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Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
Moderator: Tracking Contests
- emmea90
- Consulente tattico Continental Tour
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Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours
Due to Covid-19 pandemic spreading in 2020 both Giro d'Italia and Tour de France were cancelled. Vuelta also had to be postponed by 20 days.
ASO, RCS and Unipublic gets to an agreement to organize one single Grand Tour in september with parts of all the three tours.
ASO also gets to end the Grand Tour in Paris, with the classic Champs-Elysees stage. Due to this, you have to end stage 20 in a way to arrange a realistic transfer to Paris in the evening/morning after the stage (ending near an airport, an high velocity train station if in France, etc).
You have to spilt the stages during the 21 days in an equal stages, possibly avoiding big plane transfers (except for the Paris stage)
Route should be designed in respect of the UCI limit of 3500 Km for a Grand Tour.
You have also to take into account that the Grand Tour will be held in september, so you have to avoid climbs over 2500m and you have to limit climbs over 2000m at 3 maximum.
It shall be clear who organize what stage between RCS, ASO and Unipublic organizes what stage and the total shall be 7 for each organizer. It's not forbidden to go in other countries but it shall be clear who is the organizer - for example, a stage that goes into Andorra, can be organized by both ASO and Unipublic but a stage with the majority of that in Italy shall be organized only by RCS.
Please write in stage the description which is the organizer of each stage.
Please use for the Grand Tour the Tour de France 2019 profile.
Evaluation shall take into account
- Grand Tour balancing
- Realism of the transfers and the stage
- Satisfaction of the organizers
- Key stages in the weekend and not having too many "flat/sprint" stages in a row
Deadline will be on april 25, h 23.59
Software Engineer, Cycling Fanatic
- sportdani19
- Spettatore
- Posts: 9
- Joined: 17/06/2019, 12:43
Re: Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
3 problemsmike4296 wrote: ↑22/04/2020, 16:52 First of all, some comments on a copy-pasted old post of mine:
1. The "Big Start" is hosted by a city or a region. If the first stage is a prologue it would be better something atypical, not foreseeable. Hilly roads, cobblestones, corners are perfect for a good prologue, which mustn't block the traffic anyway. In this case, Mallorca hosts the big start: an island that has been investing money in cycling for decades, with a great tourist patrimony to show, with a very friendly weather even in the last months of the year.
2. A GPM in the second or, better, first stage. It doesn't matter if you put it on a bridge or a flyover, just put it somewhere as soon as possible.
3. No to 5 high mountain stages in a row. 3 is enough, 4 is ok only if there is an easy one (something like Peio Terme in 2010, or Macugnaga in 2011).
4. A GT needs time trial. At least 60 kilometers, even though it depends on the amount of climbing in the route.
5. No flat stages on Sundays (9th and 15th stage).
6. No arrivals in small unknown villages with no touristic value - I start from Sa Calobra, basically a beach, and Alcalà del Jucar, 700 people, but with a huge touristic value for respectively Mallorca island and the region of Aragòn. Same for Arreau: in this case it is not really about the town itself, but the valley, Vallée d'Aure.
P.S.: there could be very very small tracking refuses due to the not perfect operating of the editor.
P.P.S.: I beg your pardon if I forgot some simbols on city names in the stages graphic
Now, the race (open the spoiler for stages profiles, as well as the tour direct link):
Spoiler!
First: all stages must be With Tour de France 2019 Profile.
Second: The is Laner Alm is not like plan de corones,is Strada Forestale.
Third: The link of your Tour
- ellvey
- Spettatore
- Posts: 37
- Joined: 31/08/2018, 16:17
Re: Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
Regarding Laner Alm, when they climbed Passo di Pampeago back in 2012, they actually descended through this exact same road, so if they did that in real life, i think it should be fine for them to use it as a climb xDsportdani19 wrote: ↑22/04/2020, 18:133 problemsmike4296 wrote: ↑22/04/2020, 16:52 First of all, some comments on a copy-pasted old post of mine:
1. The "Big Start" is hosted by a city or a region. If the first stage is a prologue it would be better something atypical, not foreseeable. Hilly roads, cobblestones, corners are perfect for a good prologue, which mustn't block the traffic anyway. In this case, Mallorca hosts the big start: an island that has been investing money in cycling for decades, with a great tourist patrimony to show, with a very friendly weather even in the last months of the year.
2. A GPM in the second or, better, first stage. It doesn't matter if you put it on a bridge or a flyover, just put it somewhere as soon as possible.
3. No to 5 high mountain stages in a row. 3 is enough, 4 is ok only if there is an easy one (something like Peio Terme in 2010, or Macugnaga in 2011).
4. A GT needs time trial. At least 60 kilometers, even though it depends on the amount of climbing in the route.
5. No flat stages on Sundays (9th and 15th stage).
6. No arrivals in small unknown villages with no touristic value - I start from Sa Calobra, basically a beach, and Alcalà del Jucar, 700 people, but with a huge touristic value for respectively Mallorca island and the region of Aragòn. Same for Arreau: in this case it is not really about the town itself, but the valley, Vallée d'Aure.
P.S.: there could be very very small tracking refuses due to the not perfect operating of the editor.
P.P.S.: I beg your pardon if I forgot some simbols on city names in the stages graphic
Now, the race (open the spoiler for stages profiles, as well as the tour direct link):
Spoiler!
First: all stages must be With Tour de France 2019 Profile.
Second: The is Laner Alm is not like plan de corones,is Strada Forestale.
Third: The link of your Tour
- mike4296
- Appassionato
- Posts: 57
- Joined: 07/04/2014, 16:13
Re: Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
1) They are, I just changed them for a better presentation here in the topicsportdani19 wrote: ↑22/04/2020, 18:133 problemsmike4296 wrote: ↑22/04/2020, 16:52 First of all, some comments on a copy-pasted old post of mine:
1. The "Big Start" is hosted by a city or a region. If the first stage is a prologue it would be better something atypical, not foreseeable. Hilly roads, cobblestones, corners are perfect for a good prologue, which mustn't block the traffic anyway. In this case, Mallorca hosts the big start: an island that has been investing money in cycling for decades, with a great tourist patrimony to show, with a very friendly weather even in the last months of the year.
2. A GPM in the second or, better, first stage. It doesn't matter if you put it on a bridge or a flyover, just put it somewhere as soon as possible.
3. No to 5 high mountain stages in a row. 3 is enough, 4 is ok only if there is an easy one (something like Peio Terme in 2010, or Macugnaga in 2011).
4. A GT needs time trial. At least 60 kilometers, even though it depends on the amount of climbing in the route.
5. No flat stages on Sundays (9th and 15th stage).
6. No arrivals in small unknown villages with no touristic value - I start from Sa Calobra, basically a beach, and Alcalà del Jucar, 700 people, but with a huge touristic value for respectively Mallorca island and the region of Aragòn. Same for Arreau: in this case it is not really about the town itself, but the valley, Vallée d'Aure.
P.S.: there could be very very small tracking refuses due to the not perfect operating of the editor.
P.P.S.: I beg your pardon if I forgot some simbols on city names in the stages graphic
Now, the race (open the spoiler for stages profiles, as well as the tour direct link):
Spoiler!
First: all stages must be With Tour de France 2019 Profile.
Second: The is Laner Alm is not like plan de corones,is Strada Forestale.
Third: The link of your Tour
2) Of course it is not like Plan de Corones, this is much better... 100% tarmac and without mountain bike-like gradients It is along the descent of Passo Pampeago, streetview is available there and this is where the finish line is:
3) What's the problem here?
- AjachiChakrabarti
- Spettatore
- Posts: 32
- Joined: 18/07/2019, 18:44
Re: Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
Edited Stage 18 to avoid an unpaved descent near the finish. It now finishes on top of La Farrapona. Since admins haven't ruled my transfer to the Canary Islands as against the rules, I'm sticking to the route for Stages 19 and 20.AjachiChakrabarti wrote: ↑09/04/2020, 4:20 Here's my entry: maps/tours/view/14364
STAGE 1 (RCS): Saturday, 5 Sep
Venice > Ravenna: 177.95 Km
maps/viewtrack/336688
The race begins in Venice and heads down the coast to Ravenna for a sprint finish next to the mausoleum of Theodoric the Great. Although the stage is pan flat, never going higher than sea level, the coastal route and open landscape create the possibility of echelons, should one team decide to test everyone's legs.
STAGE 2 (RCS): Sunday, 6 Sep
Ravenna > Mantua: 173.33 Km
maps/viewtrack/336687
From the Roman fortress of Ravenna, we head to the Austrian fortress of Mantua, so crucial to the Italian wars of unification. Another flat stage ends with a sprint finish at the ducal palace, with a bridge complicating matters in the final three kilometres.
STAGE 3 (RCS): Monday, 7 Sep
Verona > Verona: 33.88 Km (TTT)
maps/viewtrack/336685
Stage 3 is a team time trial around Verona, starting and finishing at the Piazza Pradaval. After leaving Verona, the route climbs up to Montecchio, with slopes reaching 10% at places, which will force teams to strategise about how much dead weight they can carry.
STAGE 4 (RCS): Tuesday, 8 Sep
Verona > Merano: 178.33 Km
maps/viewtrack/336682
The race heads into the Alps, albeit with another likely sprint finish at Merano, in South Tyrol. The stage, which is entirely sloping gently uphill, features the first KOM point of the race, with a fourth-category climb near the finish.
STAGE 5 (RCS): Wednesday, 9 Sep
Bormio > Prato Maslino: 139.27 Km
maps/viewtrack/336659
The climbing begins in earnest with a very difficult Alpine stage. It begins in Bormio, usually the launchpad for the Gavia, but since that is off limits, we head south to the Mortirolo before turning west. After the second-category Passo del'Aprica and the first-category climb to San Giovanni, the first mountain-top finish of the race takes place on Prato Maslino, a 10 km climb at an average gradient of over 13%.
STAGE 6 (RCS): Thursday, 10 Sep
Lecco > Turin: 196.85 Km
maps/viewtrack/336627
One last chance for the sprinters in the first week, as the race heads to Turin. Four ninety-degree turns in the final kilometre will make placement in the bunch crucial.
STAGE 7 (RCS): Friday, 11 Sep
Ivrea > Planaval: 153.75 Km
maps/viewtrack/336587
The final Italian stage of the race heads back into the mountains, this time in the Aosta Valley on the French border. The stage features three first-category climbs, finishing on top of Planaval.
STAGE 8 (ASO): Saturday, 12 Sep
Bourg-Saint-Maurice > Valloire: 133.01 Km
maps/viewtrack/336551
The French leg of the race begins in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. The stage quickly heads uphill with the first-category Col du Pradier, which is followed by the HC Col de la Madeleine. The final climb of the day is the Telegraphe, with eight bonus seconds up for grabs at the top, before a quick descent into Valloire for the finish.
STAGE 9 (ASO): Sunday, 13 Sep
Albertville > Alpe d'Huez: 146.43 Km
maps/viewtrack/336533
We round out the weekend with another Alpine stage. Beginning in Albertville, this is a traditional Alpe d'Huez stage, with the Lacets de Montvernier and the Croix de Fer as appetisers.
REST DAY: Monday, 14 Sep
STAGE 10 (ASO): Tuesday, 15 Sep
Gap > Marseille: 194.27 Km
maps/viewtrack/336386
After the rest day at Gap, we leave the Alps behind at a fast pace, with the stage almost entirely downhill until we reach Marseille. The stage finishes in front of the hippodrome.
STAGE 11 (ASO): Wednesday, 16 Sep
Nimes > Carcassonne: 210.06 Km
maps/viewtrack/336382
Another flat stage with the possibility of crosswind chaos, as we follow the coast and open countryside from Nimes to Carcassonne. At 210 km, this is the longest stage of the race.
STAGE 12 (ASO): Thursday, 17 Sep
Toulouse - Place du Capitole > Toulouse - Basilique Saint-Sernin: 20.11 Km (ITT)
maps/viewtrack/336380
The first individual time trial of the race is entirely within the city of Toulouse. Bike handling will be as important as wattage on this twisty street circuit.
STAGE 13 (ASO): Friday, 18 Sep
Tarbes > Hautacam: 129.63 Km
maps/viewtrack/336351
The only stage in the French Pyrenees starts at Tarbes. After a couple of early fourth-category climbs and the intermediate sprint comes the first big test: the Col d'Aubisque. This is followed by the third-category Col de Soulor and a long descent before the stage finishes on top of Hautacam.
STAGE 14 (Unipublic): Saturday, 19 Sep
Arette > Donostia: 198.04 Km
maps/viewtrack/336253
The race heads into Spain, crossing the border on top of the Col d'Ispeguy. This weekend is dedicated to the Classica San Sebastian, which also had to be cancelled because of the pandemic, with the race finishing with the Murgil and the familiar downhill run into Donostia.
