The news this morning that the Statue of Liberty will mark Independence Day with public being allowed to the crown from the first time since 9/11 is good news. It also coincides with the start of Le Grande Slog
across France, Spain, Andorra, Switzerland and Italy towards her sister
who sits on another Isle in the capital of the country of her birth.
The full route is shown visually below.
On the 40th Anniversary of the moon landings is suitable marked with
the penultimate stage up through the lunar landscape to the peak of Mont
Ventoux, though it is 4 days late on the 25th to be a really fitting
tribute for the day that there was 'one small step'.
Today
however many Formula One fans will recognise parts of the course for
the opening individual time trial of the 2009 Tour. Indeed the finish
line is more used to the checkered flag than the kite marking Arrivée,
and the Flamme Rouge marking a kilometre to go is in a very famous
tunnel. They even race past the Casino though not through the iconic
square. The pit lane instead of having mechanics working on cars will
have mechanics doing last minute tweaks to machines about to ride up the
the depart hut for 15.5km course that will take them up the steep climb
of Moyenne Corniche to the high point a Category 4 climb of Côte de
Beausoliel 2o5m up.
For the Grand Départ is taking
place in the streets of Monaco some of it very familiar to speed fans of
the four wheeled variety. See below for a full look at today's course.
*Translation of Title: Liberty, Brotherhood and Breakaway Group.
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