Grasse - Toulon     

Prior to the race begins, the Announcer will have pronounced several great sprinters in the 2nd division as the Peloton waits the signal to begin this Classic here in Grasse. The French race, Grasse-Toulon takes the Peloton south from the “World Capitol of Perfumes” to the home of the French Mediterranean Fleet, Toulon. The 148km long stage is in many cases destined to be won by a sprinter with important side stats as the ...

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Prior to the race begins, the Announcer will have pronounced several great sprinters in the 2nd division as the Peloton waits the signal to begin this Classic here in Grasse. The French race, Grasse-Toulon takes the Peloton south from the “World Capitol of Perfumes” to the home of the French Mediterranean Fleet, Toulon. The 148km long stage is in many cases destined to be won by a sprinter with important side stats as the route is not completely flat. Approximately halfway through the stage the riders will enter the Hills of Draguignan at Le Muy. The Malmont (551 m) hill in Draguignan is one of challenges along the route and the hill provides either a great “launchpad” for a group to breakaway, or for the leading sprinter teams to crush all plans of attacks prior to the next last hill on the route.

As a natural gate into the streets of Toulon, the leader group will need to pass an enormously steep and narrow ascend of Mont Faron. This hill will become the last opportunity for the riders, whom does not feel comfortable in a final sprint to attack. Following the downhill on the east side, the stage will stay flat until the finishing line.

The sight at Toulon will be special as the leader group will pass the enormous Naval Base of Toulon. Home to the Force d'action navale, tactical submarines and the French Aircraft Carrier, Charles de Gaulle. A large number of French naval assets are stationed here. The final sprint will take place in the Old Town on the Boulevard de Strasbourg, where the strongest sprinter or a possible breakaway will fight to conquer the title of this classic off the Mediterranean coast.