Travel by Numbers: The Tour de France

As the teams set off on the greatest cycling event of the year, spokes-man Simon Calder measures the route's appeal

Saturday 04 July 2009 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

3,500

Price, in pounds, of a six-week mountain bike technical leader course starting in August in Verbier, Switzerland, one of five nations included in this year's Tour de France. The price includes accommodation, most dinners, five days of training a week – and a first-aid course to help you evaluate fellow riders' requests to "put me back on my bike". peakleaders.com

267

Average number of sunny days each year in Le Cap d'Agde, above, the resort that is the starting point for stage 5. The Greek origins of the area are evident at the excellent Musée de l'Ephèbe – named for one of its Greek bronzes, thought to be a likeness of Alexander the Great. en.capdagde.com

176.5

Distance in kilometres of stage 7, from Andorra across the Pyrenees to the town of St-Girons in the Ariège – an ideal base for less pressé cyclists (or hikers) keen to explore this little-known region. ville-st-girons.fr

7

Duration, in minutes, of the helicopter flight from Nice-Côte d'Azur airport to Monaco, where this year's Tour begins today. The principality is better known for its motorsport credentials, notably celebrated at the Columbus Hotel, part-owned by Formula 1 driver David Coulthard. No need to break the bank at Monte Carlo's stylish casino, below, before you check in; a weekend for two including dinner and breakfast costs €279. columbushotels.com

219

Price, in pounds, of a day-return in "Leisure Select" class from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord on 26 July, the day the Tour ends in the French capital. You get nearly 10 hours in France – and the day trip means you won't need to get a hotel room, likely to be in short (and expensive) supply.

1

Previous appearances on the Tour of the Catalan capital, Barcelona – the southernmost destination in the race's history. The end of the race involves a climb to the hill of Montjuic on the south side of the city centre – home to the Olympic Stadium and the excellent Miro Museum. fundaciomiro-bcn.org

17

Date in July when the riders arrive in Colmar, close to the Rhine and the home of Frédéric Bartholdi – an artist whose signature work is a global icon, the Statue of Liberty. The Musée Bartholdi at 30 rue des Marchands traces his achievements, and provides details of his less ambitious sculptures scattered around the town. musee-bartholdi.com

1,912

Height, in metres, of Mont Ventoux, the "giant of Provence", that provides the most gruelling climb in the Tour. This year, after a seven-year absence, it is the climax of stage 20 (from Montelimar) on 25 July, with the finish the following day in Paris. The overnight journey north will be made mainly by train. More details from the official website: letour.fr .

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in