July 20th Stage 17 Gap-Pinerolo

Today's stage came through Briancon from south to north. This meant the riders would go right through town and up a super steep hill about 400m long and a 11% gradient. Perfect for spectating as the speeds would be moderated by the hill.

The front group comes through. A huge breakaway of close to 20 riders packed tightly. They are doing around 15kph up the hill.




Sylvain Chavanel is one of my favorites. Here he has made the break and is targeting this stage.

About 2 minutes later the peleton comes through as one huge group. Still early in the stage and things have not yet begun to thin out. Europcar is working hard at the front.

Voeckler tucked in safely behind.
Gilbert too.
The Norwegians were out in force.
A great day of spectating, we spent probably about an hour on the hill, mostly waiting and the riders were through in about 5 minutes total. The next day it was about 18 minutes from first to last rider.