Stage 1: The Basque Foothills.
| Stats for Stage 1. | |||||
| Stage start/finish |
# of Mtn. passes
|
Mileage
|
Elevation gain
|
Ride time
|
|
| Biarritz - Bielle | Rolling Foothills |
91 mi. |
7316 ft. |
6 hrs | |
A "topo-map" view of stage 1.
And the corresponding profile of stage 1.
The "topo-map" view of stage 1 provides a good perspective of the route in relationship to the high mountains and the footshills. As you can see the route for stage 1 meanders in the foothills. The profile shows clearly the up and down nature of the day. It's a punchy ride that I once described as a day of "rollers." The riders let me know "rollers" is way off the mark, ha! Basically we go from sea level up to 1400 feet. Every day and every ride on this tour is unique and challenging.
Even the smaller roads are well paved. Stage1, Basque region foothills
The Pyrenees are beautiful and offer what I consider the best cycling in the world. Sure there are other spectacular places to ride, but I'd argue that there isn't anywhere better.