STAGE 15 (Unipublic): Sunday, 20 Sep
Donostia > Arrate: 161.08 Km
maps/viewtrack/335878
This difficult stage features nine of the Basque country's many iconic hills, beginning with the Jaizkibel and ending on top of the Arrate.
STAGE 16 (Unipublic): Monday, 21 Sep
Bilbao > Reinosa: 177.74 Km
maps/viewtrack/335805
The final week of the race begins in Bilbao. We head along the coast to Santander before turning inland towards the finish at Reinosa. The last third of the stage is almost entirely uphill, but not steep enough to entirely rule out a sprint finish. A breakaway staying away is probably the likeliest outcome, though, with the major teams trying to conserve energy for the trials ahead.
STAGE 17 (Unipublic): Tuesday, 22 Sep
Guardo > Alto de l'Angliru: 159.59 Km
maps/viewtrack/335781
The first 100 km of the stage are lumpy plateau roads, before a long descent brings us to the foot of the first-category Alto del Cordal, which comes with a bonification at the top. The stage ends on top of the dreaded Angliru.
STAGE 18 (Unipublic): Wednesday, 23 Sep
Oviedo > San Emiliano: 133.92 Km
maps/viewtrack/335841
After the Angliru, this stage features three other famous Asturian climbs: the Cobertoria, the Puerto de San Lorenzo and La Farrapona. The last of these is followed by a 15 km downhill run to the finish at San Emiliano.
REST DAY: Thursday, 24 Sep
STAGE 19 (Unipublic): Friday, 25 Sep
Santa Cruz de Tenerife > Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 52.29 Km (ITT)
maps/viewtrack/335605
From the Asturias airport at Oviedo, we hop onto a flight to the Canary Islands for the final two stages, which will decide the winner of the race. First, we have a long time trial looping around Santa Cruz de Tenerife, heading up and down the Pico del Ingles.
STAGE 20 (Unipublic): Saturday, 26 Sep
San Cristobal de La Laguna > Observatorio Astronomico del Teide: 120.69 Km
maps/viewtrack/335498
The race reaches a climax with a short stage featuring two of the toughest climbs in all of Spain. First up is the climb to Puerto Izana, with stretches in excess of 20%. A 40 km descent brings us back to the coast, where we double back and make the tortuous climb to the Teide observatory, over 18 km long at an average gradient of 12.6%.
STAGE 21 (ASO): Sunday, 27 Sep
Rambouillet > Paris - Champs Elysees: 112.26 Km
maps/viewtrack/335342
After two gruelling stages in the Canary Islands, we hop back on a plane to Paris for the traditional Champs Elysees stage.
STAGE 18 (Unipublic): Wednesday, 23 Sep
Oviedo > La Farrapona: 118.40 Km
maps/viewtrack/335841
- ColDuRosier
- Spettatore
- Posts: 4
- Joined: 19/10/2019, 14:11
Re: Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
maps/tours/view/14268
Il Grandissimo 2020
Saturday Stage 1 (RCS) - TTT, 37km: Bergamo - Bergamo Alta
Start at the Via Roma, finish at the Piazza Vecchio in the old Citta Alta. The choice for Bergamo as Grande Partenza / Grand Départ is twofold: the corona crisis has hit Bergamo the hardest and this Grand Tour would like to remember those who we lost. Felice Gimondi is not one of those we lost to the virus, but we lost this true Campionissimo nevertheless. In and ideal world, the first yellow jersey will be awarded by Eddy Merckx, who was too heartbroken to attend the funeral of his rival and good friend.
Sunday Stage 2 (RCS) - Flat, 175km: Sedrina (Memorial Felice Gimondi) - Fidenza
The start is situated in the birthtown of Felice Gimondi, where a memorial to Gimondi will be unveiled. We pass through Lodi, one of the first towns to be hit hard by the corona virus and we slowly leave Lombardia behind after that. The finish is placed in Fidenza and it will probably be a sprint there. In true Giro d'Italia fashion though, 3 small hills along the way will make sure the sprinters have to work to earn their shot at the victory.
Monday Stage 3 (RCS) - Hill, 209km: Parma - Prato
This stage seems to have 3 possible outcomes: this could be a stage for the De Gendts of this world, for the fast guys who like a couple of climbs or, if the tempo drops after Abetone, for the real big sprinting powerhouses. The teams dedicated to one fast guy will make the difference here, either in distancing other sprinters or in catching up on the peloton.
Tuesday Stage 4 (RCS) - Hill, 152km: Firenze - Montalcino
We all remember the Strade Bianche, but perhaps the most famous 'white' face is that of world champion Cadel Evans, winning the stage to Montalcino in the Giro of 2010 in the rain. 10 years later, we are back on white roads towards Montalcino. Personal favourite for the stage? Tiesj Benoot.
Wednesday Stage 5 (RCS) - Flat, 194km: Cecina - Chiavari
After the first uphill finish, the peloton has to set course towards France. A stage along the coast of the Thyrrenean Sea is the result, but wind and the rough coastline near La Spezia will make sure this isn't a walk in the park. If this doesn't split the pack, a sprint is expected.
Thursday Stage 6 (RCS) - Hill, 199km: Chiavari - Bra
From Chiavari, we set course towards the Alps. After a dash along the coast, the Passo del Turchino (a wink to Milano-San Remo) is the portal towards the Po valley. The stage is open for different scenarios, even a bunch sprint. When entering Bra, watch out for that crest, which could spark some attacks and hurt the already tired sprinters.
Friday Stage 7 (RCS) - Mountain, 154km: Frossano - Sauze d'Oulx
We're going out (of Italy) with a bang. The first mountain stage of this grand tour is here: after passing Pinerolo, the riders will face the steep Pramartino, followed by a less known part of the Colle delle Finestre (Pian dell'Alpe), Sestrière and the final encore to Sauze d'Oulx. This will hurt even the lightest of riders. After today the battle for the GC will really start to heat up.
Saturday Stage 8 (ASO) - Mountain, 183km: Briançon - Tallard
After the Italian finale, this stage should be suited to the escapees. A brave GC contender could try to take some time here, but the majority will probably wait for tomorrow. The final climb will still provide the spectacle we expect from a Saturday stage.
Sunday Stage 9 (ASO) - Mountain, 155km: Sisteron - Mont Ventoux
Don't be fooled by the finish alone, the entire stage is a big test for the riders. After the Col du Négron, the peloton tackles the Col de la Liguière,
followed by the Mur de Monieux and the Col de Notre Dame des Abeilles in quick succession on often small and winding roads. After that, the giant awaits
and then finally a rest day. Some will need it.
Monday Rest day - Carpentras
Tuesday Stage 10 (ASO) - Flat, 155km: Avignon - Cap d'Agde
If the mistral winds are blowing favourably, this could be the most spectacular stage of them all. The favourite today? Whichever sprinter Deceuninck - Quick Step has selected for this tour.
Wednesday Stage 11 (ASO) - Hill, 216km: Agde - Perpignan
We cover more ground towards Spain with a stage passing through the foothills of the Pyrennees. De Marchi, De Gendt, Trentin are among the favourites here, or will Sagan provide us with another of his special efforts?
Thursday Stage 12 (ASO) - ITT 47km, Perpignan - Le Perthus
Starting at the wonderful Palais des Rois de Majorque, the riders will tackle the only individual time trial in this tour. Unlike some recent Tours, it's a long one which should make the Quintana's of this world nervous.
Friday Stage 13 (Unipublic) - Flat 170km, Figueres - Barcelona (Font Màgica)
We salute the Volta a Catalunya today with a finish in Barcelona, after the climb towards Montjuic Castle.
Saturday Stage 14 (Unipublic) - Hill 226km, Reus - Mas de la Costa
A grand tour in Spain without some idiotic gradients on a goat path isn't a grand tour. And behold: Mas de la Costa fills this gap nicely.
Sunday Stage 15 (Unipublic) - Mountain 186km, Castellón de la Plana - Aliaga
The Alto de San Cristóbal concludes the 3rd weekend. This climb doesn't seem to rough, but it contains two kilometres with gradients above 12%. The descent towards Aliaga isn't technical, but could decide the winner today.
Monday Rest Day - Zaragoza
Tuesday Stage 16 (Unipublic) - Flat 214km, Zaragoza - Logroño
The sprinters will have another shot at the victory today, as some have been waiting since the stage to Cap d'Agde.
Wednesday Stage 17 (Unipublic) - Hill 166km, Logroño - Bilbao
If the pure climbers are still trailing after that long time trial, they will have to try something on the final climb towards Bilbao. The stage victory will probably go to one of the early escapees.
Thursday Stage 18 (Unipublic) - Hill 181km, Igorre - Donostia
The start is located in Igorre, a former host of a Cyclocross World Cup race. The finish is located in Donostia, or San Sebastián, host of the Klasikoa. The riders will tackle the Murgil Tontorra 3 times in the final. This may not be a mountain stage, but it will hurt a lot.
Friday Stage 19 (Unipublic) - Hill 219km, Irun - Jaca
This is the 7th and last stage organised by Unipublic. The riders will ride towards Jaca, not to far from the French border. If the sprinters are not too tired, this could be an opportunity. On the way, they will have to survive the Alto de las Coronas though. Symbolic.
Saturday Stage 20 (ASO) - Mountain, 100km: Bedous - Hautacam
Short, steep, hard and a lot of pain. 3 big climbs separate the riders from the easy ride to Paris. The yellow yersey will have to battle to the end to secure the win.
Sunday Stage 21 (ASO) - Flat, 81km: Vincennes (Vélodrome Jacques Anquetil) - Paris (Champs Elysées)
The final stage is even shorter than other years, with more laps on the Champs Élysées. 20km of sipping fake champagne in front of the camera should be enough. The start is held at the old Vélodrome in Vincennes, where Tours of the 60s and 70s had their final conclusion.
Il Grandissimo 2020
Saturday Stage 1 (RCS) - TTT, 37km: Bergamo - Bergamo Alta
Start at the Via Roma, finish at the Piazza Vecchio in the old Citta Alta. The choice for Bergamo as Grande Partenza / Grand Départ is twofold: the corona crisis has hit Bergamo the hardest and this Grand Tour would like to remember those who we lost. Felice Gimondi is not one of those we lost to the virus, but we lost this true Campionissimo nevertheless. In and ideal world, the first yellow jersey will be awarded by Eddy Merckx, who was too heartbroken to attend the funeral of his rival and good friend.
Sunday Stage 2 (RCS) - Flat, 175km: Sedrina (Memorial Felice Gimondi) - Fidenza
The start is situated in the birthtown of Felice Gimondi, where a memorial to Gimondi will be unveiled. We pass through Lodi, one of the first towns to be hit hard by the corona virus and we slowly leave Lombardia behind after that. The finish is placed in Fidenza and it will probably be a sprint there. In true Giro d'Italia fashion though, 3 small hills along the way will make sure the sprinters have to work to earn their shot at the victory.
Monday Stage 3 (RCS) - Hill, 209km: Parma - Prato
This stage seems to have 3 possible outcomes: this could be a stage for the De Gendts of this world, for the fast guys who like a couple of climbs or, if the tempo drops after Abetone, for the real big sprinting powerhouses. The teams dedicated to one fast guy will make the difference here, either in distancing other sprinters or in catching up on the peloton.
Tuesday Stage 4 (RCS) - Hill, 152km: Firenze - Montalcino
We all remember the Strade Bianche, but perhaps the most famous 'white' face is that of world champion Cadel Evans, winning the stage to Montalcino in the Giro of 2010 in the rain. 10 years later, we are back on white roads towards Montalcino. Personal favourite for the stage? Tiesj Benoot.
Wednesday Stage 5 (RCS) - Flat, 194km: Cecina - Chiavari
After the first uphill finish, the peloton has to set course towards France. A stage along the coast of the Thyrrenean Sea is the result, but wind and the rough coastline near La Spezia will make sure this isn't a walk in the park. If this doesn't split the pack, a sprint is expected.
Thursday Stage 6 (RCS) - Hill, 199km: Chiavari - Bra
From Chiavari, we set course towards the Alps. After a dash along the coast, the Passo del Turchino (a wink to Milano-San Remo) is the portal towards the Po valley. The stage is open for different scenarios, even a bunch sprint. When entering Bra, watch out for that crest, which could spark some attacks and hurt the already tired sprinters.
Friday Stage 7 (RCS) - Mountain, 154km: Frossano - Sauze d'Oulx
We're going out (of Italy) with a bang. The first mountain stage of this grand tour is here: after passing Pinerolo, the riders will face the steep Pramartino, followed by a less known part of the Colle delle Finestre (Pian dell'Alpe), Sestrière and the final encore to Sauze d'Oulx. This will hurt even the lightest of riders. After today the battle for the GC will really start to heat up.
