I don’t talk about televised cycling here — and you’re welcome — but today’s stage of the Tour de France was a special one. I enjoy the racing, but I’m really watching for the scenery, particularly of the mountain stages, like today’s. And this road, Les Lacets de Montvernier, appearing in the race for the first time, is beautiful:
They’re calling it a legendary climb already.
It took six years to build, but finished in 1934 the road connected the little village of Montvernier, high above on a plateau, with civilization below. There are 17 hairpins climbing just over 900 feet in 2.5 kilometers on a narrow road with an average eight percent incline. (Plenty steep for me.)
Above is a picture of my television screen, of course. Here’s a shot from the Tour site:
Magnificent. I include this here because, you never know, I may make it to that part of France one day. If I do I will find a bike to ride up that scenic goat track. More of the beautiful views here and here.
