Cime de la Bonette, is a wonderful climb through the Mercantour National Park, and as we start from about 1,200m there is less climbing than Mont Ventoux.
Cime de la Bonette This year the peloton climbs to 2,770m as it passes over Col d’Iseran. The 2019 race uniquely reaches 6 summits higher than 2,000m during this final week. Just outside our hotel begins the climb to the highest point ever reached by the Tour, and it goes above 2,800m by just 2m. …
Cime de la Bonette
This year the peloton climbs to 2,770m as it passes over Col d’Iseran. The 2019 race uniquely reaches 6 summits higher than 2,000m during this final week. Just outside our hotel begins the climb to the highest point ever reached by the Tour, and it goes above 2,800m by just 2m. It is a wonderful climb through the Mercantour National Park, and as we start from about 1,200m there is less climbing than Mont Ventoux.
Besides reaching such altitudes, this climb is perfect to ride for its consistent incline, about 7.5%, with a couple of sections that are less. As you reach above the tree-line and pass an alpine lake, you realise why this national park is popular with nature lovers.
Closer to the summit and near to where it intersects the road from Nice, is the Fort de Restefond, and artillery block used during the second world war.
The 2 km teardrop loop around the mountains peak starts here. At the summit, there is a short path that takes you to a viewpoint. We will descend back to the base and enjoy the afternoon relaxing out our beautiful accommodation. If you’d like more riding after your summit of Cime de la Bonette, we are spoiled for choice from our base in the Southern Alps.
This evening you can enjoy a free night and have dinner at one of the local restaurants or “a la carte” from our hotel.
TODAY IN THE RACE
Stage 16: Nîmes to Nîmes, Flat, 177 kmToday’s stage will be for the sprinters and is entirely within the department of Gard. The highlight of the parcours will be the peloton riding over the famous Pont du Gard.