La Route 2024 - our highlights!
We’re busy in HQ finalising a million details that you’d never imagine were necessary, but all contribute to the fantastic experience you’ll have on tour. Some of that time is spent getting into the nitty gritty of the route details for each stage, which has prompted this blog post, to share our excitement!!
Read on to hear about the stages we think will be real stand-out highlights of the tour, as well as those that present us, as the tour organisers, with a few headaches!
Our Stage Highlights
Stage 2: Cesenatico – Blogna
Emilia Romagna is a well known region in European cycling circles but less well known for those of us in the UK who tend to focus on Mallorca and the Alps. This stage has enough change in gradient to keep things interesting, enough pretty villages to accentuate the feeling of being in very authentic rather than touristy Italy, and gorgeous roads which really are perfect for cycling… there’s a reason why people travel here for cycling and we can’t wait for the opportunity to experience it ourselves.
Stage 6: Macon – Dijon
Not only will we have one of our charity visitors with us on this stage but it’s easy to forget just how gorgeous the view are when there are vineyards in every direction and quiet French roads winding through them. The extra bonus is that this stage isn’t too long (in Tour terms; everything’s relative!) so we’ll arrive in our lovely Dijon hotel in time for a dip in the pool and a glass of wine before dinner. With a short stage the next day too, we anticipate a very relaxed vibe as we soak up some of the nicest cycling in France.
Stage 14: Pau to St Lary Soulan
It would be wrong to write a highlights blog and not include the Pyrenees which often feature on our “best stages” list. Whether it’s misty cold mornings, glaring sunshine on top of a col or just a quiet moment cycling up a long, shaded climb in a low gear with the peaceful sounds of nature, there’s a lot to like. This stage is chosen especially because St Lary has always been a favourite destination for the Le Loop staff team and our peloton. All roads that lead there are magical and being so deep into the mountain range, there’s a special remote feeling that is worth taking time to savour.
Stage 19: Embrun to Isola 2000
For anyone cycling through the Alps there are plenty of opportunities for perfect moments but we predict stage 19 will contain the most. From the start with views of Lac Serre Poncon to the finish on top of the world at Isola 2000, this is a Tour stage that we imagine someone is very proud to have designed. To be so close to the Mediterranean but so immersed in mountains and the joy of a steady climb is quite special.
Highlight out-takes from the logistics team!
We’re here to make your Le Loop experience everything it possibly can be! But in the spirit of ‘keeping it real’, it’s fair to say there will be a few serious challenges along the way.
Stage 0:
Getting all our staff, kit, bikes and vehicles to Florence is a bit more complicated than it will be getting everything to Lille in 2025! We’ve made long journeys before and we’ve got it all planned… but we should still all spare a thought for the 4 staff and vans driving all the way to Florence.
Stage 3:
229kms of flat is great for everyone shooting for a distance PB or for those who are hill-averse but for our physios, there are extra factors to consider when tending to cyclists who’ve spent all day sitting in much the same position. They know what they’re doing and they’ll be ready with some good massage and chat – but they know this is one of the stages where they’ll be needed most.
Stage 9:
Our signing car is obviously delighted about signing the white roads: trying to find the rural, unmarked agricultural roads and work out where to put the arrows when there aren’t enough lamposts. We’ll all be grateful for their busy day out front!
Stage 9 again:
To quote one of our mechanics when he saw the route for stage 9: “argh, imagine the state of the bikes after that!”. While the rest of us can enjoy the fun and challenge, the off-road dust creates double the work for our amazing mechanic team.
Stage 17:
The joy and sadness of cycling right through the middle of our finish point in Gap when there’s still 45km to go. It’s a mind game for all of us… just look straight ahead and pretend you’ve no idea where you are!
Stage 21: None of us will want this to end (sad face)
