The 53rd edition of the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var begins on February 19. Many international class riders are expected to be present at the event.
The presentation of the 53rd edition of the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var took place within the premises of the Alpes-Maritimes department. On this occasion, many representatives and elected officials were present. Charles-Ange Ginรฉsy, president of the Departmental Council, Vanessa Siegel, vice-president of the Department in charge of sports, and Jean Leonetti, president of the Sophia Antipolis agglomeration community and mayor of Antibes, each expressed their thoughts on the event. “The Alpes-Maritimes wants to support this event,” notes Charles-Ange Ginรฉsy. “We have this desire to showcase this high-level regional event. This 53rd edition features some very beautiful stages and an exceptional line-up. In these difficult times, cycling is a breath of fresh air.”
Adapting to health conditions
At the start of this season, many cycling events have been canceled due to Covid-19. Despite this epidemic, the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var will take place from February 19 to 21. The conditions will, however, be exceptional. “It will be a special year. There will be no spectators in the start and finish areas,” explains Frรฉdรฉric Maistre, events manager at Nice-Matin, the organizer of the race. “For now, we do not have specific instructions for the passes. Along the course, it will be necessary to wear a mask and not be gathered in groups of more than 6 people.” Restrictive conditions, but necessary for the smooth running of the event.
The route and the participants
Three stages are on the program. The first will link Biot to Gourdon on Friday, February 19 (186.8 kilometers). A difficult end of stage, with the triple ascent of Col de Gourdon (8 km at 4.5%). The second stage, on Saturday, February 20, will be a loop around Fayence (177.4 km). To conclude, the third stage will take place on Sunday, February 22, with a loop around Blausasc (136 km). This is certainly the queen stage, with the ascents of Col de Saint-Roch, Col de Braus, and Col de la Madone, categorized as first-category climbs.
As for the participants, this 53rd edition boasts a grand line-up. 22 teams will be at the start. The British team INEOS-Grenadiers is expected to present Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner, and Tao Geoghegan Hart, 2020 Giro d’Italia winner. The titleholder of this Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var, Nairo Quintana (Team Arkรฉa-Samsic), is expected to be there, as well as the last Olympic champion, the Belgian Greg Van Avermaet (AG2R Citroรซn Team).
The experts’ opinions
Gรฉrard Holtz (patron of the 53rd edition of the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var): “It is an honor to be the patron of this great event. The course is very spectacular. We are going to have a great race. The road is narrow. I hear about gradients ranging from 15 to 18%. You need to not only be a puncher but also a real climber. Proof with Quintana’s victory last year… With this very difficult third stage, I think the victory will go to a climber. You have to be very strong. Those who start their season here and are somewhat lacking physically could be in great difficulty. We are going to enjoy three days.”
Amaรซl Moinard (France Tรฉlรฉvisions consultant): “It’s quite hilly. The first two stages are for punchers. We will see the best climbers on the third stage. It will be conducive to spectacle, with the world’s best riders. In the first two stages, I’m convinced that we’re going to see great French riders shine. I’m thinking of David Gaudu, Valentin Madouas or Rudy Molard, from Groupama-FDJ. At AG2R, there’s also Aurรฉlien Paret-Peintre, the recent winner of the GP La Marseillaise, who will certainly be present, and the Niรงois Clรฉment Champoussin. It’s a race that allows talent to be revealed. I hope we will see French people win at least one of the three stages.”
