Tour de France 2023: Challenging Stages in Italy
The Tour de France 2023 has kicked off with some grueling stages in Italy, offering a stern test for the riders right from the start. The second stage, covering 199.2 km from Cesenatico to Bologna, promises to be a thrilling spectacle. According to Christian Prudhomme, director of the Tour de France, the peloton will initially traverse the Emilia-Romagna region with relative ease, passing by the famous Imola racing circuit. However, the final part of the stage, featuring the steep ascent of the San Luca (1.9 km at 10.6%), will be a decisive challenge for the punchers, especially as it will be climbed twice in the last 40 kilometers.
This stage is also a tribute to Marco Pantani, the 1998 Tour de France winner who hailed from Cesena, just 25 km from the starting point in Cesenatico. A museum dedicated to Pantani's glory is located in Cesenatico, adding a sentimental touch to the race. The stage will start at 12:15 p.m. and is expected to conclude between 5:05 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in Bologna. Fans can follow the race live on France 2, France 3, Eurosport, or with live commentary on Le Figaro.fr.
Highlights of the Course and Key Contenders
The second stage is not just about the challenging climbs but also the scenic route through Emilia-Romagna, ending in Bologna, a city known for its rich history and the oldest university in the Western world. The course profile includes a mix of flat sections and hilly terrain, culminating in the grueling San Luca climb. Thierry Gouvenou, the race director, emphasized the difficulty of the stage, noting that the steep slopes of San Luca will be a critical point where the best riders will have to be on their guard. The stage is expected to be too tough for sprinters, setting the stage for a fierce battle among the punchers.
The first stage, starting from Florence and ending near Rimini, also presented a significant challenge with a 3,600 m positive altitude difference spread across six passes. The final ascent, the Côte de San Marino (7.1 km at 4.8%), positioned 26 kilometers from the finish, allowed for strategic moves and a potential small group sprint finish. Thierry Gouvenou highlighted the unique difficulty of this first stage, which set the tone for a competitive race right from the beginning.
- The Tour de France's Italian stages not only test the riders' endurance but also celebrate the rich cycling history of the region. Marco Pantani, a legendary figure in the sport, is honored throughout the second stage, adding an emotional layer to the race. The museum in Cesenatico dedicated to Pantani is a must-visit for cycling enthusiasts.
- Bologna, the finish city for the second stage, is renowned for its historical landmarks, including the Basilica of San Petronio and the Palazzo dei Bianchi. The city's vibrant student population and its status as the home of the oldest university in the Western world make it a fascinating destination for visitors.
- The first stage from Florence to Rimini was equally demanding, with riders tackling the Apennines and multiple challenging passes. The strategic elements of the race were on full display as riders navigated the tough terrain, setting the stage for an exciting competition for the first yellow jersey.
