Paris - Nice 2016 Route stage 3: Cusset – Mont Brouilly

Two years ago Mont Brouilly was in Paris-Nice also, but not as a top finish. Tom-Jelte Slagter attacked on the flanks. With Geraint Thomas joining in the descent the two of them powered to the finish some 15 kilometres down the road, where the Dutchman bested the Welshman in a sprint-a-deux.

This time the finish is atop the steep 3 kilometres climb. But before that a series of climbs lead the riders over the Côte de Vernay, Côte de Châteauneuf, Col des Écharmeaux, Côte des Rochettes and Col du Fût d’Avenas to arrive at Mont Brouilly with 133 kilometres done. As the hill is in the road book twice contenders can go exploring.

Before arriving at the bottom of Mont Brouilly the road has been a false flat for a few kilometres. Then the grade goes up to 6.1% in the first 500 metres, while kilometre 2 comes with an average gradient at 7.9%. A guy with a hammer welcomes the riders in the closing kilometre. Averaging at 9.3% the steepest section at 25% looms with 500 metres left. All in all, the average grade on Mont Brouilly is 7.7%.

A puncheur’s dream in Paris-Nice!

At the finish line, time bonuses are 10, 6 and 4 seconds, while two intermediate sprint come with 3, 2 and 1 seconds each.

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