The 2011 Tour gave riders a constant taste of the climbs to come, with 26 categorized climbs over the first 11 stages. But come Stage 12, the race strikes out over the Tourmalet and up the summit of Luz Ardiden. The summit finish could completely rewrite the General Classification and it’s not even the toughest day along the Spanish border.
Historically, Lance Armstrong would use the first big mountain stage to stamp his authority on the race. This year, the defending champion Alberto Contador is also expected to attack. However, instead of establishing dominance over rivals, he’ll be attempting to chip away at the time advantages of favorites like Schleck brothers and BMC’s Cadel Evans, along with a slew of outside contenders such as RadioShack’s Andreas Kloden and HTC’s Tony Martin.
The ascents differ from the Alps in that they’re steeper and rougher, but often shorter. That means they’ll favor the featherweight climbers like Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck who can attack no matter how tough a pitch might be. Power climbers such as Cadel Evans and Ivan Basso will likely ride more defensively, waiting to grind away opponents in the Alps.
Stage 12 – Cugnaux to Luz-Ardiden
The battle for yellow begins during the Tour’s first foray into the high Pyrenees on Bastille Day. Three major climbs punctuate the 211km parcours: the first appearance of the first category Hourquette d’Ancizan, the legendary beyond category Tourmalet, and the infamous climb to Luz-Ardiden.
The first major climb of the race, category 1 Hourquette d’Ancizan (1,538m), which is an off-shoot of the Col d’Aspin, making its first appearance on the Tour. This total climb is just under 700 meters and averages a 7.5% grade. Hourquette d'Ancizan (1538m)
The riders then head onto the Tourmalet, where last year Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck finished side-by-side in a virtual detente in the mist-shrouded slopes of this legendary climb.
They descend off the Tourmalet and then finish with a long valley climb before the pitched ascent to Luz-Ardiden, which has not featured in the race since 2003.
The final few kilometers to the summit finish at Luz-Ardiden will feature riders digging deep to make each hairpin turn.
Finish: Luz-Ardiden (1715m) - HC - Km 211.0 - Luz-Ardiden (1715 m) - 13.3 km climb to 7.4 %
Stage 13 – Pau to Lourdes
Deep into this 152.5km stage from Pau through the Hautes-Pyrenees to Lourdes looms the Col d’Aubisque, a 16.4 km climb to 7.1% and a hors categorie KOM. The descent to Lourdes will be an interesting test for the favorites to keep contact, and for a daring rider to make a break.
Stage 14 – Saint-Gaudens to Plateau de Beille
The race exits in the Pyrenees with 168 km of road and six KOM climbs (including the hors-categorie Plateau de Beille) where the peloton will ascend 15.8 km at 7.9%. Early attacks on steep ramps will make for an explosive finish.
The last day in the Pyrennes may be the most decisive of these three stages. There will be scores of tired riders as attacks come on the Plateau de Beille, thanks to five long ascents, including the Portet d’Aspet and Agnes Pass. The Plateau de Beille is one of the most feared climbs in the Tour, with its steep opening ramps that allow climbers to attack early. Daring racers can gain—or lose—significant time here.
Bonus Coverage
The Tour in 3D: You can view the entire Tour de France in 3D, zooming in on each killer climb and screaming descent, by checking the ride report and clicking “Download to Google Earth” (software required). It’s a whole new way to see these mountains up close from the comfort of your desk.
Source: http://www.bicycling.com/tour-de-france/expert-analysis/tour-de-france-pyrenees-preview
George K. Conner Vernon T. Showers Elaine A. Blizzard Tammy C. Israel Beth C. Mejia Cynthia K. Austin
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