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Tour de France 2010

Stage 5 - Épernay > > > Montargis - 187.5 km

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Stage Previews

Plain - A sporting perspective

For the sprinters

This route is somewhat unusual since we will be going through Provins, which became a UNESCO world heritage site in December 2001. We will be visiting Montereau and Nemours before finishing in Montargis. There are no major difficulties during this stage which seems to be best suited to the sprinters. Yet this will all depend on who leads the Tour at that moment in time. Armstrong will be seeking to eliminate the largest number of rivals possible as early as he can, whilst biding his time to grab the Yellow Jersey. However, if he leads the general standings in Arenberg, he will probably let a breakaway go all the way in one of the three following stages to avoid having to bear the weight of the race on his shoulders. This is what happened in 2004, when Voeckler took advantage of such an “opportunity” in Chartres.

(letour.com)

July 5 post:

Stage 5 starts in Epernay, the capital of the Champagne region surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see. Epernay also hosted a stage start in 1978 and 2002. We'll then continue south over two category 4 climbs early on before settling into a flat day passing Paris on the way, 35 km to the west.

Similar to the previous stage finish, Robbie McEwen has also won in Montargis back in 2005 when the Tour last visited Montargis. There should also be a sprint finish again this year in Montargis, known for its 131 bridges and walkways giving rise to the nickname, "Venice of the Gâtinais." However, it depends on how the previous Arenberg stage unfolds and the gaps in the general classification that opened up. The new leader of the race, if there is one, might not want the Yellow Jersey so early in the month. — Steve

(steephill.tv)

Tour de France 2010

Stage 5 - Épernay > > > Montargis - 187.5 km

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Départ

ÉPERNAY

• 3 times a stage town
• Population: 27,000
• Sub-prefecture of Marne (51)

Épernay, another champagne capital, hosted the first stage finish of the 1963 Tour. Eddy Pauwels triumphed in a double win, sweeping both the stage and the overall classification. This was no lucky accident: already yellow jersey holder for two days in 1959, the Belgian rider went on to win a total of four stages and finished five times among the top twenty in Paris. The Tour returned twice to Epernay, in 1978 and in 2002, also for stage starts.

Situated at the heart of 30,000 hectares of vineyards, Epernay, the capital of the Champagne region, attracts around 450,000 visitors every year. Nestled between vineyards and forests, and bordered by the River Marne, it offers an excellent quality of life in an outstanding natural setting. The Champagne countryside has also been proposed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The Avenue de Champagne, one of the sites selected for this application, is the location of some of the most famous champagne houses. With 110 kilometres of cellars and 200 million bottles of champagne stored underground, it is one of the most prestigious streets in the world. Recently renovated and redesigned as an avenue-park, creating a pleasant place to stroll, it is also used for a range of events, including the “Habits de Lumière” Christmas lights in December, while its country atmosphere enhances the architecture of the buildings. The town’s heritage is reflected in these beautiful 19th century town houses, as well as its historical monuments, such as the Castellane tower and the Gabrielle- Dorziat theatre.

Arrivée

MONTARGIS

• 3 times a stage town
• Population: 15,800
• Sub-prefecture of Loiret (45)

Montargis has already appeared on the route of the Tour in three previous editions and powerful finishers have always triumphed there. Herman Van Springel was the first to win here in 1969. In 1976, when the town hosted the start of a stage that finished in Créteil, another Belgian rider, Freddy Maertens, triumphed. On the Tour’s most recent visit, in 2002, the most Belgian of Australians, Robbie McEwen, was victorious…

Montargis’ main attraction is its canals and its 131 bridges and walkways, earning it the nickname of the “Venice of the Gâtinais”. The River Loing, its canals and lake create an atmosphere of freshness and charm. You can still visit the remains of the royal castle of Renée de France, who turned it into a refuge for the Protestants in the 16th century, as well as the ramparts which are currently being renovated. A few years ago, the town launched an ambitious urban renovation programme, a firm commitment to the future and sustainable development. The Pâtis area has been completely restructured, with the creation of the Exhibition Gardens outside a newly renovated function hall. Next in line for renovation is the Sainte Madeleine church. Montargis has committed to the responsible approach of an Agenda 21, aimed at protecting the environment for the wellbeing of its inhabitants. These decisions have earned Montargis the label of “One of the most beautiful detours in France”.

(letour.com) .com)