Yes! It’s the final countdown: Le Tour de France, Grand Départ in Nice 2020
This year has been one of a kind! It the world of sports the COVID19 pandemic has set the World on hold including sports events. Writing at the end of July, we start to believe that the Grand Départ of the Tour de France is really going to take place at the new Tour date: 29th August 2020.
Let’s take a look at the challenges that wait the 22 teams of each 8 riders on the first day in Nice.
The first stage of the Tour de France 2020, they call a ‘flat stage’ of 156km. Those of you, who have cycled in the Nice region know that there are not many ‘flat’ roads. It is a 3 loops route taking the riders through the charming villages in the hills near Nice and a max elevation around 600m altitude.
In all 3 loops the riders will cycle through Nice city center, climbing out of town via the Cimiez area where big villas and roman ruins will pop into the cameras. Soon the riders will rise above Nice and into the hills.
First 2 loops
On the 2 first rounds the riders will pass through the charming village Aspremont and descent towards the Var river by a beautiful road curling down through another sweet village Castagnier.
Aspremont
Before we know of it the riders are on the true flat section of the loop and race back towards the seafront through the Var river delta.
3rd loop
The last – and longest – loop is going a bit further into the country on roads cutting through smooth hills of Nice. The hills are covered by trees of Provence from which cicadas will sing their song to applause the Tour.
A final time the 176 riders will race back to Nice along the Var river – for a speedy finish at the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.
Who do you think will win the first yellow jersey?
Happy welcome to the Tour de France 2020
Bike Trip