, has discovered its own identity. It has based its development on a coherent, balanced and above all human urbanisation. The quality of the building work, reflecting the personalities of their architects, such as Charles Gustave Stoskopf and Pierre Dufau, both winners of the Grand Prix de Rome architecture award, the willingness for a mix of housing and the proximity of amenities and services make Crteil a pleasant place to love. Having been awarded one of Frances highest honours for its flower displays, the town has managed to combine quality of life with the necessities of modern life through continual involvement in sustainable development. By making ambitious efforts to involve its residents, Crteil ensures
everyone contributes to making the decisions that shape their own future. Of the three times that the Tour de France has gone past Crteil, the 1983 edition particularly stands out. The races initial stage set off from Nogent-sur-Marne and was won by the Dutch rider Frits Pirard. Three weeks later, the name of Crteil was honoured again with the overall victory of the sadly missed Laurent Fignon, who belonged to the local club, US Crteil, at that time. Greg LeMond and the prestigious track cycling riders Morelon, Trentin, Colas and Dagorne have also all been members of the club, as is the current World Track Sprint Champion, Grgory Baug, today. www.cg94.fr
PARIS CHAMPS-LYSES
Place de la Concorde Traditional final finish town of the Tour de France 36 finishes on the Champs-lyses 2, 200, 000 inhabitants Capital of France and the cantonal subdivision of the le-deFrance Region Commune-department and Prefecture (75)
Paris loves the Tour de France, and will once more welcome it to the worlds most beautiful avenue, the Champs-lyses, where the races heroes will sprint home in front of Parisians and visitors from all over the world. But Paris loves cycling in all its forms. In recent years, the city has constructed new cycle lanes, and now has a network of 700km. It closes the roads on the banks of the river to motor vehicles on Sundays and Bank Holidays, and also this year celebrates the fourth anniversary of the Vlib hire bike scheme, which has seen more than 100 millions journeys by users since its inception in Paris and its 30 surrounding municipalities. To appeal even more to those signed up to the cycle schemes annual membership - who make up 76 per cent of the users the mayors office is now offering increased Vlibert through improved comfort, simplicity and better price structures. This increased number of cyclists in the city as a result of the schemes success is also helping to meet its pledge to reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 25 per cent by 2020. Since 1975, the Tours final finish has been judged on the Avenue des Champs-Elyses, which has become a Mecca for the worlds sprinters. The fastest riders, among those who have managed to withstand crossing the chain of mountains, compete for a prestigious victory there, and for the green jersey which is sometimes still at stake. Those who try to surprise the peloton and finish the Tour triumphantly have reason to be hopeful. Bernard Hinault, the two-times winner on les Champs, opted for a method that paid off.
The Tour summits
The 2011 Tour de france will have 23 level two, level one or highest level mountain passes or summit finishes. They will be divided up geographically in the following way: 4 in the Massif Central 9 in the Pyrenees 10 in the Alps During the last five editions of race, in total there were: 22 in 2006 and 2007, 17 in 2008, 21 in 2009 and 25 in 2010.
The Galibier 1911-2011

