Climb to Tignes - Val Claret
Departure point: Bourg St Maurice or Sainte Foy Tarentaise or Tignes barrage
Getting there: A430 then N 90+train
Altitude: 2090 m
Km: 32 or 20 or 8 km
Elevation gain: 1277 m
The Tour de France has only once held a stage at Tignes. On 15th July 2007, the Dane Michael Rasmussen, the day’s winner, took possession of the yellow jersey before being forced to withdraw from the race a few days later after having lied to the doping testers of the International Cycling Union about his schedule during the weeks leading up to the departure of the Tour. In the midst of this controversy, this 8th stage of the 94th Tour de France bordered on carnage for the Australian riders. Stuart O’Grady and Michael Rogers both fell heavily on the descent of the Cormet de Roselend and never got to see Tignes. Meanwhile their compatriot Robbie McEwen reached the Savoy resort but was eliminated after failing to make the time limit.
After cycling along the Isère valley, the climb to Tignes is interspersed with lakes: Chevril lake and its barrage and the famous Tignes lake with its pastel colours.
Possibility of being timed from Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise (intermediary chip terminal)
