2013 Tour de France vantage points

I get a lot of questions from the VeloNomad trip planning consulting clients about the ins and outs of watching a TDF stage and whilst the basic tenets of watching a stage irrespective of the year are the same, it's worth looking at the specifics of 2013 Tour de France vantage points.

Here's the low-down: I'll be honest, I don't really think the flat TDF stages are worth watching apart from on TV from a pub in France after a ride.

Stage starts are fun (Stage 18 2010) and seeing a finish is fun but for me the real spectating awesomeness is to be had on the mountain stages.

My strong preference is to head for the mountains to watch the TDF, so it's from this basis I write the VeloNomad Where to watch the Tour in 2013 – 2013 TDF Mountain Vantage Points.

Mountain Stages

In 2013, the Tour de France hits the following mountains stages.

Whilst it does hit some small hills in Corsica (particularly stage 2), the stages below are the big, bad days.

• Stage 8 – Castres > Ax 3 Domaines
• Stage 9 – Saint-Girons > Bagnères-de-Bigorre
• Stage 15 – Givors > Mont Ventoux
• Stage 18 – Gap > Alpe-d’Huez x 2
• Stage 19 – Bourg-d’Oisans > Le Grand-Bornand
• Stage 20 – Annecy > Annecy – Semnoz

Stage 8 – Pyrenees 1

Stage 8 is a long (194km), mostly flat stage with the two major climbs including the Col de Pailheres (2001m) and Ax-3-Domaines (1360m) both at the end of the stage.

2013 TDF Stage 8 profile

I'd position myself about 1/3 of the way up the Col de Pailheres.

The reason for this is you'll then have time to get down off the Col and find a pub to watch the finish.

An alternative is riding both climbs and positioning yourself near a bar with a TV on Ax 3 Domaines. A3D is a ski resort so there should be plenty of bars to watch from.

Stage 9 – Pyrenees 2

Holy guacamole, Stage 9 is going to be a Pyrenean cracker for riders and spectators alike.

Stage 9 2013 profile

I'd set up on the Col de Peyresourde as you can ride off to Arreau or Bagneres-de-Luchon to find a TV.

Plus there are lots of towns nearby for accommodation.

The Col de Portet d'Aspet is a fun little climb too – especially when started out of St Girons – and really early in the stage at around 18km which means you'd have to ride up it early. You could do the Aspet-Mente double and still give you plenty of time afterwards to ride and find a pub/bar.

Stage 15 – Ventoux

Stage 15 is an epic 242km culminating with a climb up Mt Ventoux.

2013 Tour de France Stage 15 profile

The Ventoux climb will be via Bedoin (but also via Maulacene) which means all towns around Mont Ventoux will be CRAZY busy for both crowds and getting accommodation.

Fortunately you have a bit of time between the Pyrenean stages and Mont Ventoux so you can get there early.

I'd ride up Mont Ventoux from the Bedoin side then position myself at Chalet Reynard. You could also ride up from the Maulacene or Sault sides and position yourself at Chalet Reynard where there's almost certain to be a big screen TV (and importantly a bar).

I'd definitely be booking accommodation asap!

Stage 18 – Alpe D'Huez

This stage will be epic and very busy which makes spectating tricky business.

With two ascents of L'Alpe, and only 27km between ascents, your best bet is to position yourself on the early slopes of the Alpe, so you can get back into Bourg d'Oisans to watch the rest of the stage on TV after the first passing.

2013 Tour de France Stage 18

Alternatively, pick an early climb (Col d'Ornon at km 90) or head straight to the summit of Alpe D'Huez and prop up at a bar (I like O Bar – good coffee and great owners).

Remember, the roads will be heavily policed, so make your decision and stick to it, and above all get there early (here's why: lesson 1, lesson 2). There will be many, many thousands of people on the road and the mountain so it will be absolute mayhem.

Stage 19 – Bourg d'Oisans > Le Grand Bornand

This could be the best stage for viewing both on TV and roadside.

There are two big climbs to spectate from – the Col du Glandon and the Col du Madeleine.

2013 Tour de France Stage 19

I'd head to the Glandon/Croix de Fer cross roads where there's a bar (with a TV), or, head to the Madeleine where you'll be able to get off the mountain to a bar after the last riders pass.

Make sure you don't head too far up the mountain or you'll be stuck there till the last riders pass through.

Stage 20 Annecy > Semnoz

This is going to be an awesome stage as you'll be able to watch the Stage start then head off the back way to the Semnoz summit (22km from Annecy) whilst the riders take the long way around.

Otherwise head to Mont Revard early which although not high is still a 16km climb so should make for some good viewing.

2013 Tour de France Stage 20

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Get the 2013 TDF Guide

I've put all this information plus a lot, lot more into the VeloNomad 2013 TDF Mountain Vantage Points Field Guide.

In this guide, you'll get:

• Detailed breakdown of vantage points for the main mountain stages
• Where to ride up from and head back down to
• Other insanely excellent tips from the cycling trip planning pros

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