La Course sets off in Briancon for a race in the high Alps. In 35 kilometres the riders head south through the valley of the river Durance. In Saint-Clément-sur-Durance they turn left and via a flat flat of 7 kilometres they enter Guillestre. Another false flat of 17.5 kilometres continues to the foor of the Col d’Izoard.
The first half of the Izoard Pass is averaging approximately 6%. And then, from kilometre 8 onwards, the col shows it’s teeth with average grades fluctuating around 10%. A short drop brings some relief with 2.5 kilometres to go before the last 2 kilometres are averaging 9% again.
The first three editions of La Course were played out on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Marianne Vos, Anna van der Breggen and Chloe Hosking sprinted to victory, which is unthinkable on the Izoard. The 1st stage of La Course edition 2017 suits climbers, and climbers only.
Read also: results/race report 1st stage 2017 La Course.
La Course 2017 stage 1: Route maps, height profiles, and more
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Route first kilometres
Streetview Col d’Izoard
Route final kilometers
Start and finish at Google maps
