Virtual Tour de France Stages

Stage 2, July 5

Steep Climbs and Flat Sprints

Racers start at sea level, breathing that salty oxygenated air before going under the sea via the Ocean Tunnel. After the competitors exit the ocean, keep an eye on the climbers. During the next 5.8 miles (9.4 km), they’ll ascend a 3.9% grade. And the final push, AKA the Radio Tower Climb, is brutal.

Just .7 miles (1.1 km) at soul-crushing 13.7% grade, even the pros should take almost four minutes to make this ascent. After a quick descent, there’s a short, false flat followed by a 350m flat and fast sprint.

There are four points locations: King/Queen of the Mountain as well as sprint points. Of course, racers also earn sprint and General Classification points at the end of the race.