At the time of writing, the 2022 Tour de France has entered its final week. Traditionally, this week is reserved for either the Alps or the Pyrenees. This year's programme includes 'cycling in the Pyrenees'. To get there, there are a number of transitional stages that had to take the peloton from A(lpen) to B(enededen, the Pyrenees). This year, there was a nice combination of start and finish places, where Carcassonne and Lourdes, among others, can be counted among the classics. The finish of stage 20 to Rocamadour is also one for 'in the books'. Cycling in the south of France can be so beautiful. Let's take a look at some great highlights and right away some cool route tips, created by our friends from the A.S.O. Enjoy!
Carcassonne, city with a story
Even before I ever set foot in the beautiful town of Carcassonne, I had heard of it. 999 games' board game was my first reference. For many, the reverse is true. France's popularity as a holiday destination means that Carcassonne is a much-visited town, especially by the Dutch too. In 2016, I stood there myself, on the square at the start of the stage between Carcassonne and Montpellier. I met my childhood hero Richard Virenque there and snapped a snapshot with tour boss Prudhomme.
Many were introduced to 'Froome's spinning class' here. There was a strong wind, so there was good warm-up cycling. It turned out to be a memorable stage, as it turned out later. Chris Froome and Peter Sagan created a gap with a small group. The tailwind and undulating landscape helped. At the finish next to the Montepellier rugby stadium, I saw Peter Sagan win the sprint easily. Froome laid the foundations for yet another Tour victory there. This time is already clear: it is (has been) a sprinters' stage. Rodez to Carcassonne was a prey for Jasper Philipsen.
Self-driving route
To fully take in the history of Carcassonne, they have laid out a route starting from Carcassonne. Note that the walled old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, is the most visited tourist point in France after Paris and Mont Saint Michel. Don't go there in summer. The route takes you in 65 kilometres to the area north of the city. It is not a metre flat there and with the climb halfway up, where the Wahoo will turn considerably red, it is a wonderful introduction to the area. You cycle part of the Pic de Nore to turn left there, before heading to the Col de Roquefère (and the castle of the same name). After 40 kilometres and then already 700 altitude metres, you roll delightfully down into town.
Peyragudes
Only 130 kilometres separated the riders from start in St Gaudens to the finish in Peyragudes. The choice to finish in this nondescript ski village, is pretty much obvious. The final climb and especially the final kilometre demolishes anyone. It's just eight kilometres of climbing, averaging almost eight per cent. Still big deal right? Still, because it starts flat and ends hugely steep with dark black sections on the climb maps. An airport was also chosen here for the 'landing'. The airport is called Aeroport 007. Coincidence or not? With the bizarre gradient, you would expect Daniel Craig or Idriss Elba to do his stunts here. In real life, Tadej Pogacar, the all-rounder, wins. 007 would not be a bad nickname for him.
Gourmet route
The route laid down by the ASO largely follows the stage route of stage 17. At least one difference: as a mortal, the airport is out of the question. So you ride through the village of Peyragudes and, on the way back to Loudenvielle, go for a bit on the descent of the Peyresourde. To get to Peyragudes, you first have to conquer 2500 altimeters in just under 80 kilometres. Well, that's something else. Via the famous Col d'Aspin and the lesser-known Hourquette d'Alzican and the Col d'Azet, it's on for the thunderous finale. Das wat anders dan een rondje door de Hague dunes.
Lourdes, for victory(s)
Few places in the world evoke a stronger association than Lourdes. This pilgrimage site, to which millions of pilgrims flock every year, has a special history. In the 19th century, according to stories, the Virgin Mary appeared no less than 18 (!) times to a girl from the area. With the final order to drill for water in a nearby cave and drink it, Lourdes' mythical status began. Many miraculous healings have taken place here, all after drinking or bathing in the holy water in the Lourdes grotto. Our Lady Mary and the rosary are forever linked to this little town. It begs the question: will Fabio Jakobsen also pray and bathe? Because that he is going to need it for another leaden ride is obvious. Via the legendary Aubisque and the Spandelles, the finish is at Hautacam.
Route for the ordinary tourist
Where the pros have to toil for a total of 143 kilometres, tour organiser A.S.O. has laid down a less intense stage for the common man. 'Only' 114 kilometres, but nice over the Spandelles, Hautacam and of course past Lourdes. If you want to finish it off completely, you can also include the climb of the Aubisque (in combination with the Soulor) but then you can take a day off. It's tough enough with a total of 2600 altimeters. Then you haven't even seen the cave of Lourdes.
Rocamadour, city against the rock
Many of the places in the Tour I have never visited. My footprint in France is quite small. Still, Rocamadour is on my list of places visited. We happened to be in the area and 'we had to go there'. I must say, blink your eyes before entering the little town against the rock. It is a bizarre sight. The cottages seem almost stuck against the rock. Then to think that this town is already a couple of centuries old. How on earth did they do this? The route you can ride leads from the start of the individual time trial to the finish in Rocamadour. Over 40 kilometres, with a slightly undulating course. The surroundings are quite green and pleasant to stay in. Will Filippo Ganna also have an eye for this beautiful city on his way to victory? Don't think so.
Collections and more
All routes of the Tour de France 2022 (for cycling tourists) are on our Komoot account. You can explore them to your heart's content, adjust them to your own liking or get inspiration for a ride during your holidays. It has to be said: the A.S.O. has really done its best to make the link with the routes of the pro race. A great initiative. The complaints you often hear about Tour stages: it's too much on N roads, boring, except in the mountains. With these routes, that complaint goes slightly into the background. Enjoy, here's to more great kilometres!
