Yesterday saw the much anticipated route for the 2016 Tour de France revealed in Paris. The 2,187 mile race, which will run from 2nd-24th of July, is set to include 21 stages featuring 28 categorised climbs, two time trials and visits to Switzerland, Spain and Andorra. The race begins in Normandy at the iconic Mont Saint-Michel and, as is tradition, comes to a conclusion on the Champs-Elysees in Paris. Take a look at the route below!
Defending champion Chris Froome who will be hoping to record back to back victories next year and clinch his 3rd title in the process, was particularly pleased with the route.
“It challenges every aspect of cycling – time trials, mountains, a technical descent,” said the Team Sky man. “It’s such an amazing, special race. I’m still 30 years old and feel I have a lot left in my legs. It suits me better than this year’s Tour,” he added, referring to a course which will feature two time trials that total 33.5 miles, compared to one short individual time trial in the 2015 race.
Froome has already been installed as favourite for the race, however he will expect tough competition from the likes of Thibaut Pinot, 2014 champion Vincenzo Nibali and Nairo Quintano, the Columbian climber who finished second to Froome in both the 2013 and 2015 Tours.