Saturday Stage 8 (ASO) - Mountain, 183km: Briançon - Tallard
After the Italian finale, this stage should be suited to the escapees. A brave GC contender could try to take some time here, but the majority will probably wait for tomorrow. The final climb will still provide the spectacle we expect from a Saturday stage.
Sunday Stage 9 (ASO) - Mountain, 155km: Sisteron - Mont Ventoux
Don't be fooled by the finish alone, the entire stage is a big test for the riders. After the Col du Négron, the peloton tackles the Col de la Liguière,
followed by the Mur de Monieux and the Col de Notre Dame des Abeilles in quick succession on often small and winding roads. After that, the giant awaits
and then finally a rest day. Some will need it.
Monday Rest day - Carpentras
Tuesday Stage 10 (ASO) - Flat, 155km: Avignon - Cap d'Agde
If the mistral winds are blowing favourably, this could be the most spectacular stage of them all. The favourite today? Whichever sprinter Deceuninck - Quick Step has selected for this tour.
Wednesday Stage 11 (ASO) - Hill, 216km: Agde - Perpignan
We cover more ground towards Spain with a stage passing through the foothills of the Pyrennees. De Marchi, De Gendt, Trentin are among the favourites here, or will Sagan provide us with another of his special efforts?
Thursday Stage 12 (ASO) - ITT 47km, Perpignan - Le Perthus
Starting at the wonderful Palais des Rois de Majorque, the riders will tackle the only individual time trial in this tour. Unlike some recent Tours, it's a long one which should make the Quintana's of this world nervous.
Friday Stage 13 (Unipublic) - Flat 170km, Figueres - Barcelona (Font Màgica)
We salute the Volta a Catalunya today with a finish in Barcelona, after the climb towards Montjuic Castle.
Saturday Stage 14 (Unipublic) - Hill 226km, Reus - Mas de la Costa
A grand tour in Spain without some idiotic gradients on a goat path isn't a grand tour. And behold: Mas de la Costa fills this gap nicely.
Sunday Stage 15 (Unipublic) - Mountain 186km, Castellón de la Plana - Aliaga
The Alto de San Cristóbal concludes the 3rd weekend. This climb doesn't seem to rough, but it contains two kilometres with gradients above 12%. The descent towards Aliaga isn't technical, but could decide the winner today.
Monday Rest Day - Zaragoza
Tuesday Stage 16 (Unipublic) - Flat 214km, Zaragoza - Logroño
The sprinters will have another shot at the victory today, as some have been waiting since the stage to Cap d'Agde.
Wednesday Stage 17 (Unipublic) - Hill 166km, Logroño - Bilbao
If the pure climbers are still trailing after that long time trial, they will have to try something on the final climb towards Bilbao. The stage victory will probably go to one of the early escapees.
Thursday Stage 18 (Unipublic) - Hill 181km, Igorre - Donostia
The start is located in Igorre, a former host of a Cyclocross World Cup race. The finish is located in Donostia, or San Sebastián, host of the Klasikoa. The riders will tackle the Murgil Tontorra 3 times in the final. This may not be a mountain stage, but it will hurt a lot.
Friday Stage 19 (Unipublic) - Hill 219km, Irun - Jaca
This is the 7th and last stage organised by Unipublic. The riders will ride towards Jaca, not to far from the French border. If the sprinters are not too tired, this could be an opportunity. On the way, they will have to survive the Alto de las Coronas though. Symbolic.
Saturday Stage 20 (ASO) - Mountain, 100km: Bedous - Hautacam
Short, steep, hard and a lot of pain. 3 big climbs separate the riders from the easy ride to Paris. The yellow yersey will have to battle to the end to secure the win.
Sunday Stage 21 (ASO) - Flat, 81km: Vincennes (Vélodrome Jacques Anquetil) - Paris (Champs Elysées)
The final stage is even shorter than other years, with more laps on the Champs Élysées. 20km of sipping fake champagne in front of the camera should be enough. The start is held at the old Vélodrome in Vincennes, where Tours of the 60s and 70s had their final conclusion.
- kanon16
- Spettatore
- Posts: 48
- Joined: 07/10/2016, 22:33
Re: Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
Hi! I think you should to change the downhill from Monte Grappa in stage N. 19...the segment from SP148 to Campo Croce is a narrow gravel road...Why not the descent to Romano d'Ezzelino?mike4296 wrote: ↑22/04/2020, 21:521) They are, I just changed them for a better presentation here in the topicsportdani19 wrote: ↑22/04/2020, 18:133 problemsmike4296 wrote: ↑22/04/2020, 16:52 First of all, some comments on a copy-pasted old post of mine:
1. The "Big Start" is hosted by a city or a region. If the first stage is a prologue it would be better something atypical, not foreseeable. Hilly roads, cobblestones, corners are perfect for a good prologue, which mustn't block the traffic anyway. In this case, Mallorca hosts the big start: an island that has been investing money in cycling for decades, with a great tourist patrimony to show, with a very friendly weather even in the last months of the year.
2. A GPM in the second or, better, first stage. It doesn't matter if you put it on a bridge or a flyover, just put it somewhere as soon as possible.
3. No to 5 high mountain stages in a row. 3 is enough, 4 is ok only if there is an easy one (something like Peio Terme in 2010, or Macugnaga in 2011).
4. A GT needs time trial. At least 60 kilometers, even though it depends on the amount of climbing in the route.
5. No flat stages on Sundays (9th and 15th stage).
6. No arrivals in small unknown villages with no touristic value - I start from Sa Calobra, basically a beach, and Alcalà del Jucar, 700 people, but with a huge touristic value for respectively Mallorca island and the region of Aragòn. Same for Arreau: in this case it is not really about the town itself, but the valley, Vallée d'Aure.
P.S.: there could be very very small tracking refuses due to the not perfect operating of the editor.
P.P.S.: I beg your pardon if I forgot some simbols on city names in the stages graphic
Now, the race (open the spoiler for stages profiles, as well as the tour direct link):
Spoiler!
First: all stages must be With Tour de France 2019 Profile.
Second: The is Laner Alm is not like plan de corones,is Strada Forestale.
Third: The link of your Tour
2) Of course it is not like Plan de Corones, this is much better... 100% tarmac and without mountain bike-like gradients It is along the descent of Passo Pampeago, streetview is available there and this is where the finish line is:
3) What's the problem here?
- mike4296
- Appassionato
- Posts: 57
- Joined: 07/04/2014, 16:13
Re: Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
I'm afraid I have to disagree with you, 2 winters ago I cycled on that road myself and it is well paved. It was used for an amateur event few years ago tookanon16 wrote: ↑23/04/2020, 14:56Hi! I think you should to change the downhill from Monte Grappa in stage N. 19...the segment from SP148 to Campo Croce is a narrow gravel road...Why not the descent to Romano d'Ezzelino?mike4296 wrote: ↑22/04/2020, 21:521) They are, I just changed them for a better presentation here in the topicsportdani19 wrote: ↑22/04/2020, 18:13
3 problems
First: all stages must be With Tour de France 2019 Profile.
Second: The is Laner Alm is not like plan de corones,is Strada Forestale.
Third: The link of your Tour
2) Of course it is not like Plan de Corones, this is much better... 100% tarmac and without mountain bike-like gradients It is along the descent of Passo Pampeago, streetview is available there and this is where the finish line is:
3) What's the problem here?
I wanted to descend on Semonzo because the road is much more technical, with more hairpins and steeper gradients.
EDIT: actually the road on the map is not the road that I meant to pass through, so thanks for the warning!
- Carlo33
- Spettatore
- Posts: 10
- Joined: 23/03/2018, 17:04
Re: Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
My Grand Tour will be from 29/08 to 21/09, with two rest days. The start is from Madrid and the last stage will end in Paris, on the Champs Élysées.
This is my tour: maps/tours/view/14151
Stages 1 to 7: Unipublic
Stages 8 to 13 and 21: ASO
Stages 14 to 20: Rcs
21 stages for 3408.66 km
2 ITT stages (34.61 total km)
6 * stages
2 ** stages
4 *** stages
2 **** stages
5 ***** stages
2 Rest days
Sat. 29/08 - Stage 1: Madrid > Madrid 11.07 Km (ITT)
The first stage is a prologue in Madrid, the Spain's capital and the traditional end of the Vuelta. It is not very long but we could have some incredible surprises becuase this would be the first race since a lot and we can't know the conditions of the cyclists.
Sun. 30/08 - Stage 2: Madrid > Ávila 201.68 Km ***
In the 2nd stage we have an hilly stage with two 2nd category and a 3rd category climbs. Like the previous stage, we could have some incredible surprises in this not so simple stage to interpret. The old town of Ávila, with its ancients walls, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mon. 31/08 - Stage 3: Ávila > Valladolid 189.86 Km *
The 3rd stage of this Grand Tour of the grand tours is the first chance for the sprinters to collect probably the most important win of their season. The stage finish is in Valladolid, capital of the autonomous community of Castile and León.
Tue. 01/09 - Stage 4: Valladolid > Aguilar de Campoo 187.89 Km *
Like in the previous day, we have a flat stage for the sprinters with a 4th category GPM not far from the finish line, which is in the little city of Aguilar de Campoo.
Wed. 02/09 - Stage 5: Cistierna > Alto de l'Angliru 137.15 Km *****
The 5th stage is the first really difficult stage of my Grand Tour, with the finish on the summit of the Alto de l'Angliru, one of the hardest climbs in all the Europe. The fastest ascent time is from 2000, by Roberto Heras, but maybe we could see a new time by Bernal or one of the other top climbers that will be the main characters in this Grand Tour of the Grand Tours.
Thu. 03/09 - Stage 6: Laredo > Donostia-San Sebastián 199.22 Km **
After a very hard stage with an hard climb at the end, we have an hilly stage that goes from Laredo to San Sebastián, where is held the Clasica de San Sebastian in every August. In this stage cyclist "travel" in the Pais Vasco, one of the most important region for cycling. As already mentioned, this stage is not totally flat but hilly, and there are 4 4th category climbs and a 3rd.
Fri. 04/09 - Stage 7: Pamplona > Jaca 210.77 Km ***
This is the last stage organised by Unipublic, the organiser of the Vuelta. The start is in Pamplona, the 2nd greatest basque city, and the finish line is in the village of Jaca, 1st capital of the Kingdom of Aragon during the IX and X centuries. We are near the Pyrenees but this is not an high mountain stage. However, we still have 3 3rd category and 3 4th category climbs, and a 2nd category mountain 30 km away from the arrive.
Sat. 05/09 - Stage 8: Jaca > Cauterets 182.60 km ****
In the 8th stage of this Grand Tour of the Grand Tours we have the first and the easiest high mountian stage of the two which will be raced in Pyrenees. The arrive is in the spa town of Cauterets and there will be the Col d'Aubisque, which was a passage of the Tour de France last time in 2018.
Sun. 06/09 - Stage 9: Lourdes > Col du Tourmalet 202.80 Km *****
The 9th stage is probably the queen stage of this Grand Tour. The start is from Lourdes, and there are 3 first category climbs, Port de Balés, Col du Peyresourde and Col d'Aspin, before the Col du Tourmalet, the king of the Pyrenees, which has been the finish of a Tour's stage already in the last edition. In this stage we will see who are the riders who can think about winning the Grand Tour and who are not in form enough to do that.
Mon. 07/09 - REST DAY
Tue. 08/09 - Stage 10: Nîmes > Marseille 172.15 Km *
After the rest day and a transfer from the Pyrenees to the Occitanie, the 10th stage will start from Nimes, one of the most important Roman cities, and finish in Marseille, 2nd largest city in France and another ancient Roman city. This is a flat stage with only a KOM, so it is an occasion for the pure sprinters.
Wed. 09/09 - Stage 11: Toulon > Nice 160.42 km *
This stage is another occasion for the sprinters to collect a win in this Grand Tour. The start of the day is in Toulon, a city not far from Marseille, and the arrive is in Nice. The only real climb of the day is a 3rd category KOM sprint, the Col du Testanier, and this stage is not really long.
Thu. 10/09 - Stage 12: Nice > Èze 170.48 Km ***
This is the first of two stages that will have the start line in Nice, because it should have been the Grand Depart of the Tour de France. In this medium mountain stage there are 5 KOM sprints: a 1st category, the Col de la Porte, a 2nd, the Col de Brouis, two 3rd, Aspremont and the arrive, and a 4th. The finish line is in Eze, but riders will have to climb not the classic Col d'Eze but the climb which arrives on the hill where there is the city of Eze.
Fri. 11/09 - Stage 13: Nice > Saint-Martin-Vésubie 149.84 Km ****
The second stage which starts from Nice is much harder than the previous one and it is the last organised by ASO before the final stage on the Champs-Elysees. The stage is not very long, but in the last 50 km there are 2 1st category climbs, the Col de la Sinne and Valdeblore La Colmiane. The finish line is in the small village of Saint-Martin-Vésubie after a difficult downhill.
