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L'ETAPE DU TOUR 2007 - 2008
The Road to Loudenvielle

Chapeau to all 2007 Etape Finishers!
We hope Cyclefilm's Recce DVD helped you tackle the Pyrenean Mountains.

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BUY YOUR DVD TODAY! Click here to enter the Shop 36min Recce Film packed with Insights and Analysis. "A must have for everyone riding the L'Etape, and a nice to have for anyone thinking about it!"

As soon as the Route was anounced on October 26th, the Cyclefilm Team jumped on a plane to France to take a first look at the 2007 stage from Foix to Loudenvielle, before snow covers the Cols for the winter.

Michael Cotty, best British finisher and 22nd overall at the 2006 L'Etape volunteered to test ride the 196km stage, spread over 2 days to allow for filming and photography.

Expecting harsh conditions and even road closures we were stunned at the amazing late autumn weather which helped us put together a fantastic recce documentary.

CLICK HERE to find out about upcoming BIG SCREEN PREMIERES in Cinemas across the UK.

Just 16KM into the route, Mike takes on the first of 5 mountain passes, the Col Du Port (11.4KM @ 5.3%)




Cresting the the Col (27KM), we get a first glimpse at the spectacular Pyrenean autumn scenery.




A quick stop to send a souvenir picture to Mum before starting the long descent followed by a valley road to St.Girons (65KM).




92KM from the Start in Foix, we set off on Day 2 in St.Lary where the road kicks up sharply onto the Col Du Portet d'Aspet (5.7KM @ 6.9%)




Before you know it, you tag the 2nd Col of the route at 98KM.




The fast and furious 4.5KM descent which follows should not be taken lightly. Olympic Road Race Champion Fabio Casartelli lost his life on one of the last corners!




You can literally take some speed from the descent into the 3rd climb of the route the Col De Mente (11.1km @ 7%) as it kicks up immediately after the last corner of the Portet d'Aspet.




The climb proper (7KM@ 8.1%) starts after 4KM and a short downhill section.




Alp d'Huez style switchbacks and some of the steepest gradients of the route can be found on this climb.




114KM after setting off, you will bag Col#3. Without much ado, you will whistles down the long, snaking descent, re-energizing yourself to tackle the BIG one...




Brand new road signs at 1KM intervals on a narrow forest road will guide you safely to the top of the monster Port De Bales (19.2KM @ 6.2%). Peaking at 1775m above sea level, you reach to highest point of the route (159KM).




Almost there! This is the last 200m stretch where the views are breathtaking (if you still have some!)




Tagging Col#4 at 159KM, you can almost smell the finish line...




It's lonely at the top! Take care again on the Port De Bales descent as it's narrow, fast, steep and without crash barriers!




Towards the bottom of the descent a stunning view of the valley opens up. Gather your breath, 1 more to go!




A quick check of the map confirms that we are on course. The final climb of the route looms about 12KM into the distance...




Long, sweeping switchbacks and a steady gradient characterize the last 3 kilometers of the Col De Peyresourde (9.7KM @7.8%)




Bagging Col#5 at 1563m above sea and 184KM from the start, you can be proud of your achievement! This is one to tell the grandchildren...




Enjoy the views one last time before heading off into the valley and the finish line. Although the descent is not very technical don't overcook it or you will end up head over handlebar like Jan Ullrich in the 2001 Tour De France.




Cruising into Loudenvielle should feel fantastic. Call yourself a 'Giant of the Road' and kick your legs up!




The exclusive Cyclefilm DVD of the 2007 L'Etape Du Tour Recce is now available to buy.
Visit the CYCLEFILM SHOP to get your copy today!


SPECIAL THANKS TO:
- Mike Cotty from Cannondale UK for test riding the route and providing valuable analysis and support.
- Lisa Stone from Planet Stone Productions for providing camera equipment.

Official information on the 2007 L'Etape Du Tour available HERE.

ON POPULAR DEMAND: Click here to watch all 5 descends UNCUT and REAL TIME!

IMPORTANT COPYRIGHT INFORMATION:
All photographs are copyrighted by Cyclefilm and may not be used in any form other than stated below:
You may use all pictures posted on this page in the context of cycling the 2007 L'Etape Du Tour, giving credit to Cyclefilm and including a working link to cyclefilm.com