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The Tour de France arrives in Midi-Pyrenees

Having completed 12 stages since setting off from Rotterdam on Satyrday 3^rd July, the Tour de France now begins the infamous Midi-Pyrenees stages.

Today, the tour leaves from Rodez in the Aveyronand travels on a fairly flat route on its way to Revel in the Haute-Garonne.

Tomorrow, the riders leave Revel heading for Ax-3-Domaines in the mountainous Ariege department.  The route is mainly flat, but just before arriving in Ax, the riders have to tackle the ungraded climb of Port de Pailheres which takes them from 500 metres to 2000 metres!

On Monday, the Tour leaves from Pamiers heading for the spa town of Bagneres de Luchon.  On the way, the riders will have to tackle three laonger climbs, the Col de Portet d’Aspet, Col des Ares and the specially tarmaced Col de Bales, which has only been used by the Tour once before in 2007.

Tuesday is a big day, even for the seasoned veterans of the Tour, taking in four big climbs.  First the Col de Peyresourde, followed by the Col d’Aspin, then the 2115 metre Col du Tourmalet and finally the Col d’Aubisque.

Wednesday is a well deserved rest day!

On Thursday the riders return to the Col du Tourmalet, this time from Pau via the cat 1 climbs of Col de Marie-Blanque and Col du Soulor.

The mountain pass roads are normally closed at around 8 am on the morning of the race, but to be honest, if you want to watch the race from in the mountains, the best bet is to arrive a day or too before and camp.  Almost every square inch of the route will be occupied by tents, caravans and campervans.

Before the riders come through the stage, the caravane proceeds, dispensing free gifts and sweets for about an hour before.  Great entertainment for kids and adults alike.

For the British readers, there is a charity event taking place, with Steve Masters riding the Tour de France route three days ahead of the Tour in aid of the Royal British Legion.  He is hoping to raise £5000 and all donations will be greatly received.  Please have a look at the charity event group page for updates on their progress and hoe to donate.

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