Sat. 12/09 - Stage 14: Cuneo > Pian Del Re 165.39 Km *****
The first stage organised by RCS in Italy is also the first with a climb over 2000 m, the Colle d'Esischie, which has been climbed 2 times during the Giro d'Italia, in 1999 and in 2003. The arrive is in Pian del Re after a 1st category KOM sprint that will probably be a fight between climbers.
Sun. 13/09 - Stage 15: Pinerolo > Pinerolo 23.54 km ITT
The second and last ITT stage in this Grand Tour of the Grand Tours is in the city of Pinerolo, the arrive of the famous stage Cuneo-Pinerolo in the 1949 Giro d'Italia. This ITT is not very long and there is a climb of 6 km, Colle di Pra Martino.
Mon. 14/09 - Stage 16: Torino > Milano 206.35 Km *
The 16th stage of this Grand Tour is a flat stage from Torino to Milan, two of the most important italian cities. Milan is also the traditional arrive of the Giro d'Italia. This stage is flat, another occasion for the sprinters to shine.
Tue. 15/09 - REST DAY
Wed. 16/09 - Stage 17: Verona > Montebelluna 174.66 Km **
After the rest day we have an hilly stage from Verona to Montebelluna, with many hills. This stage is probably a great occasion for riders who will be brave going in breakaway.
Thu. 17/09 - Stage 18: Feltre > Monte Bondone 162.66 Km *****
We are near the end of this Grand Tour and, on the last week-end, there will be all the final fights between the leaders. The end is on the Monte Bondone, near the capital of Trentino-Alto Adige, Trento. Monte Bondone has been arrive of the Giro d'Italia for 4 times since the 1956. The last time was 2006, with the win of Ivan Basso.
Fri. 18/09 - Stage 19: Trento > Merano 163.67 Km ***
The end of the 19th stage arrives in Merano, the 3rd greatest city of Trentino Alto-Adige. There are 4 KOM sprints: the hardest are Monte San Pietro and Passo della Mendola, while the latest climb is the Passo della Palade, a 3rd category. The arrive is after a downhill and a little flat section so riders could try to go on a breakaway to win the stage.
Sat. 19/09 - Stage 20: Merano > Alpe Teglio 183.11 km *****
The last "real" stage of this Grand Tour is from Merano to Alpe Teglio, with two 2nd category KOM sprints, Passo della Palade and Passo del Tonale, a 1st category, Passo del Mortirolo, which is climbed from the second hardest side, and the last hard climb of this Grand Tour, Alpe Teglio, which is an HC climb. After this stage there will be the big transfer from Milan to Paris, for the last stage.
Sun. 20/09 - Stage 21: Sceaux-Antony > Paris - Champs-Elysees 153.35 Km *
After the big transfer from Milan to Paris, we have the last stage which, as the Tour de France's traditions, ends on the Champs-Elysees after 9 laps on the famous circuit.
THANKS FOR THE ATTENTION!!
This is my tour: maps/tours/view/14151
Stages 1 to 7: Unipublic
Stages 8 to 13 and 21: ASO
Stages 14 to 20: Rcs
21 stages for 3408.66 km
2 ITT stages (34.61 total km)
6 * stages
2 ** stages
4 *** stages
2 **** stages
5 ***** stages
2 Rest days
Sat. 29/08 - Stage 1: Madrid > Madrid 11.07 Km (ITT)
The first stage is a prologue in Madrid, the Spain's capital and the traditional end of the Vuelta. It is not very long but we could have some incredible surprises becuase this would be the first race since a lot and we can't know the conditions of the cyclists.
Sun. 30/08 - Stage 2: Madrid > Ávila 201.68 Km ***
In the 2nd stage we have an hilly stage with two 2nd category and a 3rd category climbs. Like the previous stage, we could have some incredible surprises in this not so simple stage to interpret. The old town of Ávila, with its ancients walls, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mon. 31/08 - Stage 3: Ávila > Valladolid 189.86 Km *
The 3rd stage of this Grand Tour of the grand tours is the first chance for the sprinters to collect probably the most important win of their season. The stage finish is in Valladolid, capital of the autonomous community of Castile and León.
Tue. 01/09 - Stage 4: Valladolid > Aguilar de Campoo 187.89 Km *
Like in the previous day, we have a flat stage for the sprinters with a 4th category GPM not far from the finish line, which is in the little city of Aguilar de Campoo.
Wed. 02/09 - Stage 5: Cistierna > Alto de l'Angliru 137.15 Km *****
The 5th stage is the first really difficult stage of my Grand Tour, with the finish on the summit of the Alto de l'Angliru, one of the hardest climbs in all the Europe. The fastest ascent time is from 2000, by Roberto Heras, but maybe we could see a new time by Bernal or one of the other top climbers that will be the main characters in this Grand Tour of the Grand Tours.
Thu. 03/09 - Stage 6: Laredo > Donostia-San Sebastián 199.22 Km **
After a very hard stage with an hard climb at the end, we have an hilly stage that goes from Laredo to San Sebastián, where is held the Clasica de San Sebastian in every August. In this stage cyclist "travel" in the Pais Vasco, one of the most important region for cycling. As already mentioned, this stage is not totally flat but hilly, and there are 4 4th category climbs and a 3rd.
Fri. 04/09 - Stage 7: Pamplona > Jaca 210.77 Km ***
This is the last stage organised by Unipublic, the organiser of the Vuelta. The start is in Pamplona, the 2nd greatest basque city, and the finish line is in the village of Jaca, 1st capital of the Kingdom of Aragon during the IX and X centuries. We are near the Pyrenees but this is not an high mountain stage. However, we still have 3 3rd category and 3 4th category climbs, and a 2nd category mountain 30 km away from the arrive.
Sat. 05/09 - Stage 8: Jaca > Cauterets 182.60 km ****
In the 8th stage of this Grand Tour of the Grand Tours we have the first and the easiest high mountian stage of the two which will be raced in Pyrenees. The arrive is in the spa town of Cauterets and there will be the Col d'Aubisque, which was a passage of the Tour de France last time in 2018.
Sun. 06/09 - Stage 9: Lourdes > Col du Tourmalet 202.80 Km *****
The 9th stage is probably the queen stage of this Grand Tour. The start is from Lourdes, and there are 3 first category climbs, Port de Balés, Col du Peyresourde and Col d'Aspin, before the Col du Tourmalet, the king of the Pyrenees, which has been the finish of a Tour's stage already in the last edition. In this stage we will see who are the riders who can think about winning the Grand Tour and who are not in form enough to do that.
Mon. 07/09 - REST DAY
Tue. 08/09 - Stage 10: Nîmes > Marseille 172.15 Km *
After the rest day and a transfer from the Pyrenees to the Occitanie, the 10th stage will start from Nimes, one of the most important Roman cities, and finish in Marseille, 2nd largest city in France and another ancient Roman city. This is a flat stage with only a KOM, so it is an occasion for the pure sprinters.
Wed. 09/09 - Stage 11: Toulon > Nice 160.42 km *
This stage is another occasion for the sprinters to collect a win in this Grand Tour. The start of the day is in Toulon, a city not far from Marseille, and the arrive is in Nice. The only real climb of the day is a 3rd category KOM sprint, the Col du Testanier, and this stage is not really long.
Thu. 10/09 - Stage 12: Nice > Èze 170.48 Km ***
This is the first of two stages that will have the start line in Nice, because it should have been the Grand Depart of the Tour de France. In this medium mountain stage there are 5 KOM sprints: a 1st category, the Col de la Porte, a 2nd, the Col de Brouis, two 3rd, Aspremont and the arrive, and a 4th. The finish line is in Eze, but riders will have to climb not the classic Col d'Eze but the climb which arrives on the hill where there is the city of Eze.
Fri. 11/09 - Stage 13: Nice > Saint-Martin-Vésubie 149.84 Km ****
The second stage which starts from Nice is much harder than the previous one and it is the last organised by ASO before the final stage on the Champs-Elysees. The stage is not very long, but in the last 50 km there are 2 1st category climbs, the Col de la Sinne and Valdeblore La Colmiane. The finish line is in the small village of Saint-Martin-Vésubie after a difficult downhill.
Sat. 12/09 - Stage 14: Cuneo > Pian Del Re 165.39 Km *****
The first stage organised by RCS in Italy is also the first with a climb over 2000 m, the Colle d'Esischie, which has been climbed 2 times during the Giro d'Italia, in 1999 and in 2003. The arrive is in Pian del Re after a 1st category KOM sprint that will probably be a fight between climbers.
Sun. 13/09 - Stage 15: Pinerolo > Pinerolo 23.54 km ITT
The second and last ITT stage in this Grand Tour of the Grand Tours is in the city of Pinerolo, the arrive of the famous stage Cuneo-Pinerolo in the 1949 Giro d'Italia. This ITT is not very long and there is a climb of 6 km, Colle di Pra Martino.
Mon. 14/09 - Stage 16: Torino > Milano 206.35 Km *
The 16th stage of this Grand Tour is a flat stage from Torino to Milan, two of the most important italian cities. Milan is also the traditional arrive of the Giro d'Italia. This stage is flat, another occasion for the sprinters to shine.
Tue. 15/09 - REST DAY
Wed. 16/09 - Stage 17: Verona > Montebelluna 174.66 Km **
After the rest day we have an hilly stage from Verona to Montebelluna, with many hills. This stage is probably a great occasion for riders who will be brave going in breakaway.
Thu. 17/09 - Stage 18: Feltre > Monte Bondone 162.66 Km *****
We are near the end of this Grand Tour and, on the last week-end, there will be all the final fights between the leaders. The end is on the Monte Bondone, near the capital of Trentino-Alto Adige, Trento. Monte Bondone has been arrive of the Giro d'Italia for 4 times since the 1956. The last time was 2006, with the win of Ivan Basso.
Fri. 18/09 - Stage 19: Trento > Merano 163.67 Km ***
The end of the 19th stage arrives in Merano, the 3rd greatest city of Trentino Alto-Adige. There are 4 KOM sprints: the hardest are Monte San Pietro and Passo della Mendola, while the latest climb is the Passo della Palade, a 3rd category. The arrive is after a downhill and a little flat section so riders could try to go on a breakaway to win the stage.
Sat. 19/09 - Stage 20: Merano > Alpe Teglio 183.11 km *****
The last "real" stage of this Grand Tour is from Merano to Alpe Teglio, with two 2nd category KOM sprints, Passo della Palade and Passo del Tonale, a 1st category, Passo del Mortirolo, which is climbed from the second hardest side, and the last hard climb of this Grand Tour, Alpe Teglio, which is an HC climb. After this stage there will be the big transfer from Milan to Paris, for the last stage.
Sun. 20/09 - Stage 21: Sceaux-Antony > Paris - Champs-Elysees 153.35 Km *
After the big transfer from Milan to Paris, we have the last stage which, as the Tour de France's traditions, ends on the Champs-Elysees after 9 laps on the famous circuit.
THANKS FOR THE ATTENTION!!
- antoninvds
- Spettatore
- Posts: 35
- Joined: 03/03/2015, 11:45
Re: Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
Difficult is not really the word matching with La Colmiane downwill to Vésubie valley !Carlo33 wrote: ↑25/04/2020, 9:27 The second stage which starts from Nice is much harder than the previous one and it is the last organised by ASO before the final stage on the Champs-Elysees. The stage is not very long, but in the last 50 km there are 2 1st category climbs, the Col de la Sinne and Valdeblore La Colmiane. The finish line is in the small village of Saint-Martin-Vésubie after a difficult downhill.
- PaStKaz
- Spettatore
- Posts: 16
- Joined: 13/08/2018, 8:55
Re: Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
Here is my Grand Tour of The Grand Tours. It's tour of 3 capitals with 1st stage in Roma, decisive ITT in Madrid and grand final in Paris. Another characteristic thing are stage finishes on borders - between Italy and France on stage 7 and France and Spain on stage 13. In general, tour isn't very hard as riding in autumn after half of the year without racing making 3-week race hard enough. Theoretically there is 10 flat stages, but many of them have some hills at the end which should give fans some emotions.
Sprints rules are taken from last Giro - 2 spirint on stage, second of them with bonifications.
Total: 3499 km
2 x ITT (68 km)
10 x flat stage
4 x medium mountain
5 x high mountain
Stages 1 to 7 are organized by RCS, 8 to 13 and 21 by ASO and 14 to 20 by Unipublic.
maps/tours/view/14255
Sprints rules are taken from last Giro - 2 spirint on stage, second of them with bonifications.
