2012 TdF route

[citoyen]

http://www.velopeloton.com/tour-de-france-route-2012-published/

http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/10051/Was-2012-Tour-de-France-route-accidentally-leaked.aspx

Two time trials plus a prologue. Interesting. Or rather, not as interesting as last year's route. It seems odd that they would follow the success of this year's Tour by changing some of the key features that made it so exciting.

Oh well, I guess we'll find out the truth on the 18th…

d.

[Karla]

They think Bertie, Andy et al have had enough chance to play and it's time for Spartacus and Tony Martin to have a turn?

[citoyen]

My first thought was that the route sounds like it might suit Wiggo, but then I thought maybe it would favour Tony Martin even more. Presumably he'll be team leader for QuickStep next year, and of course won't be burying himself on the flat stages to get Cav to the line so might have more to give on the hilly stages?

d.

[Exit Stage Left]

It'll deliver the main Olympic contenders to London in tip-top condition, having ridden the Tour. The alternative is a tough tour with notable absences.

[Redlight]

And a couple of stages well suited to day trips over from England (shame they're midweek)

[Nuncio]

The Giro route is to be announced next week but it has been leaked. If the TdF looks less than interesting compared to this year's then you can always look forward to the Giro's penultimate stage, which looks like it will have enough excitement on its own.  There's reportedly approx 5,900m over 218km, going up (amongst other climbs) the Mortirolo, and finishing atop the Stelvio.

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/530290/2012-giro-d-italia-to-climb-into-grand-tour-history.html