If like me your planning to be in Corsica for the first three stages of the Tour have you decided yet where to spectate from? Here are links to the detailed timings for each of the stages:
Given that this is the first time in Corsica for the Tour and that this is the 100th edition then Porto-Vecchio is going to have a very special atmosphere as the riders get underway. Also, because they will head south on a loop there's the opportunity to see them again as they head north towards Bastia perhaps at the Cote de Sotta (D659 or D859 south west of Porto-Vecchio) or along the coast on the N198. For those based in the north then the run in towards the finish along the D107, east of the airport, on the narrow strip of land between the sea and the Etang de Biguglia should be fast and furious with Cav upfront.
Stage 2 crosses the island from Bastia to Ajaccio. There are several excellent points to see the action. You may want to take a look at using the train to access some of the mountainous parts of this route - see Corsica Trains who are running a modified service for this stage. My recommended spots are Ponte Leccia - watch all the action at one of the bars next to the Super U and see the caravan and peleton close up as they cross the bridge and go around the round about and off toward Corte. The tiny villages of Venaco and Vivario will be spectacular. Probably best accessed by train as the Tour squeezes through their narrow streets - The Bar Central in Venaco will be a prime location as it's on the fast descent from Santo-Pietro. After the Col de Vizzavona, Bocognano which will afford a view of the jaw dropping descent from the Col.
For the third and final stage on Corsica then the Piana Calanques will provide an incredible backdrop as will the Scandola marine reserve alongside the D81 perhaps at the Cols de la Croix or Palmarella. My favoured spot is the final climb en Corse at the Col de Marsilino just a few kms before the stage finish where the GC contenders will be watching each other very carefully. It's an amazing viewpoint but note there's no parking, no shade and no facilities - parfait pour la tour!
Post script - here are links to two important documents if you are spectating. All you need to know re road closures etc. They're in French but easily understood (!). Just click on the blue,
- Stage 1 Porto-Vecchio to Bastia, www.letour.com/le-tour/2013/us/stage-1
- Stage 2 Bastia to Ajaccio, www.letour.com/le-tour/2013/us/stage-2
- Stage 3 Ajaccio to Calvi, www.letour.com/le-tour/2013/us/stage-3
Given that this is the first time in Corsica for the Tour and that this is the 100th edition then Porto-Vecchio is going to have a very special atmosphere as the riders get underway. Also, because they will head south on a loop there's the opportunity to see them again as they head north towards Bastia perhaps at the Cote de Sotta (D659 or D859 south west of Porto-Vecchio) or along the coast on the N198. For those based in the north then the run in towards the finish along the D107, east of the airport, on the narrow strip of land between the sea and the Etang de Biguglia should be fast and furious with Cav upfront.
Stage 2 crosses the island from Bastia to Ajaccio. There are several excellent points to see the action. You may want to take a look at using the train to access some of the mountainous parts of this route - see Corsica Trains who are running a modified service for this stage. My recommended spots are Ponte Leccia - watch all the action at one of the bars next to the Super U and see the caravan and peleton close up as they cross the bridge and go around the round about and off toward Corte. The tiny villages of Venaco and Vivario will be spectacular. Probably best accessed by train as the Tour squeezes through their narrow streets - The Bar Central in Venaco will be a prime location as it's on the fast descent from Santo-Pietro. After the Col de Vizzavona, Bocognano which will afford a view of the jaw dropping descent from the Col.
For the third and final stage on Corsica then the Piana Calanques will provide an incredible backdrop as will the Scandola marine reserve alongside the D81 perhaps at the Cols de la Croix or Palmarella. My favoured spot is the final climb en Corse at the Col de Marsilino just a few kms before the stage finish where the GC contenders will be watching each other very carefully. It's an amazing viewpoint but note there's no parking, no shade and no facilities - parfait pour la tour!
Post script - here are links to two important documents if you are spectating. All you need to know re road closures etc. They're in French but easily understood (!). Just click on the blue,
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