Le Tour 2006

[Maria David]

Is it not this lunchtime that they unveil next year's route ?

For those interested, bets are being taken on the etape du tour stage being in the alps this time around - Gap - Alpe d'Huez or maybe Bourg d'Oisans - Morzine ??

Oh well, all will be revealed by noon.

[Jon H]

Hope you got good odds Maria, you're absolutely right. L'Etape goes over Col d'Izoard, Col du Lautaret and then Alpe d'Huez. Eek!

Should be an interesting race now that Lance has gone. Like the few years between Indurain's last win and Armstong's first, it should be wide open.

[Maria David]

And l'etape du tour is on 10th July. From Gap to L'Alpe d'Huez.
No big surprise - all the hotels in Gap have been fully booked for that date for ages !

Still, it's a very pretty route, especially around col d'Izoard/Casse Deserte.

There'll be a few people rushing off to get their entries in, though in all honesty there are quite a few bike races going on in this area at that time of the year, so doing the Etape is more of a "nice to do" than an essential classic.

http://www.letapedutour.com/

[Maria David]

Man, I should have gone to William Hill's. Mistake number 167 - I'm really not having a good day !

[Maria David]

No specific events - just a few amendments regarding rides for women. Will send out a women's bulletin tonight.

When do you need the contributions for ?

[Elliot M]

[quote]Should be an interesting race now that Lance has gone. Like the few years between Indurain's last win and Armstong's first, it should be wide open

[Jon H]

My early prediction is Boonen will win at Valkenburg and start the next day on home soil in Green or Yellow.

[Elliot M]

I have to admit I'd like to see Jan win as a consolation prize for the last 7...