Total: 3499 km
2 x ITT (68 km)
10 x flat stage
4 x medium mountain
5 x high mountain
Stages 1 to 7 are organized by RCS, 8 to 13 and 21 by ASO and 14 to 20 by Unipublic.
maps/tours/view/14255
Spoiler!
- Anderson
- Spettatore
- Posts: 14
- Joined: 13/07/2018, 13:08
Re: Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
Hello everyone!
My name is Anderson and this is my submission for the Grand Tour contest.
Some key facts about the route:
21 demanding stages
3.413 km
47.300 vertical meters
5 countries (ITA, FRA, MCO, SUI, ESP)
5 regions in Italy (Emilia-Romagna, Toscana, Liguria, Lombardia, Piemonte)
4 regions in France (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Occitaine, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Île-de-France)
5 regions in Spain (Catalunya, Galicia, Asturia, Cantabria, Pais Vasco / Basque Country)
LINK : maps/tours/view/14297
Stage 1 – Rimini – Palacongressi > Rimini – Ruota Panoramica
RCS – Team Time Trial – 13,2km
The race starts with a Team Time Trial at the Rimini beach at the Adriatic Sea. It is similar to the Vuelta ones, so there will already be small time gaps between the GC favourites.
Stage 2 – Santarcangelo di Romagna > Firenze
RCS – Hilly – 208,8km
A demanding stage from Emilia-Romagna to Toscana. The peloton overcomes the Monte Falco massif and drives through the Chianti region before it reaches Firenze. The peloton passes some iconic Florentine places like Piazzale Michelangelo, Gardegna di Boboli and Piazzale della Uffizia before the stage will be decided in a bunch sprint.
Stage 3 – Prato > La Spezia
RCS – Medium Mountain – 200,4km
After a flat start the peloton reaches the Tyrrhenian coast. The difficult last 60km will feature the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre with the famous coast villages. The riders have to climb three categorised climbs. After the second pass of Monte Coderone follows a fast descent to La Spezia. A challenging stage which is suited for attacks.
Stage 4 – Chiavari > Bergamo
RCS – Hilly – 216,6km
The race leaves Liguria to the north and reaches Lombardia. Today we remember the Covid-19 pandemic and pass some badly hit towns like Codogno and the stage finish, Bergamo. Most likely the winner today will be a sprinter. They won’t have much opportunities in this Grand Tour!
Stage 5 – Bergamo > Lugano – Breganzona (SUI)
RCS – Hilly – 156,7km
Today’s start will be at ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital at Bergamo as a remembrance to the pandemic and a sign of appreciation. Then the peloton finally reaches the Alps. Lake Como and Lake Lugano will bring beautiful views before the hectic finale. Riders might attack on the descent of Colle di Cimo and try to win the stage on the hill finish at Breganzona. This is the only stage finish outside France, Italy and Spain.
Stage 6 – Varese > Piedicavallo
RCS – Medium Mountain – 174,1km
Varese will host the start of a medium mountain stage which is almost completely on the roads of Piemonte region. Two consecutive Cat.1 climbs (Bielmonte and Colle della Colma) with very different characteristics precede the technically difficult descent from Santuario di Oropa to the beautiful town of Biella. The picturesque village of Piedicavallo lies on the end of the first mountain top finish. Riders who aim for the Mountain jersey can collect valuable points today.
Stage 7 – Ivrea > La Salle-les-Alpes
RCS – High Mountain – 195,7km
After a flat course to Pinerolo, the 60km long climb to Sestriere will cause problems to the riders. At Col de Montgenèvre, the race enters France for the first time. The finish venue will be the same as Tour de France 2017. Attackers will see their chance for a stage victory today. France as finish host but stage organizer is RCS.
Stage 8 – Briançon > Sant’Anna di Vinadio
ASO – High Mountain – 128,8km
Today will be the queen stage of Week 1! After the first rider on Col du Vars (2110m) collects Cima Coppi and Souvenir Henri Desgrange as it’s the highest point reached in the race, the peloton climbs Col de Larche / Maddalena and enters Italy for a last time. The Province of Cuneo hosts the finish at Sant’Anna di Vinadio on top of the first HC climb. There will be huge time gaps between the GC contenders today! Italy as finish host but stage organizer is ASO.
Stage 9 – Menton > Nice
ASO – Medium Mountain – 177,7km
Stage 9 starts in Menton at the Cote d’Azur. The peloton passes beautiful seaside places like Monaco, Antibes and Cannes before we go into the inner land away fron the coast. Col d’Aspremont and Col des Quatre Chemins resemble the famous last stage of Paris-Nice. The first week of hard and diverse racing finds its end on the Promenade des Anglais. Strong sprinters and brave attackers will battle out who wins this prestigious stage. The first rest day tomorrow will be spent in the PACA region.
Rest Day 1 – PACA region
Stage 10 – Toulon > Arles
ASO – Plain – 177,0km
To start Week 2, we have a rather simple stage which leads to the Rhône valley. It is very likely that we see a bunch sprint at Avenue Victor Hugo, next to the recently opened LUMA Arles. But the riders need to be careful of crosswinds at the coast and along the plain fields at the end.
Stage 11 – Vauvert > Mont Aigoual
ASO – High Mountain – 140,0km
A rather short stage which is completely in Département Gard. Many riders will drop off the main group on the three climbs of Category 2 and 3 as the second HC climb of the race, Col de la Lusette, finally breaks the peloton apart. It is likely that a strong attacker reaches the summit of Mont Aigoual first, but there will be GC contenders who want to gain some time.
Stage 12 – Lodève > Perpignan
ASO – Plain – 200,7km
The flattest stage this year. From Massif Central, we head south to the mediterranean coast. Although there are many turns in the last 40km, a bunch sprint is the likely outcome. For the Green Jersey candidates, there won’t be many chances left.
Stage 13 – Girona > Barcelona - Montjuic
Unipublic – Hilly – 176,8km
The race finally enters Spanish territory! Today’s start will be Girona, the home of many professional riders. After visiting Costa Brava and Circuit de Catalunya, there will be a hectic finale with many attractions in Barcelona: Parc Güell, Sagrada Familia and the hill sprint at the Olympic Stadium on Alto de Montjuic.
Stage 14 – Cornellà de Llobregat > Manresa
Unipublic – Medium Mountain – 202,8km
A medium mountain stage through the inner land of Catalunya. Four categorised climbs on the menu today, the hardest comes 30km before the finish line where the peloton comes close to famous Monasterio de Montserrat. The stage will be decided on the descent to the beautiful town of Manresa.
Stage 15 – Solsona > Estación de Port Ainé
Unipublic – High Mountain – 181,5km
The queen stage of Week 2! For a third consecutive day, we race in the region of Catalunya. Almost 4700 vertical meters and four categorised climbs are on the menu today as the peloton climbs Coll de Port, Port del Cantó and Alt d’Enviny. As seen in Volta a Catalunya, the finish will be at Estación de Port Ainé, the third HC climb. The foundation is set for an epic fight of the GC favourites!
Rest Day 2 – Transfer to Galicia
Stage 16 – Santiago de Compostela > Viveiro
Unipublic – Hilly – 200,6km
The beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela hosts the start for the third and deciding week of cycling as the peloton goes north to the cliffs and coasts of Costa Ártabra. Only one categorised climb but there are many hills on the menu which make the race harder than it seems. Additionally, take care of the wind and the winding roads!
Stage 17 – Gijón - Playa de Poniente > Oviedo - Plaza de los Ferroviarios
Unipublic – Individual Time Trial – 46,0km
Today we see the only Individual Time Trial in this Grand Tour. It is splitted in two very different segments. From Playa de Poniente at Gijón, the contestants ride uphill to Alto de Ruedes, followed by a long flat section, suited for people like Dumoulin. The key place lies at km 36: Cat.2 climb Alto del Violeo with slopes up to 23% brings everyone out of rhythm, but riders like Bernal, López etc. can reduce their loss here. After a short descent to Oviedo, we will clearly see who is still in position to win the Tour!
Stage 18 – Belmonte de Miranda > Pola de Lena
Unipublic – High Mountain – 127,4km
The Asturian part of the Cantabrian Mountains hosts the next short and dynamic stage. Four Cat.1 mountains, all of them with high gradient percentages, set the scenery for an epic fight between the GC contenders. Additionally, a lot of points fort he mountain jersey are up for grabs today. The riders have to stay concentrated on the bendy descents. A mistake here can cost them valuable time.
Stage 19 – Llanes > La Arboleda
Unipublic – Medium Mountain – 221,7km
We continue our trip along the north Spanish coast as we go further east. After the start in the Asturian coast village Llanes, we pass the Cave of Altamira as well as the cities Torrelavega and Santander. The last 100km feature a total of six categorised climbs in Cantabria, the final one as a mountain top finish at Valle de Trápaga in Basque Country. The attacker’s group will be full of teams which haven’t won a stage yet, today will be their chance to bring the Tour to a good end.
Stage 20 – Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port > Port de Larrau
ASO – High Mountain – 140,0km
The final mountain stage. This stage has the potential to change the whole situation. Two HC climbs (Hourcère and Larrau) as well as two Cat.1 and one Cat2 await the riders. No one can relax on this stage. The GC contenders can lose a lot of time. The Green Jersey holder can fall off the time limit. The Mountain Jersey Holder can lose his jersey. On top of Port de Larrau at the French-Spanish border, we know the winner(s) and the losers of this Grand Tour. Transfer to Paris either via Airport Biarritz or Airport Pau.
Stage 21 – Pontoise > Paris Champs-Élysées
ASO – Plain – 126,4km
As it is tradition, the Tour d’Honneur in Paris. We pass a lot of iconic places like L’Arche de la Défense, Stade Roland Garros, Parc des Princes, Tour Eiffel and Hôtel des Invalides before we go on the circuit at Champs-Élysées.
My name is Anderson and this is my submission for the Grand Tour contest.
Some key facts about the route:
21 demanding stages
3.413 km
47.300 vertical meters
5 countries (ITA, FRA, MCO, SUI, ESP)
5 regions in Italy (Emilia-Romagna, Toscana, Liguria, Lombardia, Piemonte)
4 regions in France (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Occitaine, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Île-de-France)
5 regions in Spain (Catalunya, Galicia, Asturia, Cantabria, Pais Vasco / Basque Country)
LINK : maps/tours/view/14297
Stage 1 – Rimini – Palacongressi > Rimini – Ruota Panoramica
RCS – Team Time Trial – 13,2km
The race starts with a Team Time Trial at the Rimini beach at the Adriatic Sea. It is similar to the Vuelta ones, so there will already be small time gaps between the GC favourites.
Stage 2 – Santarcangelo di Romagna > Firenze
RCS – Hilly – 208,8km
A demanding stage from Emilia-Romagna to Toscana. The peloton overcomes the Monte Falco massif and drives through the Chianti region before it reaches Firenze. The peloton passes some iconic Florentine places like Piazzale Michelangelo, Gardegna di Boboli and Piazzale della Uffizia before the stage will be decided in a bunch sprint.
Stage 3 – Prato > La Spezia
RCS – Medium Mountain – 200,4km
After a flat start the peloton reaches the Tyrrhenian coast. The difficult last 60km will feature the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre with the famous coast villages. The riders have to climb three categorised climbs. After the second pass of Monte Coderone follows a fast descent to La Spezia. A challenging stage which is suited for attacks.
Stage 4 – Chiavari > Bergamo
RCS – Hilly – 216,6km
The race leaves Liguria to the north and reaches Lombardia. Today we remember the Covid-19 pandemic and pass some badly hit towns like Codogno and the stage finish, Bergamo. Most likely the winner today will be a sprinter. They won’t have much opportunities in this Grand Tour!
Stage 5 – Bergamo > Lugano – Breganzona (SUI)
RCS – Hilly – 156,7km
Today’s start will be at ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital at Bergamo as a remembrance to the pandemic and a sign of appreciation. Then the peloton finally reaches the Alps. Lake Como and Lake Lugano will bring beautiful views before the hectic finale. Riders might attack on the descent of Colle di Cimo and try to win the stage on the hill finish at Breganzona. This is the only stage finish outside France, Italy and Spain.
Stage 6 – Varese > Piedicavallo
RCS – Medium Mountain – 174,1km
Varese will host the start of a medium mountain stage which is almost completely on the roads of Piemonte region. Two consecutive Cat.1 climbs (Bielmonte and Colle della Colma) with very different characteristics precede the technically difficult descent from Santuario di Oropa to the beautiful town of Biella. The picturesque village of Piedicavallo lies on the end of the first mountain top finish. Riders who aim for the Mountain jersey can collect valuable points today.
Stage 7 – Ivrea > La Salle-les-Alpes
RCS – High Mountain – 195,7km
After a flat course to Pinerolo, the 60km long climb to Sestriere will cause problems to the riders. At Col de Montgenèvre, the race enters France for the first time. The finish venue will be the same as Tour de France 2017. Attackers will see their chance for a stage victory today. France as finish host but stage organizer is RCS.
