Tour de France route presented
Today, next year’s Tour de France route was presented, and organizers have a very diverse race.
After the start in England the race transfers to northern France, where the fifth stage featuring the cobblestones which were part of the route in 2010.
In addition, there will be five mountaintop finishes and one time trial over 54 kilometers before the race as usual ends in Paris.
Saxo-Tinkoff Alberto Contador commented: “The start could turn out to be very nervous, so we can not make any conclusions before we conclude this first part of the race.
The race has only one time trial, and it is very long and flat. Though there is only one, I would have preferred something similar this year with two time trials, one of which was hilly. ” But the Spanish climber is overall satisfied with the route: “All in all, I think it fits me well, but the main thing is the legs and to arrive in top condition, because the rest change very little in reality. I’m not too worried about the cobbles despite the risk of crashes and mechanical problems. It’s going to be a spectacular stage for viewers, but very nervous for us to sit on the bikes. I just hope to get through. In 2010, I lost a few seconds on the cobblestones, but the key is to be focused. Mountain stages are tough, and there is time to be retrieved, “concludes Contador.
Saxo-Tinkoff’s team owner, Bjarne Riis, had this comment after the presentation: “It is a really interesting route. Of course I miss a prologue, but otherwise it is set up for some exciting stages in a glorious setting already on the second day to London. “Pave stage on the fifth day is definitely worth seeing. As we know from earlier, there are risks associated with that, but it’s part of the game; Alberto is not bad on the cobblestones. I look forward to coming to the Vosges mountains, where there can easily create havoc, and as always is in the Alps some entertaining key stages. The long time trial is a benefit for the riders who simply are best prepared and have the most to run with after a long and tough race. Overall I am satisfied with the route that has a good dynamic and multifaceted. Froome is directly favorite, but there are some hills along the way, where climbers can get to the dish and pick up time.”
