After Thursday’s lunchtime in Gap, two tough mid-afternoon stages in the Hautes-Alpes and Isère departments provide the opening competition.
Morning and afternoon loops of three geographically distant tests west of Gap, all of which are new, fill Friday. Aspremont – La Bâtie-des-Fonts and Chalancon – Gumiane are driven twice, with a single morning pass through Montauban-sur-l’Ouvèze – Villebois-les-Pins, the longest stage of the weekend at 22.24km. It adds up to almost 105km of action.
La Bréole – Selonnet and Saint Clément – Freissinières on Saturday morning precede the final service in Gap. A repeat of La Bréole – Selonnet starts the long journey south to Monaco after another 57.10km of competition.
A new-look final leg on Sunday features a double run of the 12.93km Puget-Théniers – La Penne and the 14.31km Briançonnet to Entrevaux. There will be no service and the latter will form the bonus points-paying Wolf Power Stage.
The 14 stages cover 257.64km.
Iconic Stage
Sunday’s double run through Briançonnet – Entrevaux is magnificent. Never previously driven in this format, it features a series of superb quick turns up to Col du Buis and two steep downhill sections, the second featuring stunning hairpins before the finish.
