aixcentric

The itinerary for the 2021 Tour de France has been published and happily there will be a chance to watch it in person in Provence.

The key date for us is Wednesday 7th July when the intrepid cyclists will face a double ascent of the iconic Mont Ventoux, on the same day. The gruelling climb will feature twice on Stage 11, with riders starting on the easiest of the three sides at Sault – 26km at an average gradient of 4.6 per cent – then tackling its hardest side from Bedoin – 21km at 7.5 per cent.

Going to watch the Tour de France is, in my book, an unforgettable experience.  Sure there’s lots of waiting around as you have to bag your spot early but the atmosphere, the colourful ‘caravan’ procession, and finally the cyclists whizzing past make it worthwhile.  The good thing about these long climbs is that there are lots of vantage points and the riders are slowed down by the gradient.

In the meantime, there’s the Tour de la Provence which takes place 11-14th February 2021.  Not much detail online yet – will post when it’s available.