Stage 8 – Briançon > Sant’Anna di Vinadio
ASO – High Mountain – 128,8km
Today will be the queen stage of Week 1! After the first rider on Col du Vars (2110m) collects Cima Coppi and Souvenir Henri Desgrange as it’s the highest point reached in the race, the peloton climbs Col de Larche / Maddalena and enters Italy for a last time. The Province of Cuneo hosts the finish at Sant’Anna di Vinadio on top of the first HC climb. There will be huge time gaps between the GC contenders today! Italy as finish host but stage organizer is ASO.
Stage 9 – Menton > Nice
ASO – Medium Mountain – 177,7km
Stage 9 starts in Menton at the Cote d’Azur. The peloton passes beautiful seaside places like Monaco, Antibes and Cannes before we go into the inner land away fron the coast. Col d’Aspremont and Col des Quatre Chemins resemble the famous last stage of Paris-Nice. The first week of hard and diverse racing finds its end on the Promenade des Anglais. Strong sprinters and brave attackers will battle out who wins this prestigious stage. The first rest day tomorrow will be spent in the PACA region.
Rest Day 1 – PACA region
Stage 10 – Toulon > Arles
ASO – Plain – 177,0km
To start Week 2, we have a rather simple stage which leads to the Rhône valley. It is very likely that we see a bunch sprint at Avenue Victor Hugo, next to the recently opened LUMA Arles. But the riders need to be careful of crosswinds at the coast and along the plain fields at the end.
Stage 11 – Vauvert > Mont Aigoual
ASO – High Mountain – 140,0km
A rather short stage which is completely in Département Gard. Many riders will drop off the main group on the three climbs of Category 2 and 3 as the second HC climb of the race, Col de la Lusette, finally breaks the peloton apart. It is likely that a strong attacker reaches the summit of Mont Aigoual first, but there will be GC contenders who want to gain some time.
Stage 12 – Lodève > Perpignan
ASO – Plain – 200,7km
The flattest stage this year. From Massif Central, we head south to the mediterranean coast. Although there are many turns in the last 40km, a bunch sprint is the likely outcome. For the Green Jersey candidates, there won’t be many chances left.
Stage 13 – Girona > Barcelona - Montjuic
Unipublic – Hilly – 176,8km
The race finally enters Spanish territory! Today’s start will be Girona, the home of many professional riders. After visiting Costa Brava and Circuit de Catalunya, there will be a hectic finale with many attractions in Barcelona: Parc Güell, Sagrada Familia and the hill sprint at the Olympic Stadium on Alto de Montjuic.
Stage 14 – Cornellà de Llobregat > Manresa
Unipublic – Medium Mountain – 202,8km
A medium mountain stage through the inner land of Catalunya. Four categorised climbs on the menu today, the hardest comes 30km before the finish line where the peloton comes close to famous Monasterio de Montserrat. The stage will be decided on the descent to the beautiful town of Manresa.
Stage 15 – Solsona > Estación de Port Ainé
Unipublic – High Mountain – 181,5km
The queen stage of Week 2! For a third consecutive day, we race in the region of Catalunya. Almost 4700 vertical meters and four categorised climbs are on the menu today as the peloton climbs Coll de Port, Port del Cantó and Alt d’Enviny. As seen in Volta a Catalunya, the finish will be at Estación de Port Ainé, the third HC climb. The foundation is set for an epic fight of the GC favourites!
Rest Day 2 – Transfer to Galicia
Stage 16 – Santiago de Compostela > Viveiro
Unipublic – Hilly – 200,6km
The beautiful city of Santiago de Compostela hosts the start for the third and deciding week of cycling as the peloton goes north to the cliffs and coasts of Costa Ártabra. Only one categorised climb but there are many hills on the menu which make the race harder than it seems. Additionally, take care of the wind and the winding roads!
Stage 17 – Gijón - Playa de Poniente > Oviedo - Plaza de los Ferroviarios
Unipublic – Individual Time Trial – 46,0km
Today we see the only Individual Time Trial in this Grand Tour. It is splitted in two very different segments. From Playa de Poniente at Gijón, the contestants ride uphill to Alto de Ruedes, followed by a long flat section, suited for people like Dumoulin. The key place lies at km 36: Cat.2 climb Alto del Violeo with slopes up to 23% brings everyone out of rhythm, but riders like Bernal, López etc. can reduce their loss here. After a short descent to Oviedo, we will clearly see who is still in position to win the Tour!
Stage 18 – Belmonte de Miranda > Pola de Lena
Unipublic – High Mountain – 127,4km
The Asturian part of the Cantabrian Mountains hosts the next short and dynamic stage. Four Cat.1 mountains, all of them with high gradient percentages, set the scenery for an epic fight between the GC contenders. Additionally, a lot of points fort he mountain jersey are up for grabs today. The riders have to stay concentrated on the bendy descents. A mistake here can cost them valuable time.
Stage 19 – Llanes > La Arboleda
Unipublic – Medium Mountain – 221,7km
We continue our trip along the north Spanish coast as we go further east. After the start in the Asturian coast village Llanes, we pass the Cave of Altamira as well as the cities Torrelavega and Santander. The last 100km feature a total of six categorised climbs in Cantabria, the final one as a mountain top finish at Valle de Trápaga in Basque Country. The attacker’s group will be full of teams which haven’t won a stage yet, today will be their chance to bring the Tour to a good end.
Stage 20 – Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port > Port de Larrau
ASO – High Mountain – 140,0km
The final mountain stage. This stage has the potential to change the whole situation. Two HC climbs (Hourcère and Larrau) as well as two Cat.1 and one Cat2 await the riders. No one can relax on this stage. The GC contenders can lose a lot of time. The Green Jersey holder can fall off the time limit. The Mountain Jersey Holder can lose his jersey. On top of Port de Larrau at the French-Spanish border, we know the winner(s) and the losers of this Grand Tour. Transfer to Paris either via Airport Biarritz or Airport Pau.
Stage 21 – Pontoise > Paris Champs-Élysées
ASO – Plain – 126,4km
As it is tradition, the Tour d’Honneur in Paris. We pass a lot of iconic places like L’Arche de la Défense, Stade Roland Garros, Parc des Princes, Tour Eiffel and Hôtel des Invalides before we go on the circuit at Champs-Élysées.
--------------------------------------------
3rd place Tour de France Contest 2020
2nd place Tour de France Contest 2021
3rd place Tour de France Contest 2020
2nd place Tour de France Contest 2021
- Arnorius
- Appassionato
- Posts: 61
- Joined: 31/05/2018, 10:14
Re: Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
So, finally finished it.
maps/tours/view/14500
By the way am I the only one who thinks this one was quite hard to make? So many regions and nice stages in my mind I had to delete
maps/tours/view/14500
- 8 Mountain stages (5 MTF)
- 7 Sprint stages
- 1 TTT
- 2 ITT's
- 105 km TT (71 ITT, 34 TTT)
Spoiler!
By the way am I the only one who thinks this one was quite hard to make? So many regions and nice stages in my mind I had to delete
- IamCeeKae
- Spettatore
- Posts: 27
- Joined: 22/01/2018, 11:58
- Xander66
- Appassionato
- Posts: 52
- Joined: 03/11/2017, 15:33
Re: Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
Here's my entry for this contest: maps/tours/view/14477
In the spoiler you can find a stage-by-stage description, the profiles here are in the style of the organizer of that stage.
In the spoiler you can find a stage-by-stage description, the profiles here are in the style of the organizer of that stage.
Spoiler!
- adriamedina
- Spettatore
- Posts: 29
- Joined: 01/04/2018, 22:09
Re: Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
I present you my Grand Tour for this contest maps/tours/view/14198 .
First of all I want to say that I've tried to equilibrate the possibilities between time trialists and pure climbers by putting a decent amount of every type of terrain. Also, as the calendar is reduced, I've designed some stages similar to classics, with short but steep climbs to provide attacks and awesome persecutions. Stage 1, 2, 5, 7 or 16 are some of them. I've also tried to go through unknown climbs or not very used.
It will consist of:
- 3493 kms
- 6 flat stages
- 7 medium mountain stages
- 6 high mountain stages
- 2 ITT (78 kms)
- 5 top finishes
- 89 KOMs
- 8 HC
- 17 1º
- 24 2º
- 14 3º
- 26 4º
Stage 1: Santiago de Compostela > Cabo Fisterra (148,5 kms) - Unipublic - **
I decided to start this Grand Tour in Santiago de Compostela because it's a great city and this year they celebrate the Año Jubilar 2020. The peloton will be riding near the coastline all the time so the wind might be important. Also, since the steep Mirador de Ézaro, the roads start to get tighter and more diffidult to control. As a first stage, I find it very interesting and it will be similar to a classic.
Stage 2: Vimianzo > Viveiro (214 kms) - Unipublic - **
Second stage will be really similar to the first one but it will finish in a downhill. The terrain is more difficult and the roads will get steeper and tighter. Another stage with classic vibes.
Stage 3: Praia das Catedrais > Gijón (178 kms) - Unipublic - *
First flat stage with a sprint in Gijón the terrain near the coastline will be difficult but a massive sprint is expected in the Asturian city.
Stage 4: Oviedo > Santander. Palacio de la Magdalena (209,5 kms) - Unipublic - *
Another flat stage but with a different terrain, much harder to control. The sprint will be in front of the Palacio de la Magalena, that means that the last 500m are uphill with a gradient of a 5%. Punchers will also have a chance.
Stage 5: Torrelavega > Barakaldo (152 kms) - Unipublic - ***
Third medium mountain stage similar to a classic. This time the peloton will ride across the steepest climbs near Bilbao and they will decide the winner. It could be a puncher, a climber or even a breakaway.
Stage 6: Amurrio > Ejea de los Caballeros (228,5 kms) - Unipublic - *
The flatest and longest stage since will take part between País Vasco and Aragón. Another opportunity for the sprinters.
Stage 7: Jaca > Lourdes (185 kms) - ASO - ***
We will arrive in France with this amazing stage with steep and tight roads in the final kms. Another classic-type of stage which attacks will be present in order to win the stage or make a time gap.
Stage 8: Bagnères-de-Bigorre > Vielha. Val d'Aran (131,5 kms) - ASO - ****
First high mountain stage in the Pyrenées. This time the peloton will climb the famous cols of Aspin, Azet, Peyragudes and Portillon to return to Spain searching for the surprisingly unkown climb of Mirador d'Arres (6,4 kms - 9,4%).
Stage 9: Tremp > Port del Comte (214 kms) - Unipublic - *****
Second high mountain stage and considerably harder than the one before. With more than 200kms and 6000m of positive denivel the peloton will suffer a lot. Cyclists will go through an unexplored part of the Catalan Pyrenées, discovering climbs like Coll de Pradell (17,4 kms - 6,2%) with steep sections of 21%. Pradell is put perfectly in order to attack and create a gap and a spectacular chasing in the climbs after. The famous ski station Port del Comte will host the finish.
------- RESTDAY: Perpignan -------
Stage 10: Perpignan > Port-Leucate CRI (56 kms) - ASO - *****
A pancake-flat and long time trial through the eastern villages of Perpignan will be a key stage of this Grand Tour. Climbers will lose lots of minutes and they will have to be aggresive to regain what they lost. Wind could also be an ingredient to make this stage even more awesome.
Stage 11: Narbonne - Istres (221,5 kms) - ASO - *
Forth flat stage in this Tour and the only one in the second week. After a high-demanding time trial, the peloton will ride through the coastline again, so wind could be another important fact. A massive sprint in Istres is expected.
Stage 12: Aix-en-Provence > Monaco (217 kms) - ASO - ***
Another long stage near the coastline, but this time two significant climbs and a lap around the well-known Circuit de Monaco will decide the winner.
Stage 13: Menton > Ormea (152 kms) - RCS - *****
First high mountain stage in the week and first kms in Italy. The unknown climbs of Colla San Bernardo and Quarzina will emcourage people to attack for the win.
Stage 14: Loano > Borgo Val di Taro (213,5 kms) - RCS - ****
Long and hard medium mountain stage with the steep Passo Scasella to decide the winner. Climbers and the breakaway are some potential winners.
Stage 15: La Spezia > Val di Luce (128 kms) - RCS - *****
Last stage of the second week will be a sort but difficult stage between La Spezia and Val di Luce. Passing through the amazing Passo Lagadello (also known as San Pellegrino in Alpe) and climbing to the ski resort of Val di Luce will determine who is stronger.
------- RESTDAY: Piacenza -------
Stage 16: Piacenza > Como (231 kms) - RCS - ****
A stage recreating the Giro di Lombardia layout will honor the victims of the Covid-19 pandemic. This will be another classic-type of stage. The Muro di Sormano will decide today's winner.
