Lovers of the mountains should
tune in to the Tour de France today and on Tuesday
as it passes through the French Alps.
Today's stage is regarded as
one of the most difficult for years, as the riders
travel from Serre Chevalier (Briancon) to Courchevel
taking on three huge climbs.
If the height wasn't bad enough,
there are early reports of light snowfall this morning
at both Courchevel and the highest point of this year's
Tour, the Col du Galibier. Temperatures are very low,
so this will be a real test and a decisive day on
the race.
Season workers will enjoy watching
the ride up to Courchevel more than the riders, as
they make their way from Moutiers through each station
through 1850 and finish at the Altiport.
If you have Eurosport or France
2/3 you can follow the race live. Alternatively the
official website
can give you updates. Terrestrial viewers in the UK
will have to deal with Channel 4's coverage which
is on at the viewer-friendly hour of 0055 (that's
on Monday 17 July if you're setting your video!).
After a deserved rest day tomorrow,
Tuesday's stage will take the Tour from Le Praz in
Courchevel 1300 through La Tania and Meribel Village
on their way to Moutiers, La Clusaz and the day's
finish in Morzine. Let's hope they've got rid of those
pot-holes on the La Tania road - you could lose a
cyclist in there!
