Published by Lyn on 10 June 2014
La Route du Sud will wind its way through the Pyrénées June 20-22. It'll be the last stage race before the Tour de France starts in Yorkshire on July 5. Here's where to catch it.
Stage 1: Lectoure to Payolle (171.7km), Friday, June 20
Stage 2: Bagnères-de-Bigorre to Val Louron (178.6km), Saturday, June 21
Stage 3: Saint-Gaudens to Castres, Sunday (179.4km), June 22
The event's Facebook page is an immeasurebaly more digestible source of information than the official website.
After the Critérium du Dauphine (on now until June 15) and the Tour of Switzerland from June 14-22, La Route du Sud is the last major stage race before the Tour de France starts in Yorkshire on July 5.
It was won by French hero Thomas Voeckler last year and by Colombian Nairo Quintana in 2013.
Voeckler will defend the title for Team Europcar this year, with Spaniard Alejandro Valverde, who will lead for Movistar at the Tour de France, also a contender, alongside Michael Rogers and Nicolas Roche for Tinkoff Saxo.
The first Route du Sud was known as the Tour du Tarn from 1977 to 1981, and became the Tour Midi-Pyrénées from 1982-1978. It's been known by its current name since the 1998 edition.
Thanks to Caroline at the bike-friendly Allez Pyrenees B&B in Bagnères-de-Bigorre for reminding me to add this blog to the site.
Accommodation in the Pyrenees June 20-22
There is still some limited accommodation available for the race. Check our pop-up map below for bike-friendly places to stay along the route.