Stage 12 - July 20: Perpignan - Ax-les-Thermes
(Plateau de Bonascre), 166.5 km

Results & report    Live report    Profile    Description    Previous stage     Next stage

Preview

By Tim Maloney

166.5km from Perpignan to Ax les Thermes May not be a decisive stage, as the parcours is not that challenging. The tricky descent of the Col de Chioula before the final 9.1km ascent to the Plateau de Bonsacre is relatively steep, but it is not a well known climb where riders can gauge their effort.

Profile

Description

Start time: 12:03 CEST
Estimated finish time: 1648 CEST

After a rest day/transfer to Perpignan, in the south eastern part of France, the riders come to the Pyrenees for some tough days of racing. Stage 12 is 166.5 kilometres from Perpignan to Ax-les-Thermes, over a couple of cateogry 1 climbs. The first is the Col de Jau at 68 km (22.8 km at 5.2%), and the second is the finish at Ax-les-Thermes (Plateau de Bonsacre) (9.1 km at 7.2%). After the rest day, there should be many big gaps created in this stage, with tomorrow's profile looking a lot harder.

Perpignan is the capital of the Pyrénées-Orientales department, near the Spanish border and the Mediterranean. It is a farm trade center, handling wine, fruits, and vegetables. It has distilleries, canneries, and factories making chocolate, clothing, paper, and toys. Tourism is also important and the city is a thoroughfare for motorists going to Spain.

Founded c.10th cent., Perpignan was the fortified capital of the Spanish kingdom of Roussillon. Among its notable buildings are the Loge (14th cent.); the Gothic Cathedral of St. Jean (14th-15th cent.); and the castle of the kings of Majorca (13th-15th cent.), which forms part of the old citadel dominating the city.

To the top :: Back ::