Today we will climb to Col du Noyer which is 12 km long averaging less than 6%. However, the final 6 km is consistently above 8% and near the top, 11-12% for the final 2 km. It is a magnificent climb as the “views are worth every pedal stroke”.
Stage finish in Gap The peloton will arrive late afternoon, which gives us plenty of time for our own ride this morning, stopping for lunch along the way. The Valgaudemar valley is one of the most spectacular and unspoiled valleys in the Alps. Although it is one of the few transport routes between Grenoble and …
Stage finish in Gap
The peloton will arrive late afternoon, which gives us plenty of time for our own ride this morning, stopping for lunch along the way. The Valgaudemar valley is one of the most spectacular and unspoiled valleys in the Alps. Although it is one of the few transport routes between Grenoble and Côte d’Azur, it remains considerably undeveloped. There are many hamlets with stone houses, and farming lands. The backdrop either side are impressive mountains, it’s a lovely place to ride.
We’ve planned a climb above Gap that will maximise our views across this picturesque valley, the climb is rather magical as well. Officially the climb to Col du Noyer is 12km averaging less than 6%. However, the final 6km is consistently above 8% and near the top, 11-12% for the final 2km. It is a magnificent climb as the “views are worth every pedal stroke”.
We then descend and will arrive in Gap with time for a cold drink before we wait the arrival of the peloton. Finishes are great fun to see with the caravane coming through a few hours before the race and then the endless parade of journalists and official vehicles before the riders finally arrive in the afternoon around 5pm. You might head down to the team buses that are normally behind the finish line. It’s a great place to see the riders after a hard day at the office. We will travel back to our hotel in the bus for a well earned dinner together.
TODAY IN THE RACE
Stage 17: Pont du Gard to Gap, Hilly, 206 kmRiders return to a long 200+ km stage as they head toward the French Alps. The early stages will highlight the historic sites along the Rhone Valley, including the theatre in Orange before the village of Vaison-la-Romaine. Winds are possible to challenge the peloton and favour a breakaway. The final climb under 10km to go will turn a cohesive breakaway against each other.