Tour De France 2013 Stage 18: Gap - l'Alpe d'Huez 172.5km

Freakie

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Sixty-one years on from the Tour's first encounter with Alpe-d'Huez, the 100th edition of the race returns for the 28th time – or the 29th to be precise, as for the first time ever the riders will climb the Alpe's 21 hairpins twice in a stage. It's all thanks to improvements to the road that climbs from the resort to the Col de la Sarenne. From there it's a sharp drop to the Chambon dam, just a few kilometres along the valley from Bourg d'Oisans, to which the riders will return before making that historic second asent. This is a short stage with barely any flat at all – the kind of day that's now a trademark of Tour director Christian Prudhomme and his routefinder general, Jean-François Pescheux. The final 60-odd kilometres pack a real punch, although they won't be an over-the-top challenge for riders who would usually come to the Alpe via the Croix de Fer/ Glandon or the Galibier. In a race packed with great moments, this will surely be the most memorable – and probably the most important.

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alfy!

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Weather forecast isn't good at all (70% chance of rain and thunderstorms), apparently riders are voicing concern about the descent from Col de Sarenne which is tricky and dangerous when dry. Could very well have a change of course or a neutralised descent.
 

dart

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deux l'alpe d'huez pour moi s'il vous plaît!

doesn't get any bigger than this!! :thumbsu: :thumbsu:
 

Freakie

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dart

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why is the first Alpe-D'huez climb 1,765m and the second 1,850m?

if you have a close look at the inset map you'll see on the first climb they'll take a right hand turn (and head down col de sarenne) before making it to the very top.

the second climb they will go all the way to the climb finish proper (marked by the red/white chequered circle)

:)
 
Hopefully Contador and co can try something up the first ascent. They aren't going to win letting Sky ride on the front until the 2nd ascent. Take a leaf out of the riders from 15-20 years ago. Put them into strife early and try to capitalise with massive gains instead if 1-2minutes.
 

crazyman27

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Froome will win this with his eyes closed.

Guys like Contador and Quintana will attack but they cannot maintain their attacks for long enough to put Froome in any real strife. He will just maintain his super high cadence and reel them back in.
 
why is the first Alpe-D'huez climb 1,765m and the second 1,850m?
Yes, the OP is slightly incorrect (sorry Freakie :D ) The first time up the riders only tackle 18 of the 21 hairpins then turn off. The second time up they complete the whole climb.
 
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* yes. Been waiting nine months for tonight.

Everyone will want to win this, but no gifts tonight. It will be one of the big boys, ie Froome, Contador, Quintana, Purito, Valverde. Hoping for a great Bertie moment.
 
Weather forecast isn't good at all (70% chance of rain and thunderstorms), apparently riders are voicing concern about the descent from Col de Sarenne which is tricky and dangerous when dry. Could very well have a change of course or a neutralised descent.

any update?
 

alfy!

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http://alpedhuez.livecam360.net/bergers

Cloudy on Alpe d'Huez.

L'Alpe d'Huez, Huez, France Thursday 09:00 Light rain

Although one forecast is:

From 14/15 h frequent violent storms to the finish with heavy rain, hail possible, wind gusts, fog at 2,000 m then 1,500 m around Alpe d'Huez.

any update?

Nothing official yet, I can't see them making a change now. Only danger is the riders themselves neutralising the descent if conditions get poor.
 
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