The Tour du Cantal is a tough race through both the department the Cantal as well as the mountain range ‘Monts du Cantal’. It’s not a typical mountain range though, as the massif is made up of the remnants of a huge stratovolcano, the biggest Europe has ever known.
The race sets off from Aurillac, one of the biggest cities of the department. This city on the banks of the river Jordanne has been founded in the n...
Read moreThe Tour du Cantal is a tough race through both the department the Cantal as well as the mountain range ‘Monts du Cantal’. It’s not a typical mountain range though, as the massif is made up of the remnants of a huge stratovolcano, the biggest Europe has ever known.
The race sets off from Aurillac, one of the biggest cities of the department. This city on the banks of the river Jordanne has been founded in the ninth century already. Heading northeast, the road will slowly start rising, with the mountains of the Cantal looming in front. After 25 kilometers, the first climb of the day is initiated from Mandailles-Saint-Julien; the short, but very steep and irregular Col du Perthus, which offers astonishing views on the highest peaks of the Monts du Cantal, including the Puy Mary, Puy Griou and the Plomb du Cantal, the highest of all with its 1855 meters. After the descent, the riders will set off for Murat, where another short and steep climb has to conquered.
The next couple of kilometers will be used by the riders to rest a little bit, before starting the final conquest of the day: The finishing climb all the way up to the Pas de Peyrol – Puy Mary. From the little commune of Le Claux, situated in a beautiful valley called Le Petite Rhue, the road starts to rise slowly but steadily. After some kilometers climbing around 6-7% and five hairpins, the Col de Serre is reached. A little plateau will grant some rest, but especially the last two kilometers to the finishline will make up for a grand finale, rising with a terrible percentage close to 10%. At a height of almost 1600 meters, the riders will finish having phenomenal views over the whole of the Monts du Cantal.
