Sport Cycling: The Classics - Handlebars, saddle sores and which Chateau is that?

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Stage 1: Saturday, July 1 – Bilbao to Bilbao, 182km​

For the first time in a few years, the Tour de France starts with a full stage, rather than a time trial – and it isn't an easy introduction to the Tour. And for those who haven't clued in yet, the first 3 stages are in Spain!

Bilbao is the host for this 185km loop ride that takes in a good 3300m of climbing. There are five climbs with points up for grabs straight away in the polka dot contest. The climbs on the route are the Côte de Pike – just 10km from the finish – plus the Côte de Laukiz, the Côte de San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, the Côte de Morga and the Côte de Vivero.

 

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Stage 2: Sunday, July 2 – Vitoria-Gasteiz to San Sebastian, 209km​

The tour now heads to the popular seaside resort of San Sebastian. The day may end on the coast but it's not a flat ride: there are 5 climbs on stage 2. More straightforward but still hillier than most early Tour stages, with the Alto de Jaizkibel 16km from the finish; this 8km drag is well known to cycling fans as the key point in the San Sebastián Classic

 

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Stage 3, Monday 3 July: Amorebieta-Bayonne, 187.4km​

We're still in Spain for this leg of le Tour and we're in Basque country. In what's been referred to as the hardest start in 20 years we're about the hit some sprinting territory. There are several nasty little climbs but they come early in the stage and the run-out is downhill. So it’s bunch sprint time, which means British eyes will be on Mark Cavendish, although the chances are it will be last year’s sprint star, Fabio Jakobsen, in the spotlight.

 

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Stage 8, Saturday 8 July: Libourne-Limoges, 201km​

A second bunch sprint on paper, but there’s a twist: this is a long stage, and the final 70km offer little respite, being constantly up and down. It will be a tough one to control, so teams without sprinters will fancy their chances in a break. The tough finale favours a strongman such as Mathieu van der Poel or his Alpecin–Deceuninck teammate Søren Kragh Andersen.

 

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Stage 9, Sunday 9 July: St Léonard de Noblat-Le Puy de Dôme, 182.5km​

A stage devoted to the memory of France’s favourite racer, the late Raymond Poulidor, starting in his home town and finishing on the extinct volcano that was the site of his greatest exploit. The finish climb is back after 35 years’ absence and its insanely steep final 4km.

This final climb is insane.