The 2010 Tour de France starts on July 3 with a nine-kilometer long prologue in Rotterdam. For the fifth time in history after 1954, 1973, 1978 and 1996 the biggest cycling race in the world will take off in the Netherlands. And the finish line of the 97th edition of the traditional race is at the end of the illustrious Champs Elysees in the heart of Paris on July 25. All told, the 21-stage Tour will take the cyclists 3,596 kilometers. The most excitement is expected during the mountain stages in the Alps and Pyrenees
Mountain Stages In Alps And Pyrenees
After starting in the Netherlands, the 2010 Tour de France course will run two days through Belgium before the racers enter northern France on the third day. After a couple days of flat stages, which are usually decided by the sprinters, the seventh stage from Tournus to Les Rousses is the first mountainous stage. The next two stages will be spent in the tough Alps, with the first arrival coming in Morzine-Avoriaz. After a day of rest, the riders will pass through four difficult Alpine passes on the way from Morzine to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.
The 2010 Tour victory will likely be decided in the four stages in the Pyrenees. The 14th stage ends will a spectacular arrival at Ax-3 Domaines. One day later, some of the most difficult Pyrenees ascents await the riders, who over 196 kilometers from Bagneres-de-Luchon to Pau must cross the feared "Col de Tourmalet" as well as the "Peyresourde", "Aspin", "Soulor" and "Aubisque" mountain passes. After the second rest day during the three week race, the 18th stage once again features the "Col de Tourmalet".
Individual Time Trial
Any final questions about who will win the Tour should be answered on the second to last stage, a 51-kilometer individual time trial from Bordeaux to Pauillac. Besides the prologue, the 20th stage is the only time trial of the 2010 Tour de France.
Title Holder Alberto Contador
The reigning Tour de France champion is Alberto Contador from Team Astana. In 2009, the Spanish rider finished ahead of Andy Schleck of Luxembourg and the seven-time Tour winner Lance Armstrong to clinch his second Tour de France victory after the 2007 title.
Armstrong Goes It Alone
Last year Armstrong made his comeback to the Tour as Contador's teammate. In 2010, Armstrong will start for his own team Radioshack, for which he brought in the strong German rider Andreas Klöden, who was sixth overall in 2009.
David Hein - David Hein is a professional freelance journalist, focusing mainly on Sports, especially international basketball, European soccer and ...
