The Tour de France continues its visit to Spain and the Basque Country with the longest route of the 2023 edition between Vitoria Gasteiz and San Sebastian. On the program, a rugged route with five difficulties, the most feared at 16.5 kilometers from the finish line, the climb of Jaizkibel. Nothing insurmountable but tough enough (8.1 km at 5.1%) to break the legs of some of the runners and allow the adventurers to take to their heels. One certainty, there will be plenty of entertainment during the day, but probably not enough relief to widen the gap between the favourites.
The actual start will be given at 12:25 p.m. and the arrival is scheduled for around 5:16 p.m. with an average speed of 43 km/h.
France 2 from 12:00 p.m. then France 3 at 12:55 p.m. and return to France 2 at 3:00 p.m.
“The question we ask ourselves is: ‘Will the sprinters be able to get over the bump to go and play for victory?’ There are about fifteen kilometers behind to allow them to organize the sprint but I can see them jumping in the climb which is still 8 kilometers even if it will probably be done in two stages. But I see more of a backpacker trying something. And why not Thibaut Pinot, whom I see physically well at the start of the Tour de France.
Vitoria-Gasteiz is hosting the Tour de France for the second time in its history. Sports enthusiasts know the city which is home to an excellent basketball club, winner of the Saporta Cup in 1996, but also the Alaves football team. Joseba Beloki, 2nd in the 2002 Tour was born in this city known for its magnificent cathedral, splendor of the 14th century, but also its salt mines, in the salt valley of Alava. In San Sebastián, the Real Sociedad football club which saw Antoine Griezmann play is an institution. The birthplace of Mikel Arteta (the coach of Arsenal) is known for its beautiful coastline, the iconic La Concha Bay. Tourist city, San Sebastian organizes every year a jazz festival and the international film festival but also the Tamborrada, parades of brass bands. The curious also flock to the International Fireworks Competition illuminating the bay.
In Vitoria-Gasteiz, order with your eyes closed scrambled eggs with perretxikos (mushrooms) after nibbling on pintxos, small slices of bread on which you put a small ration of food. As an accompaniment, a Rioja Alavesa wine is a must. If you have a little room left in your stomach, enjoy a cod omelet in San Sebastian. You can opt for the txaangurro (spider crab) and be tempted by a local cider or a txakoli, an essential white wine.
Having an exit voucher means obtaining from the peloton the possibility of attacking without the riders immediately taking the wheel of the runaway. Over the years, these invitations to attack are increasingly rare.
Example: “Jean-Louis, you’re dropped in general, so attacks between Dinard and Saint-Briac, just before the beach of Grande Salinette. The peloton is tired, we should have a good exit. »