THE ETERNAL GALIBIER
Aix les bains > Grenoble - 1936 - Frederico Ezquerra Presse

Sports
Aix les bains > Brianon - 1974 - Raymond Poulidor Presse

Sports
In 2011, the Tour will celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the first crossing of the galibier by the peloton, the mountain pass which has been visited the most by the race. The
finishing line of the 18th stage will be marked out there at an altitude of 2, 645 metres! The Tours peloton had hardly recovered from the shock of discovering the Col dAubisque and the Col du Tourmalet, on its trip to the Pyrenees during the 1910 Tour. And now there was talk of a new summit to be climbed, another whim resulting from the imagination of Henri Desgrange and Alphonse Steins, the adventure enthusiasts. In 1911, the Tour de Frances peloton began its assault on the Galibier which was even higher, even harder and even colder than anything that any of the cyclists had ever experienced. After expressing anger and hostility, the riders, who were perched between heaven and earth, were in fact fascinated by the setting and were conscious of the feat to be achieved. It knocks you for six, uttered proudly to spectators, mile Georget, the first rider to climb up to the summit of the Col du Galibier, at an altitude of 2, 556 metres, on 10 July 1911. The pioneer of pioneers, who did not get off his bicycle once during the entire ascent, had just completed the 34-kilometre climb, from Saint-Michel-deMaurienne, via the Col du Tlgraphe. As he was very impressed by the spectacular encounter of these heroes and was amazed by the historic day that had just been experienced by the Tour, Henri Desgrange wrote a hymn of worship for the riders in LAuto (the daily sports paper): Havent they got wings, our men who have been able to climb up to heights where even eagles dont fly? Oh Sappey, Oh Laffrey, Oh Col Bayard, Oh Tourmalet! I shall not fail in my duty to proclaim to the world that you are like an insignificant and common beer compared to the Galibier: all one can do before this giant is doff ones hat and bow. Out of respect for the prophecy of the Tours founder, cyclists have appeared before this giant for one hundred years with the same humility. Some of them have overcome it, and have even succeeded in using its steepests lopes to create a name for themselves. Gino Bartali, for example, succeeded in getting rid of
the threat of Louison Bobet by dominating the Galibier, in 1948. However four years later, he suffered from the advent of the younger generation, due to the performance achieved by Fausto Coppi: Hes like a cable-car on a steel wire rope, said Jacques Goddet, with great enthusiasm, at the time. Subsequently, Bahamontes, Gaul, Merckx, Zoetemelk, Ocana and Pantani have all gone over the summit first, which has moreover increased by one hundred or so metres since the tunnel was closed and the new road was built. And in 2011, a new name will become legendary, with the first finish judged at the summit of the Col du Galibier. At an altitude of 2, 645 metres, it will be the highest finish in the Tours history.

Tour de France 2011

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Tour de France 2011

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The route

Distinctive aspects of the race

15 new stage towns

STAGE 1 - Passage du Gois Mont des Alouettes 191.5 km

EN LIGNE - A SPORTING PERSPECTIVE

PROFILE OF THE STAGE

MOUNTAIN PASSES & HILLS

PROFILE OF LAST KILOMETERS

PASSAGE DU GOIS LA BARRE DE MONTS

MONT DES ALOUETTES LES HERBIERS

STAGE 2 - Les Essarts Les Essarts 23 km

TEAM TT - A SPORTING PERSPECTIVE

PROFILE OF THE STAGE

PROFILE OF LAST KILOMETERS

STAGE 3 - Olonne-sur-Mer Redon 198 km

EN LIGNE - A SPORTING PERSPECTIVE

PROFILE OF THE STAGE

MOUNTAIN PASSES & HILLS

PROFILE OF LAST KILOMETERS

OLONNE SUR MER

The Redon marina: evidence of the towns rich maritime history

STAGE 4 - Lorient Mr-de-Bretagne 172.5 km

EN LIGNE - A SPORTING PERSPECTIVE

PROFILE OF THE STAGE

MOUNTAIN PASSES & HILLS

PROFILE OF LAST KILOMETERS

STAGE 5 - Carhaix Cap Frhel 164.5 km

EN LIGNE - A SPORTING PERSPECTIVE

JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : Echelon country

PROFILE OF THE STAGE

MOUNTAIN PASSES & HILLS

PROFILE OF LAST KILOMETERS

The public enjoy the Festival des Vieilles Service communication de

STAGE 6 - Dinan Lisieux 226.5 km

EN LIGNE - A SPORTING PERSPECTIVE

JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : An opportunity for the puncheurs

PROFILE OF THE STAGE

MOUNTAIN PASSES & HILLS

PROFILE OF LAST KILOMETERS

STAGE 7 - Le Mans Chteauroux 218 km

EN LIGNE - A SPORTING PERSPECTIVE

PROFILE OF THE STAGE

PROFILE OF LAST KILOMETERS

The Chteau Raoul property of the Indre general council Ville

STAGE 8 - Aigurande Super-Besse Sancy 189

MEDIUM MOUNTAINS - A SPORTING PERSPECTIVE

JEAN-FRANOIS PESCHEUXS ANALYSIS : An appearance by the favourites

PROFILE OF THE STAGE

MOUNTAIN PASSES & HILLS

Km 83.0 - AUZANCES (D996-D4-VC-D4)

PROFILE OF LAST KILOMETERS

STAGE 9 - Issoire Saint-Flour 208 km

MEDIUM MOUNTAINS - A SPORTING PERSPECTIVE

PROFILE OF THE STAGE

MOUNTAIN PASSES & HILLS

PROFILE OF LAST KILOMETERS

The Festival des Hautes Terres, and a concert by Nadau JF

STAGE 10 - Aurillac Carmaux 158 km

EN LIGNE - A SPORTING PERSPECTIVE

PROFILE OF THE STAGE