2010 Tour de France: Stage 15 Preview

Monday’s 15th stage of the 2010 Tour de France starts out with about 80 km of rollers before things start to get interesting. But make no mistake – we’re in the Pyrenees! Just out of the feed zone in Aucazein, the road tilts upwards towards the summit of Category 2 Col de Portet d’Apset before a quick descent and a go at Cat. 2 Col des Ares. Things will really start to get interesting then, as the summit of the 1755m Port de Balès will loom ahead of them.

The climb will be difficult, but many are suspecting that the 21.5km descent into Bagnères-de-Luchon will be decisive. The bends are extremely technical and the road not very wide, having only recieved asphalt prior to its debut in the 2007 Tour de France. What’s more, the foot of the mountain comes only three kilometres from the finishing line, meaning there is no way of clawing back any ground lost. Look for Samuel Sanchez, known to be a fearless descender, to try and position himself at the summit.

Located in a green setting 60 kilometres to the south of Toulouse, the departure town of Pamiers, the biggest town in the Ariège, is a booming place. With the canals that surround the old district and its three tall bell towers overlooking its inhabitants, the town nicknamed “little Venice” delightfully combines economic drive with an authentic and well-preserved living environment. Visitors to whom this type of environment appeals can discover the enchanting site of the Mas Vieux Church and its mysteries, or the marvellously restored fountains and washeries of the small characteristic villages in the surrounding area.

At the heart of a small pastoral valley, arrival town Bagnères-de-Luchon is the most characteristic mountain town in the entire Pyrenean range and is no stranger to the Tour, having hosted stages 50 times. With its natural crown formed by the Venasque River and the surrounding peaks, it was nicknamed the Queen of the Pyrenees in 1834 by Vincent de Chausenque in his book Les Pyrénées ou voyages pédestres (the Pyrenees on foot). Throughout the 19th century, it welcomed celebrities from all over Europe attracted by its warm spring waters.