Route and Profile
Tour de france 2024 stage 2 – Stage 2 of the 2024 Tour de France will take the riders from the historic city of Limoges to the picturesque town of Issoudun. The stage covers a distance of 203 kilometers (126 miles) and features a challenging profile, with several climbs and descents along the way.
The first major climb of the stage comes after 50 kilometers (31 miles), with the riders tackling the Côte de la Croix-Saint-Martin. This climb is 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) long and has an average gradient of 6.3%. The riders will then face another climb, the Côte de Saint-Priest-Taurion, which is 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles) long and has an average gradient of 5.7%. The final climb of the stage comes with just 20 kilometers (12 miles) to go, with the riders tackling the Côte de la Cité, a 1.2-kilometer (0.7-mile) climb with an average gradient of 7.1%.
Elevation Profile
The elevation profile of Stage 2 shows a gradual climb for the first 50 kilometers, followed by a series of short, sharp climbs and descents. The most challenging part of the stage comes in the final 50 kilometers, with the riders facing three significant climbs in quick succession.
The second stage of the Tour de France 2024 promises to be an exciting one, with the riders facing a challenging route through the Basque Country. If you’re planning to watch the race, be sure to check out our guide on where to watch the Tour de France 2024.
We’ll provide you with all the information you need to make sure you don’t miss a minute of the action. The second stage of the Tour de France 2024 is set to be a thrilling one, so be sure to tune in and watch the riders battle it out for victory.
The overall elevation gain for Stage 2 is 2,500 meters (8,200 feet).
The Tour de France 2024, Stage 2 will be a grueling test for the riders. The stage will cover 194 kilometers, with a total elevation gain of 3,500 meters. One rider to watch will be Christian Vande Velde , a veteran of the Tour de France.
Vande Velde has a wealth of experience in the race, and he will be looking to make a strong showing in 2024. The stage will be a challenging one, but Vande Velde is confident that he can perform well.
Key Climbs, Tour de france 2024 stage 2
- Côte de la Croix-Saint-Martin (50 kilometers, 1.6 kilometers long, average gradient of 6.3%)
- Côte de Saint-Priest-Taurion (75 kilometers, 2.1 kilometers long, average gradient of 5.7%)
- Côte de la Cité (183 kilometers, 1.2 kilometers long, average gradient of 7.1%)
Contenders and Favorites: Tour De France 2024 Stage 2
The second stage of the 2024 Tour de France is a challenging one, with a summit finish on the Col de la Madeleine. Several riders will be in contention for the stage win, including:
- Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates): The defending Tour de France champion is one of the best climbers in the world. He will be the favorite for the stage win.
- Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma): Vingegaard finished second to Pogačar in the 2022 Tour de France. He is a strong climber and will be one of Pogačar’s main rivals.
- Geraint Thomas (INEOS Grenadiers): Thomas won the 2018 Tour de France. He is a good climber and will be looking to challenge Pogačar and Vingegaard.
- Enric Mas (Movistar Team): Mas finished sixth in the 2022 Tour de France. He is a strong climber and will be looking to improve on his result this year.
- David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ): Gaudu finished 11th in the 2022 Tour de France. He is a talented young rider and will be looking to make a statement on the Col de la Madeleine.
Pogačar is the clear favorite for the stage win. He is the best climber in the world and has a strong team to support him. Vingegaard and Thomas are his main rivals, but they will need to be at their best to beat him. Mas and Gaudu are also capable of winning the stage, but they will need to have a perfect day.
Historical Significance
Stage 2 of the Tour de France has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in the race’s history. From daring breakaways to thrilling sprints, this stage has played a pivotal role in shaping the overall narrative of the competition.
In 2003, Lance Armstrong’s controversial victory was overshadowed by the dramatic escape of Iban Mayo, who rode solo for over 200 kilometers and nearly stole the yellow jersey. A decade later, Vincenzo Nibali cemented his status as a Grand Tour contender with a stunning solo win on the same stage, proving his prowess as a climber.
Memorable Performances
- In 1989, Greg LeMond became the first American to win the Tour de France. His victory was sealed on Stage 2, where he gained over a minute on his rivals in a time trial.
- In 2014, Peter Sagan took his first stage win in the Tour de France on Stage 2, a testament to his exceptional sprinting abilities.
- In 2020, Julian Alaphilippe made history by becoming the first Frenchman to wear the yellow jersey on Stage 2 since 2014. His aggressive riding and daring attacks left an indelible mark on the race.