Tour de France returns to lake Annecy
Jul 8th, 2009 by lakeannecyexpert
After a 50 years absence, the Tour de France returns to Annecy. On wonders why? Having said so, the tour always passes somewhere nearby. Last few years stages included Col de la Forclaz, Gran Bornand, Thones, La Clusaz and some of the mountain passes nearby.
Now I am not a great fan of the Tour. Mainly because of its shameless commercialisation and the endless steam of doping scandals. However if you never seen the spectacle, which is the Tour de France, have a look . May be it is your thing. You certainly have to admire the riders and their endurance, crossing France over a 30 day period.
The Tour hits lake Annecy on Thuesday 23th July 2009 for a time trial around the lake. Departure is from Annecy towards Sevrier, St Jorioz, Doussard, Talloires, Bluffy, Veyrier and finish in Annecy-le-Vieux. The approximately 40 km long route around the lake is certainly scenic but not too challenging. Talloires contains the only one difficulty of the lake with the climb of the Thoron until Bluffy and will be the ideal point to see the rider at their most pain!
My advice: if you are going to see the Tour de France on lake Annecy, reserve a place along the road the night before, stay there overnight and take plenty of food and drink. The road around lake Annecy will be completely blocked. Roads RD 909 A and RD 42 will be closed for circulation between 7 am and 9 pm. Dig in for 48 hours to enjoy a few minutes of riders passing by. That is what it takes to see the Tour de France, not just on lake Annecy.
