Stage 18 - Pinerolo (Italy) > > > Galibier Serre-Chevalier - 200.5 km
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Km 107.0 - Col Agnel (2 744 m) - 23.7 km climb to 6.5 % - Category HC
Km 145.5 - Col d'Izoard (2 360 m) - 14.1 km climb to 7.3 % - Category HC
Km 200.5 - Col du Galibier (2 645 m) - 22.8 km climb to 4.9 % - Category HC
Stage 18 - Pinerolo (Italy) > > > Galibier Serre-Chevalier - 200.5 km
Thursday, July 21, 2011
High Mountains - A sporting perspective
JEAN-FRANÇOIS 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 Déserte, 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.