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David Kirkby rode the stages of the new London-Paris 2008 route and knows all the climbs and corners like the back of his hand. After all, David has ridden both 2006 and 2007 events as well as guided the L2P Camps. |
Words by Adam Tranter
Ride by David Kirkby
Rider's guide to day three: 201.4km with 2200m of climbing.
After a well earned rest in Amien, the ride takes on the iconic final leg to Paris. The riders will feel no pain in the last few kilometres into the finish via the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. However, there's no guarantee that there won't be some hurt legs on the way there.
The road conditions out of Amien are good and will be a welcome break from the bumpy roads that the riders experienced in Day Two. Day Three will see the riders climb 2200m during the course of the day, but the windy roads and short power climbs are likely to take their toll on the weary legs in the peloton. There'll be less than an hour warm up before the flagged section begins, the short, steep climbs and demanding, meandering village roads will ensure whoever takes the L2P yellow jersey at the end of the stage thoroughly deserves it. There are six notable climbs in a single 20km section, if you're hoping to keep up with the action then some good legs and sensible riding will certainly go a long way. If you're not so concentrated on following the attacks of the day, then make sure you conserve as much energy as you can as the last section of the ride is likely to require everything you've got.
There are two red sections today, the first having a gain of 84m over a relatively short distance. If you're feeling good, then leave it in the big ring and keep the power through the pedals. The second is slightly longer and gains 100m, the climb starts early and then levels out into a flatter section before kicking up again towards the end.
The lunch stop comes just before the 100km mark in St Felix. After the break, the second yellow section is full of climbs. There's approximately eight climbs in just 30km. This part of the ride has it all and the riders need to be alert as they pass through small French villages with plenty of corners and roundabouts for them to negotiate.
After all the flagged sections are over, there's one more climb before the escorted riders drop into the outskirts of Paris and proceed through the suburbs before seeing the landmarks of Paris in the distance. The sights of the Eiffel Tower become more prominant as the riders get closer into the centre. Riding the last few kilometres will be like having fresh legs as the finish is in sight.
Stage Three provides some excellent roads for the competitive element of the London-Paris Cycle Tour with lots of short hills, smooth surfaces and a fantastic finish to cap it all off.
Times, Distances and Flagged Sections