Cycling Weekly summed it up perfectly back in 2013, "The biggest cycling event in the world finally visited one of the best cycling destinations in the world".
That was when the Tour de France came to Corsica for the very first time on the 100th anniversary of the race. Stages 1-3 took in Porto-Vecchio, Bastia, Corte, Ajaccio and Calvi. The world was wowed by the majestic scenery and Corsica as a cycling destination was firmly placed on the map.
Ten years after has much changed? Probably not as much as was expected. Sure there are more riders around but the island has not developed into the destination that was hoped for. There are a handful more bike shops and there are a few more organised tours, there's even a cycling equivalent of the GR20. However it's a destination, if you're unsupported, that requires effort to get to and get around. For me that remains part of the attraction - the effort is without doubt rewarding and I think you'll get a sense of that from the Cycling Weekly article.
So will we have to wait another hundred years for the Tour to return? Let's hope not but it is a huge logistical challenge and not an inexpensive undertaking for the island economy. And what route would they follow? Left to me - Bastia to Ile Rousse via Cap Corse, Ile Rousse to Corte via the D84 and Corte to Porto-Vecchio via the Col de Bavella.
Vive le Tour!
That was when the Tour de France came to Corsica for the very first time on the 100th anniversary of the race. Stages 1-3 took in Porto-Vecchio, Bastia, Corte, Ajaccio and Calvi. The world was wowed by the majestic scenery and Corsica as a cycling destination was firmly placed on the map.
Ten years after has much changed? Probably not as much as was expected. Sure there are more riders around but the island has not developed into the destination that was hoped for. There are a handful more bike shops and there are a few more organised tours, there's even a cycling equivalent of the GR20. However it's a destination, if you're unsupported, that requires effort to get to and get around. For me that remains part of the attraction - the effort is without doubt rewarding and I think you'll get a sense of that from the Cycling Weekly article.
So will we have to wait another hundred years for the Tour to return? Let's hope not but it is a huge logistical challenge and not an inexpensive undertaking for the island economy. And what route would they follow? Left to me - Bastia to Ile Rousse via Cap Corse, Ile Rousse to Corte via the D84 and Corte to Porto-Vecchio via the Col de Bavella.
Vive le Tour!
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