Stage 17: Como > Torino (169 kms) - RCS - *
Last flat stage until Paris. Another massive sprint is expected in Torino.
Stage 18: Torino > Superga CRI (22 kms) - RCS - ****
Last time trial of the race will be an uphill one, with two exigent and famous climbs near the big city of Torino. Superga, as shown in the Milano-Torino classic, is harder than you think.
Stage 19: Rivoli > Col du Granon (134,5 kms) - RCS - *****
Spectacular stage between Italy and France with the dirt track of Colle delle Finestre plus the myth of Sestrière, Montgenèvre and the surprisingly underestimated Col du Granon. Yes, I've put all the 2000m climbs the same day, why not? This mix of climbs could only provide great battle and even more when climbers have a lot of time to recuperate since the long time trial in Perpignan.
Stage 20: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne > La Mure (191,5 kms) - ASO - *****
Last atempt to win the Grand Tour will be in the French Alpes. This queen stage will go through Col du Glandon, the famous Alpe d'Huez, Col de la Sarenne and then the unexploreds Col du Solude, Col d'Ornon and Col de Parquetout. I seriously don't know why the Tour has never proposed this stage. It's really hard and we could see some long attacks in order to be crowned as champion of this Grand Tour.
Stage 21: Versailles > Paris. Champs Elysées (91 kms) - ASO - *
And the traditional stage in the Champs Elysées will close this hard and amazing Tour. A massive sprint is also expected in Paris.
First of all I want to say that I've tried to equilibrate the possibilities between time trialists and pure climbers by putting a decent amount of every type of terrain. Also, as the calendar is reduced, I've designed some stages similar to classics, with short but steep climbs to provide attacks and awesome persecutions. Stage 1, 2, 5, 7 or 16 are some of them. I've also tried to go through unknown climbs or not very used.
It will consist of:
- 3493 kms
- 6 flat stages
- 7 medium mountain stages
- 6 high mountain stages
- 2 ITT (78 kms)
- 5 top finishes
- 89 KOMs
- 8 HC
- 17 1º
- 24 2º
- 14 3º
- 26 4º
Stage 1: Santiago de Compostela > Cabo Fisterra (148,5 kms) - Unipublic - **
I decided to start this Grand Tour in Santiago de Compostela because it's a great city and this year they celebrate the Año Jubilar 2020. The peloton will be riding near the coastline all the time so the wind might be important. Also, since the steep Mirador de Ézaro, the roads start to get tighter and more diffidult to control. As a first stage, I find it very interesting and it will be similar to a classic.
Stage 2: Vimianzo > Viveiro (214 kms) - Unipublic - **
Second stage will be really similar to the first one but it will finish in a downhill. The terrain is more difficult and the roads will get steeper and tighter. Another stage with classic vibes.
Stage 3: Praia das Catedrais > Gijón (178 kms) - Unipublic - *
First flat stage with a sprint in Gijón the terrain near the coastline will be difficult but a massive sprint is expected in the Asturian city.
Stage 4: Oviedo > Santander. Palacio de la Magdalena (209,5 kms) - Unipublic - *
Another flat stage but with a different terrain, much harder to control. The sprint will be in front of the Palacio de la Magalena, that means that the last 500m are uphill with a gradient of a 5%. Punchers will also have a chance.
Stage 5: Torrelavega > Barakaldo (152 kms) - Unipublic - ***
Third medium mountain stage similar to a classic. This time the peloton will ride across the steepest climbs near Bilbao and they will decide the winner. It could be a puncher, a climber or even a breakaway.
Stage 6: Amurrio > Ejea de los Caballeros (228,5 kms) - Unipublic - *
The flatest and longest stage since will take part between País Vasco and Aragón. Another opportunity for the sprinters.
Stage 7: Jaca > Lourdes (185 kms) - ASO - ***
We will arrive in France with this amazing stage with steep and tight roads in the final kms. Another classic-type of stage which attacks will be present in order to win the stage or make a time gap.
Stage 8: Bagnères-de-Bigorre > Vielha. Val d'Aran (131,5 kms) - ASO - ****
First high mountain stage in the Pyrenées. This time the peloton will climb the famous cols of Aspin, Azet, Peyragudes and Portillon to return to Spain searching for the surprisingly unkown climb of Mirador d'Arres (6,4 kms - 9,4%).
Stage 9: Tremp > Port del Comte (214 kms) - Unipublic - *****
Second high mountain stage and considerably harder than the one before. With more than 200kms and 6000m of positive denivel the peloton will suffer a lot. Cyclists will go through an unexplored part of the Catalan Pyrenées, discovering climbs like Coll de Pradell (17,4 kms - 6,2%) with steep sections of 21%. Pradell is put perfectly in order to attack and create a gap and a spectacular chasing in the climbs after. The famous ski station Port del Comte will host the finish.
------- RESTDAY: Perpignan -------
Stage 10: Perpignan > Port-Leucate CRI (56 kms) - ASO - *****
A pancake-flat and long time trial through the eastern villages of Perpignan will be a key stage of this Grand Tour. Climbers will lose lots of minutes and they will have to be aggresive to regain what they lost. Wind could also be an ingredient to make this stage even more awesome.
Stage 11: Narbonne - Istres (221,5 kms) - ASO - *
Forth flat stage in this Tour and the only one in the second week. After a high-demanding time trial, the peloton will ride through the coastline again, so wind could be another important fact. A massive sprint in Istres is expected.
Stage 12: Aix-en-Provence > Monaco (217 kms) - ASO - ***
Another long stage near the coastline, but this time two significant climbs and a lap around the well-known Circuit de Monaco will decide the winner.
Stage 13: Menton > Ormea (152 kms) - RCS - *****
First high mountain stage in the week and first kms in Italy. The unknown climbs of Colla San Bernardo and Quarzina will emcourage people to attack for the win.
Stage 14: Loano > Borgo Val di Taro (213,5 kms) - RCS - ****
Long and hard medium mountain stage with the steep Passo Scasella to decide the winner. Climbers and the breakaway are some potential winners.
Stage 15: La Spezia > Val di Luce (128 kms) - RCS - *****
Last stage of the second week will be a sort but difficult stage between La Spezia and Val di Luce. Passing through the amazing Passo Lagadello (also known as San Pellegrino in Alpe) and climbing to the ski resort of Val di Luce will determine who is stronger.
------- RESTDAY: Piacenza -------
Stage 16: Piacenza > Como (231 kms) - RCS - ****
A stage recreating the Giro di Lombardia layout will honor the victims of the Covid-19 pandemic. This will be another classic-type of stage. The Muro di Sormano will decide today's winner.
Stage 17: Como > Torino (169 kms) - RCS - *
Last flat stage until Paris. Another massive sprint is expected in Torino.
Stage 18: Torino > Superga CRI (22 kms) - RCS - ****
Last time trial of the race will be an uphill one, with two exigent and famous climbs near the big city of Torino. Superga, as shown in the Milano-Torino classic, is harder than you think.
Stage 19: Rivoli > Col du Granon (134,5 kms) - RCS - *****
Spectacular stage between Italy and France with the dirt track of Colle delle Finestre plus the myth of Sestrière, Montgenèvre and the surprisingly underestimated Col du Granon. Yes, I've put all the 2000m climbs the same day, why not? This mix of climbs could only provide great battle and even more when climbers have a lot of time to recuperate since the long time trial in Perpignan.
Stage 20: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne > La Mure (191,5 kms) - ASO - *****
Last atempt to win the Grand Tour will be in the French Alpes. This queen stage will go through Col du Glandon, the famous Alpe d'Huez, Col de la Sarenne and then the unexploreds Col du Solude, Col d'Ornon and Col de Parquetout. I seriously don't know why the Tour has never proposed this stage. It's really hard and we could see some long attacks in order to be crowned as champion of this Grand Tour.
Stage 21: Versailles > Paris. Champs Elysées (91 kms) - ASO - *
And the traditional stage in the Champs Elysées will close this hard and amazing Tour. A massive sprint is also expected in Paris.
- Brumdog66
- Spettatore
- Posts: 12
- Joined: 04/04/2020, 14:55
Re: Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
maps/tours/view/14324
Hi, this is my tour, it includes:
8 flat stages
5 medium mountain/ hill stages
6 high mountain stages
2 ITTs
5 summit finishes (2 HC, 2 1st Cat, 1 2cnd Cat).
2 rest days, one after stage 9 in Lourdes and one after stage 15 in Aosta.
The only plane transfer is before Paris but there are a couple of longish ones (around 80km) between mountain stages.
All stages are organised by the nation that hosts the finish.
Stages:
Stage 1- Madrid (Valdemoro) > Cuenca
The first stage is a hilly one from Valdemoro (a suburb of Madrid) to the city Cuenca. It includes several relatively easy climbs in the middle of the stage before the final and most difficult climb- the Alto del Castillo- which summits about 10km before the finish. This stage should see a battle between the breakaway, the more durable sprinters such as Sagan and the puncheur types a la Alaphillipe.
Stage 2- Cuenca> Valencia
A flat stage for the pure sprinters.
Stage 3- Valencia> Sagunt
The first time trial of the tour, shortish and completely flat. The route follows the coast from Valencia before turning slightly inland and finishing next to the ancient roman ruins in Sagunt. The climbers should lose significant time here.
Stage 4- Castellon de la Plana> Tortosa
Another stage for the sprinters, pan flat and finishing in the city of Tortosa following a short transfer to the popular tourist resort Castellon de la Plana.
Stage 5- Tortosa> Rat de Penat
The first summit finish, although there is only one climb on the menu this stage should see significant time gaps. The finish is on the brutal Rat de Penat, an climb unused in the vuelta, but with a decent road surface and a car park at the top it is surely only a matter of time before it is included.
Stage 6- Barcelona> Torello
Another medium mountain stage, with very little flat and two first category climbs. The last climb is tough and its proximity to the finish could provoke GC attacks, but the first mountain weekend looming will probably discourage this and make it a stage for the breakaway.
Stage 7- Vic> Figueres
A short transfer to the city of Vic leads to a short and generally flat stage which should be for the sprinters. The three medium difficulty climbs right at the start combined with the length could possibly lead to a strong breakaway getting away.
Stage 8- Figueres> Plateau de Beille
The first french stage, a true mountain test with two genuine HC climbs, first taking the Port de Pailheres before the fearsome Plateau de Beille. The steepest slopes are near the bottom and the next stage is easier, so hopefully the race will blow up near the bottom of the final climb.
Stage 9- Saint-Girons> Col d'Aspin
A short, explosive stage before a rest day. The placement of the Peyresourde, the toughest climb of the day as the antipenultimate climb is meant to encourage attacks from afar, before the unheralded col de lancon is passed on the way to the finish, at the oft-used Col d'Aspin- the only member of the pyrennean beatles not to host a summit finish.
Stage 10- Saint-Gaudens> Narbonne
Typical pan flat stage after a rest day- long, flat and very little climbing.
Stage 11- Beziers> Ales
A transition stage, this time suited to the more durable sprinters. Sagan won a similar stage in last years tour, but I would expect it to be breakaway fodder placed between two flat stages and once things have settled down in the second week.
Stage 12- Nimes> Draguignan
Another flat stage, although it has a climb about fifteen kilometres from the finish, it shouldnt be hard enough to drop all but the heaviest sprinters.
Stage 13- Frejus> Nice
Very similar to stage 2 of this years tour, which is one of the most promising tour stages in recent years and could (and should) lead to real action- possibly even from the Turini although this could be wishful thinking. Unfortunately in my tour it had to be placed before two very hard stages and is therefore unlikely to see any GC action. Should be another breakaway day with some small GC skirmishes possible on the Quatre Chemins.
Stage 14- Carros> Pian del Re
The first alpine stage is arguably a uniclimb stage in practice, as the Lombarde is climbed early, and there is a lot of flat between it and the final climb. The Pian del Re was used in two consecutive years in the early nineties before being ignored for the last thirty. This is a shame as it is a very difficult and beautiful climb, with the last 12km averaging around 8.5%.
Stage 15- Turin> Saint-Pierre
This would probably be classed as the queen stage, four Cat 1 cols and 5000m of climbing before a descent into the town of Saint-Pierre in the Aosta valley. Though none of the climbs are brutal, all are hard and the tour could be won or lost here.
Stage 16- Ivrea> Sestri Levante
Once again, the rest day is followed by a day for the sprinters, who should not be troubled by the days climbing. The stage finishes in the coastal town of Sestri Levante, which had developed from a quiet fishing village into a tourist hotspot.
