A great introduction to the mountains – this scenic stage will take riders alongside the picturesque Lake Annecy before heading up the 1,477m Col de la Croix Fry, and then on to the eagerly awaited Col de Glières. It’s a relatively short climb but with an average gradient of 11.5%, it’s a tough first test of the day. Riders will then get to enjoy a gentler 1.8km tarmac ascent through the peace and beauty of the Glières Plateau – a pivotal location in the French Resistance – before taking on the giants of Col de Romme (trees and shade give way to open pastures and stunning views) and the famous Col de la Colombière (you can see the chalet at the top with 4km to go – something to aim for!) and recovering on the descent to Le Grand-Bornand before a celebratory drink or ice cream.
