Tour de France 2011
Four stages in Auvergne
In Auvergne, we love cycling!
That is probably why the Tour regularly stops here. The Tour loves the region, its roads, mountain passes and hair pin turns, and its Auvergne stages culminate, more often than not, with a gruelling climb of the Puy Mary.
One week later, Auvergne will host the Etape du Tour Mondovélo, from Issoire to Saint Flour, on the same circuit as the pros, with around ten thousand amateur riders who are crazy about the Tour and cycling.
The Etape du Tour Mondovélo
Issoire – Saint Flour – Sunday July 17th
For several years now, the Etape du Tour Mondovélo has allowed many amateur riders, with ever higher levels of training and enthusiasm, to follow in the spokes of cycling champions on the mythic Tour de France route.
This event is one of the world’s major amateur cycling races, organised directly after the Tour de France.
In 2011, the Etape du Tour Mondovélo will link ISSOIRE in the Puy-de-Dôme to SAINT FLOUR in the Cantal Sunday July 17th via a 208 km route.
All along this 208 km gruelling route, riders will discover the magnificent landscapes of the Puy-de-Dôme, Haute-Loire and Cantal departments.
South of the town of Issoire, riders will head toward the breathtaking and refreshing gorges of the Alagnon River before tackling two summits in the Monts du Cantal: Puy Mary and Plomb du Cantal.
At the end of this challenging route through the magnificent Cantal region, participants can enjoy a panoramic view of the Château d’Alleuze and Viaduc de Garabit before the final 1 km climb to the town of Saint Flour. The public will be there to cheer the riders on as they cross the finish line.
Saturday July 16th, the “Welcome village” set up in the centre of Issoire will allow riders and spectators to discover local specialities and enjoy activities organised for the occasion.
For more information visit : www.letapedutour.com
And if you would like to share your sporting experiences with us, leave your comments here !
The four stages in Auvergne
From the Massif du Sancy to the volcanoes of the Cantal, via the Pays d'Issoire...here are four must-see events for cycling enthusiasts :
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Saturday July 9th
Aigurande (Indre) – Super Besse Sancy
8th stage of the Tour de France
190 km -
Sunday July 10th
Issoire – Saint Flour
9th stage of the Tour de France
208 km -
Monday July 11th
Le Lioran Cantal
Rest day at the Le Lioran Cantal sky resort -
Tuesday July 12th
Aurillac – Carmaux (Tarn)
10th stage of the Tour de France
158 km
See the 2011 Tour de France route