© TDF
© Laurent Salino Photography
© TDF
Tour de France returns to Alpe d'Huez 2018
105th Tour makes its return after a 3 year break
This time next week, the announcement will be made in Paris about the complete route of the 2018 Tour de France and as ever, the rumour mill has been in full force as to where the route will go.
According to Le Dauphiné newspaper, who released details of three of the stages this week, Alpe d'Huez will be making a much anticipated return to the Tour after a three year absence. This will also be the 30th time Alpe d'Huez will have hosted the event.
Although only the location of The Grand Depart has been officially announced (Vendée in North West France) the Dauphine believes that three of the Alps stages will be: Annecy to Le Grand Bornand, then Albertville to La Rosiere, followed by Bourg St Maurice to Alpe d'Huez.
The Annecy stage includes a section of almost 2km of gravel, which the organisers are apparently saying they aren't going to tarmac over. This 151km stage will come after a rest day in Annecy.
Le Dauphiné are predicting a date of 19th July 2018 (stage 12) for Alpe d'Huez, but we'll have to wait until this time next week to hear the definitive details.
