| Twelfth round of the Coupe de France 2003, the 13th Classique des Alpes, due to take place between Aix-les-Bains, the popular spar, and Chambery, the haut-lieu of tourism in Savoy, will once again be highly selective and spectacular. The racers will face seven fearsome hill climbs including the famous Col du Granier.
Exploiting the difficulties of the regional natural parks of La Chartreuse and the Massif des Bauges, this is truly a rehearsal for the major alpine stages. The race is designed for pure climbers but will also challenge fearless and powerful attackers as Botero’s victory last year showed. It might be recalled that his unexpected victory was followed by two stage wins including a memorable success in the Alps during the 2002 Tour de France. With only one month to go to the centenary Tour de France, the «dress rehearsal» of the Classique des Alpes will enable journalists and fans to guess who the strong men of the Grand Tour this July might be.
At the same time, young climbers taking part in the junior Classique des Alpes will discover the difficulties specific to high mountain racing after crossing over five mountain passes in a circuit from Les Echelles to Chambery and which links up with the final of the Elite race. |
