Oléron is an island off the Atlantic coast of France – in fact it is the second largest island of France after Corsica. Fort Boyard is an eye-catcher, located in the strait between Île-d’Aix and Île d’Oléron. It featured in serval films and tv-shows.
The riders click into their pedals in Le Château d’Oléron and cross over to the mainland on a bridge with a length of 2,862 metres, which was constructed in 1966. The race heads south to move through Royan before heading back north towards Rochefort and La Rochelle. The connecting theme of these three cities is Vauban, a military architect who constructed numerous fortifications throughout France during the reign of King Louis XIV.
No rider will be bothered though. They don’t fight fortifications, their main concern is likely to be the strong winds in this Atlantic jaunt. After crossing the 2.9 kilometres Île de Ré bridge, completed in 1988, the finale leads to the village of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Again, the fortifications of Vauban are to form the picturesque backdrop to a likely sprint finish.
The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds.
Another interesting read: results 10th stage 2020 Tour de France.
Tour de France 2020 stage 10: routes, profiles, more
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I enjoy reading your very detailed description of all the stages and saying who the favourites are. I like have a small bet for an interest and Caleb Ewan got me some cash in an earlier stage. Will continue reading your pieces.
Thanking you.
Maurice O’Sullivan.
We have a holiday home in La Tremblade, which the route must touch as it leaves the Ile d’Oléron and heads south across the river Seudre. We will be in residence for this stage so please can you provide full stage route details?
Full details have not been announced yet. We’ll publish them once they are.