Stage 17- La Spezia> Abetone
The final summit finish, the road doesnt stay flat at all for the last 150km. The final drag to Abetone is preceded by several tuscan hills and a terrific climb that has never been used in the Giro, although its easier side has been used proving the descent is usable. Passo Pradaccio is an irregular ascent that includes a false flat and a 2km section at over 13% near the top, and should be a springboard for attacks, as this is the last chance for the climbers to gain time before the final time trial.
Stage 18- Florence> Spoleto
A very flat stage, the last before Paris.
Stage 19- Terni> Rieti
The final time trial is longer and has three sections: a flat first 13km, a middle with two hills, and a final flat last 13km. The middle section should help those who gained time in the mountains limit there losses, but the hills are not difficult and the rouleurs should gain minutes.
Stage 20- Sulmona> Chieti
The final mountain stage contains two big climbs including the mammoth Blockhaus, before a long descent and rolling last 20km, finishing after a steep ramp in Chieti. Unless the GC has been completely settled, there should be fireworks on Blockhaus.
Stage 21- Mantes-a-Jolie> Paris (Champs-Elysees)
The final parade around Paris, taken from this year's Tour.
Thankyou.
Hi, this is my tour, it includes:
8 flat stages
5 medium mountain/ hill stages
6 high mountain stages
2 ITTs
5 summit finishes (2 HC, 2 1st Cat, 1 2cnd Cat).
2 rest days, one after stage 9 in Lourdes and one after stage 15 in Aosta.
The only plane transfer is before Paris but there are a couple of longish ones (around 80km) between mountain stages.
All stages are organised by the nation that hosts the finish.
Stages:
Stage 1- Madrid (Valdemoro) > Cuenca
The first stage is a hilly one from Valdemoro (a suburb of Madrid) to the city Cuenca. It includes several relatively easy climbs in the middle of the stage before the final and most difficult climb- the Alto del Castillo- which summits about 10km before the finish. This stage should see a battle between the breakaway, the more durable sprinters such as Sagan and the puncheur types a la Alaphillipe.
Stage 2- Cuenca> Valencia
A flat stage for the pure sprinters.
Stage 3- Valencia> Sagunt
The first time trial of the tour, shortish and completely flat. The route follows the coast from Valencia before turning slightly inland and finishing next to the ancient roman ruins in Sagunt. The climbers should lose significant time here.
Stage 4- Castellon de la Plana> Tortosa
Another stage for the sprinters, pan flat and finishing in the city of Tortosa following a short transfer to the popular tourist resort Castellon de la Plana.
Stage 5- Tortosa> Rat de Penat
The first summit finish, although there is only one climb on the menu this stage should see significant time gaps. The finish is on the brutal Rat de Penat, an climb unused in the vuelta, but with a decent road surface and a car park at the top it is surely only a matter of time before it is included.
Stage 6- Barcelona> Torello
Another medium mountain stage, with very little flat and two first category climbs. The last climb is tough and its proximity to the finish could provoke GC attacks, but the first mountain weekend looming will probably discourage this and make it a stage for the breakaway.
Stage 7- Vic> Figueres
A short transfer to the city of Vic leads to a short and generally flat stage which should be for the sprinters. The three medium difficulty climbs right at the start combined with the length could possibly lead to a strong breakaway getting away.
Stage 8- Figueres> Plateau de Beille
The first french stage, a true mountain test with two genuine HC climbs, first taking the Port de Pailheres before the fearsome Plateau de Beille. The steepest slopes are near the bottom and the next stage is easier, so hopefully the race will blow up near the bottom of the final climb.
Stage 9- Saint-Girons> Col d'Aspin
A short, explosive stage before a rest day. The placement of the Peyresourde, the toughest climb of the day as the antipenultimate climb is meant to encourage attacks from afar, before the unheralded col de lancon is passed on the way to the finish, at the oft-used Col d'Aspin- the only member of the pyrennean beatles not to host a summit finish.
Stage 10- Saint-Gaudens> Narbonne
Typical pan flat stage after a rest day- long, flat and very little climbing.
Stage 11- Beziers> Ales
A transition stage, this time suited to the more durable sprinters. Sagan won a similar stage in last years tour, but I would expect it to be breakaway fodder placed between two flat stages and once things have settled down in the second week.
Stage 12- Nimes> Draguignan
Another flat stage, although it has a climb about fifteen kilometres from the finish, it shouldnt be hard enough to drop all but the heaviest sprinters.
Stage 13- Frejus> Nice
Very similar to stage 2 of this years tour, which is one of the most promising tour stages in recent years and could (and should) lead to real action- possibly even from the Turini although this could be wishful thinking. Unfortunately in my tour it had to be placed before two very hard stages and is therefore unlikely to see any GC action. Should be another breakaway day with some small GC skirmishes possible on the Quatre Chemins.
Stage 14- Carros> Pian del Re
The first alpine stage is arguably a uniclimb stage in practice, as the Lombarde is climbed early, and there is a lot of flat between it and the final climb. The Pian del Re was used in two consecutive years in the early nineties before being ignored for the last thirty. This is a shame as it is a very difficult and beautiful climb, with the last 12km averaging around 8.5%.
Stage 15- Turin> Saint-Pierre
This would probably be classed as the queen stage, four Cat 1 cols and 5000m of climbing before a descent into the town of Saint-Pierre in the Aosta valley. Though none of the climbs are brutal, all are hard and the tour could be won or lost here.
Stage 16- Ivrea> Sestri Levante
Once again, the rest day is followed by a day for the sprinters, who should not be troubled by the days climbing. The stage finishes in the coastal town of Sestri Levante, which had developed from a quiet fishing village into a tourist hotspot.
Stage 17- La Spezia> Abetone
The final summit finish, the road doesnt stay flat at all for the last 150km. The final drag to Abetone is preceded by several tuscan hills and a terrific climb that has never been used in the Giro, although its easier side has been used proving the descent is usable. Passo Pradaccio is an irregular ascent that includes a false flat and a 2km section at over 13% near the top, and should be a springboard for attacks, as this is the last chance for the climbers to gain time before the final time trial.
Stage 18- Florence> Spoleto
A very flat stage, the last before Paris.
Stage 19- Terni> Rieti
The final time trial is longer and has three sections: a flat first 13km, a middle with two hills, and a final flat last 13km. The middle section should help those who gained time in the mountains limit there losses, but the hills are not difficult and the rouleurs should gain minutes.
Stage 20- Sulmona> Chieti
The final mountain stage contains two big climbs including the mammoth Blockhaus, before a long descent and rolling last 20km, finishing after a steep ramp in Chieti. Unless the GC has been completely settled, there should be fireworks on Blockhaus.
Stage 21- Mantes-a-Jolie> Paris (Champs-Elysees)
The final parade around Paris, taken from this year's Tour.
Thankyou.
- M0rcuera94
- Spettatore
- Posts: 1
- Joined: 15/04/2020, 12:43
- improb
- Appassionato
- Posts: 69
- Joined: 31/08/2016, 23:19
Re: Contest #3 - Grand Tour of the Grand Tours [Cat. 1]
Brilliant! I already know what i'm voting for as first placeBrumdog66 wrote: ↑25/04/2020, 22:16 maps/tours/view/14324
Hi, this is my tour, it includes:
8 flat stages
5 medium mountain/ hill stages
6 high mountain stages
2 ITTs
5 summit finishes (2 HC, 2 1st Cat, 1 2cnd Cat).
2 rest days, one after stage 9 in Lourdes and one after stage 15 in Aosta.
The only plane transfer is before Paris but there are a couple of longish ones (around 80km) between mountain stages.
All stages are organised by the nation that hosts the finish.
Stages:
Stage 1- Madrid (Valdemoro) > Cuenca
The first stage is a hilly one from Valdemoro (a suburb of Madrid) to the city Cuenca. It includes several relatively easy climbs in the middle of the stage before the final and most difficult climb- the Alto del Castillo- which summits about 10km before the finish. This stage should see a battle between the breakaway, the more durable sprinters such as Sagan and the puncheur types a la Alaphillipe.
Stage 2- Cuenca> Valencia
A flat stage for the pure sprinters.
Stage 3- Valencia> Sagunt
The first time trial of the tour, shortish and completely flat. The route follows the coast from Valencia before turning slightly inland and finishing next to the ancient roman ruins in Sagunt. The climbers should lose significant time here.
Stage 4- Castellon de la Plana> Tortosa
Another stage for the sprinters, pan flat and finishing in the city of Tortosa following a short transfer to the popular tourist resort Castellon de la Plana.
Stage 5- Tortosa> Rat de Penat
The first summit finish, although there is only one climb on the menu this stage should see significant time gaps. The finish is on the brutal Rat de Penat, an climb unused in the vuelta, but with a decent road surface and a car park at the top it is surely only a matter of time before it is included.
Stage 6- Barcelona> Torello
Another medium mountain stage, with very little flat and two first category climbs. The last climb is tough and its proximity to the finish could provoke GC attacks, but the first mountain weekend looming will probably discourage this and make it a stage for the breakaway.
Stage 7- Vic> Figueres
A short transfer to the city of Vic leads to a short and generally flat stage which should be for the sprinters. The three medium difficulty climbs right at the start combined with the length could possibly lead to a strong breakaway getting away.
Stage 8- Figueres> Plateau de Beille
The first french stage, a true mountain test with two genuine HC climbs, first taking the Port de Pailheres before the fearsome Plateau de Beille. The steepest slopes are near the bottom and the next stage is easier, so hopefully the race will blow up near the bottom of the final climb.
Stage 9- Saint-Girons> Col d'Aspin
A short, explosive stage before a rest day. The placement of the Peyresourde, the toughest climb of the day as the antipenultimate climb is meant to encourage attacks from afar, before the unheralded col de lancon is passed on the way to the finish, at the oft-used Col d'Aspin- the only member of the pyrennean beatles not to host a summit finish.
Stage 10- Saint-Gaudens> Narbonne
Typical pan flat stage after a rest day- long, flat and very little climbing.
Stage 11- Beziers> Ales
A transition stage, this time suited to the more durable sprinters. Sagan won a similar stage in last years tour, but I would expect it to be breakaway fodder placed between two flat stages and once things have settled down in the second week.
Stage 12- Nimes> Draguignan
Another flat stage, although it has a climb about fifteen kilometres from the finish, it shouldnt be hard enough to drop all but the heaviest sprinters.
Stage 13- Frejus> Nice
Very similar to stage 2 of this years tour, which is one of the most promising tour stages in recent years and could (and should) lead to real action- possibly even from the Turini although this could be wishful thinking. Unfortunately in my tour it had to be placed before two very hard stages and is therefore unlikely to see any GC action. Should be another breakaway day with some small GC skirmishes possible on the Quatre Chemins.
Stage 14- Carros> Pian del Re
The first alpine stage is arguably a uniclimb stage in practice, as the Lombarde is climbed early, and there is a lot of flat between it and the final climb. The Pian del Re was used in two consecutive years in the early nineties before being ignored for the last thirty. This is a shame as it is a very difficult and beautiful climb, with the last 12km averaging around 8.5%.
Stage 15- Turin> Saint-Pierre
This would probably be classed as the queen stage, four Cat 1 cols and 5000m of climbing before a descent into the town of Saint-Pierre in the Aosta valley. Though none of the climbs are brutal, all are hard and the tour could be won or lost here.
Stage 16- Ivrea> Sestri Levante
Once again, the rest day is followed by a day for the sprinters, who should not be troubled by the days climbing. The stage finishes in the coastal town of Sestri Levante, which had developed from a quiet fishing village into a tourist hotspot.
Stage 17- La Spezia> Abetone
The final summit finish, the road doesnt stay flat at all for the last 150km. The final drag to Abetone is preceded by several tuscan hills and a terrific climb that has never been used in the Giro, although its easier side has been used proving the descent is usable. Passo Pradaccio is an irregular ascent that includes a false flat and a 2km section at over 13% near the top, and should be a springboard for attacks, as this is the last chance for the climbers to gain time before the final time trial.
Stage 18- Florence> Spoleto
A very flat stage, the last before Paris.
Stage 19- Terni> Rieti
The final time trial is longer and has three sections: a flat first 13km, a middle with two hills, and a final flat last 13km. The middle section should help those who gained time in the mountains limit there losses, but the hills are not difficult and the rouleurs should gain minutes.
Stage 20- Sulmona> Chieti
The final mountain stage contains two big climbs including the mammoth Blockhaus, before a long descent and rolling last 20km, finishing after a steep ramp in Chieti. Unless the GC has been completely settled, there should be fireworks on Blockhaus.
Stage 21- Mantes-a-Jolie> Paris (Champs-Elysees)
The final parade around Paris, taken from this year's Tour.
Thankyou.
- MiguelBlancoCocho
- Spettatore
- Posts: 1
- Joined: 24/11/2018, 12:15
- JoostvandeBeek
- Spettatore
- Posts: 49
- Joined: 24/08/2016, 9:34
- Location: Eindhoven