Today's ride will visit some of the French and Allied monuments of the area and explore the Meuse river.
Battle of Verdun We will take things a little easier today and escape by bike with a small cultural excursion. Near to our hotel in the Meuse department there have been many events shaping France’s modern history, particularly relating to the First World War. Now known as the world capital of Peace, there are several …
Battle of Verdun
We will take things a little easier today and escape by bike with a small cultural excursion. Near to our hotel in the Meuse department there have been many events shaping France’s modern history, particularly relating to the First World War.
Now known as the world capital of Peace, there are several memorials throughout the area. Within a 10 month period in 1916, the French lost some 300,000 soldiers in the Battle of Verdun. One of whom became the “unknown soldier” buried beneath the Arc du Triomphe in Paris. A respectful reminder honoured every evening at 6:30pm to help recall the sacrifices made.
Our 95 km ride will visit some of the French and Allied monuments of the area and explore the Meuse river. We also have a shorter ride of 40 km. Both rides will return to the hotel in time for you to enjoy the village or take a treatment in the hotel’s wellness centre, and of course watch today’s sprint finish on television. This evening you are free to dine in one of the many restaurants. A relaxing day before we set off toward the mountains.
TODAY IN THE RACE
Stage 4: Reims to Nancy, Flat, 215 km
Another long stage today will likely start with a calm pace until the sprinters have their chance to avenge the winner of the opening stage. The 1.5km final straight in Nancy will attract the formation of the perfect lead-out train. A modern sprinter who is less reliant on his team’s positioning may spoil his opposing team’s effort. A windy day however, may make this a challenging stage for all.