Paris-Nice 2017 Route stage 4: Beaujeu – Mont Brouilly

Wednesday, 8 March 2017 – Stage 4 in Paris-Nice is a 14.5 kilometres ITT with finish uphill. The closing climb accounts for 3 kilometres at 7.7%, while the last kilometre takes in a 25% sector to arrive at an average of 9.3%.

Last year stage 3 in Paris-Nice was supposed to finish on top of Mont Brouilly, yet the race was cancelled halfway. Snow and cold made it impossible to continue.

The route of the ITT takes in a 11.5 kilometres detour via Lantingié, Cercié and Saint Lager. It’s here the 3 kilometre long punchy closing climb kicks in. The lower slopes are quite gentle with a 6.1% gradient in the first 500 metres. Yet kilometre 2 comes with an average gradient of 7.9% before 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%.

Paris-Nice’s 2014 edition took in Mont Brouilly for the last time. Tom-Jelte Slagter attacked on its steep ramps. After Geraint Thomas joined him in the descent, the Dutchman outsprinted the Welshman on the line.

Results/race report 4th stage Paris-Nice 2017.