French entry with classification battle on Col du Galibier

After three days in Italy, the Tour de France lives up to its name on the fourth day. In the stage from Pinerolo to Valloire, which is 'only' 138 kilometers long, the first kilometers in France are on the menu. Incidentally, there are very few flat kilometers. After the climbing challenges in the Apennines, the Alps are on the program for day four. The literal and figurative highlight is the Col du Galibier, with its summit lying nineteen kilometers from the finish.

Pinerolo makes a comeback in La Grande Boucle this year. In 2011, the city, known in France as Pignerol, served as the finish location for the seventeenth stage. Back then, Edvald Boasson Hagen crossed the finish line solo, followed by a very young Bauke Mollema. It was also the last time a Tour stage was held on Italian soil.

The arrival city has double the experience compared to Pinerolo. The popular ski resort has hosted the race four times. Located at the foot of the Col du Galibier, Valloire is a prime location to test the riders' legs on the slopes of the second most used col in Tour history. The last time Valloire served as the finish (2019), Nairo Quintana claimed victory.

On the fourth day of the Tour, the riders cross the border into France. Before doing so, Italy has two last challenges in store for them. The riders climb directly from the start towards Sestrières. The last 7 kilometers of the climb rise at 7.2%, but from the start, it amounts to 39.9 kilometers of climbing at 3.7%.

This is immediately followed by an Italian treat in the form of the Col de Montgenèvre (8.3 kilometers at 5.9%). At the top of this climb, the riders enter France, reaching the halfway point of the course. A short descent brings the riders to the foot of the giant of the day: the Col du Galibier (23 kilometers at 5.1%). This Alpine giant is among the absolute legends of high mountain peaks.

At the summit, the riders find themselves at an altitude of 2,642 meters. The first rider to reach the top receives the Souvenir Henri Desgrange. This prize, named after the founder of the Tour de France, is awarded annually on the highest peak of the race. Whoever reaches it first earns 5,000 euros. However, to do so, they must conquer 23 grueling kilometers, with the final stretch climbing at 9%.

Once at the top, there's no time to catch their breath. The finish line is drawn in Valloire, and to get there, 19 downhill kilometers await after the Col du Galibier. In this first mountain stage, the general classification contenders must show their true colors. Who will rise to the top and who will be the boldest in the descent? Victory awaits the one who can achieve both.

21 May 2013	Giro d'Italia - Stage 16
31 Aug 2012	Tour de l'Avenir - Stage 5
17 Jun 2007	Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré - Stage 7
15 Jul 1975	Tour de France - Stage 17

2 Jul 2024	Tour de France - Stage 4
25 Jul 2019	Tour de France - Stage 18
22 Jun 2018	Le Tour de Savoie Mont Blanc - Stage 2
30 Aug 2012	Tour de l'Avenir - Stage 4
16 Jun 2007	Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré - Stage 6

Valloire(Savoie)