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If some people wondered why the Haute Route was named as such, the 6th stage answered that question, with the Cime de la Bonette on the day’s agenda.
Indeed, the road that skirts the Cime reaches an altitude of 2802 meters, making it the highest paved road in Europe. The riders tackled this ‘giant’ from its northern side, with an irregular ascent that is 24 km long.
There are numerous sections with 8-9% gradients, and the slope even reaches 10% near the Restefond barracks.
At this altitude, the temperature and wind complicate the progression of the peloton, and the riders tire much more quickly.
As for the landscapes, the riders discover a mineral and arid world.
The view is splendid in the heart of the Mercantour National Park, where pines, streams, lakes, meadows, and peaks follow one another. At the top, nearly 3000 meters high, the silence is total, making it a magical moment.
The bodies were put to a tough test in this climb, between the cold and the difficulty of catching one’s breath at such an altitude.
It’s therefore up to mental strength to take over as the descent towards Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée is technical and dangerous; concentration must be total. Clutching the brakes, having lost all feeling in their fingers, the riders then tackle the final 7 km ascent towards the Auron resort.
Peter Pouly, very strong throughout the week, won with a few seconds lead over Benjamin Blaugrund, claiming his 3rd consecutive victory.
As leaders in the Duo Mixed category with Karine Saysset, they can no longer be challenged for victory in this category, barring any incidents.
In the women’s category, the German Andrea Scharrer claimed a beautiful victory, ahead of Karine Saysset and Dorina Vaccaroni.
*Ranking of the 6th Stage: Pra Loup – Auron*
Men
1/ Peter Pouly (FRA)
2/ Benjamin Blaugrund (USA)
3/ Michel Roux (FRA)
Women
1/ Andrea Scharrer (GER)
2/ Karine Saysset (FRA)
3/ Dorina Vaccaroni (ITA)
On the eve of the grand finale, it’s still the Frenchman Michel Roux who leads the Solo Men’s standings and Stéphanie Gros the Solo Women’s standings.
The 7th and final stage between Auron and Nice could experience some twists, as attacks could be numerous on this 140 km course with 1600 meters of negative elevation.
The peloton’s final arrival will be in Nice, which will do them the honor of welcoming them on the prestigious Promenade des Anglais, around 3:30 PM.
The riders have been dreaming of this for a week…
