Tuesday 2 July 2024 will mark an important stage in the Tour de France as the peloton enters French soil. After starting in Italy, a first in the history of the competition, and crossing Florence in Pinerolo, the riders will begin the Tour de France in France. the fourth stage from Pinerolo to Valloire.
On that day, the peloton will cross the Franco-Italian border to descend on Briançon, the first French town to be crossed by the 2024 Tour.
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The first riders are expected in Briançon at around 3.20pm, after descending the Montgenèvre pass. They will take the D2, join the N94 and then the D1091 to cross the Serre Chevalier valley, passing through the towns of Saint Chaffrey, La Salle-les-Alpes and Le Monêtier-les-Bains.
Alpine passes reserved for amateur cyclists
The ascent will begin with the Col du Lautaret, followed by the legendary Col du Galibier, with the finish at the summit at an altitude of 2,642 metres expected at around 4.47pm. Climbed for the first time in 1911, the Galibier is one of the Tour de France's must-do Alpine stages, and has been climbed more than 60 times since.
Briançon, meanwhile, has been a stage town 35 times, and the Col du Granon made recent history with Vingegaard's victory in 2022.
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From 4 to 9 July, the Alpine passes will be reserved for cyclists in the mornings. Cycling enthusiasts will be able to tackle the Galibier, Granon, Izoard, Agnel and Echelle passes in complete safety. Access is free, and there will be a welcome desk and refreshments at the summit.
Find out more
In addition to the special week, certain passes in the Serre Chevalier Briançon valley will be reserved for cyclists on several occasions during the summer and autumn.
- Granon: 5 and 17 July, 7 August, 24 and 31 October
- Galibier: 4 and 18 July, 8 August
- Izoard: 7 July
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