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Cycling fans cherish the moment when the upcoming Tour’s itinerary is unveiled. It was already known that the 95th Tour de France would enjoy the blessing of setting off from Brittany, land of profound roots and fervent enthusiasm. History teaches us that great things can be expected when the Tour takes off from france’s Celtic shores. Such has been the case five times previously, and the names of the five winners speak volumes: the majestic Coppi in 1952, Anquetil getting the better of Poulidor in 1964, year of the legendary Puy de Dôme stage, Merckx in 1974, highlighting a season during which he also triumphed in the Giro and World Championship, Hinault in 1985, for a flamboyant homecoming, and lastly Indurain in 1995, the year he made it five in a row.
The 2008 course reflects our aim to provide pace right from the start while ensuring the suspense is maintained as long as possible. For the first time since the Prologue was added in 1967, the traditional time trial will make way for a road stage. The fight for the yellow jersey should prove only the more disputed in Plumelec, with sprinters facing some stiff opposition. The Cholet time trial, held on day four, will take place over some thirty kilometers and come only two days before the first altitude finish, in Super-Besse, leading up to an early and noteworthy crossing of the Massif Central.
Five mountain stages, one less than this year, and four altitude finishes, one more than this year, will provide ups and downs. Joining Super-Besse will be Hautacam in the Pyrenees, the Italian resort of Prato Nevoso in the province of Cuneo, and lastly enthusiastic crowds will once again flock to the Alpe-d’Huez and its famed twenty-one twisting turns.
Though less passes will be climbed than in recent years, riders will face daunting challenges: the Tourmalet and Gallibier, both so much a part of Tour lore, but also the splendid Lombarde Pass in Italy, making its Tour debut, and Bonette Pass, too often overlooked, set in a moonlike landscape atop Europe’s highest road, making it the 2008 Tour’s pinnacle at some 8,195 Ft.
After a most rocky season, I have only one wish:
May the race once again take center stage!
Christian PRUDHOMME
Director of the Tour de France
