This year it’s the special 100^th edition of the Tour de France meaning it’s bound to be a special one with a big celebration – both in France and England.

With the Wiggins & Team Sky effect there will be heightened interest in the 2013 edition of the Tour de France.

The official announcement of the route will be made on the 24^th October in Paris.

In the run up there is always a keen rumour mill at work putting together lots of little clues to try and work out the route. Consequently, although the exact route and content is still to be confirmed through the official channels, the rumours about the main stages and dates are pretty much fixed.

And it looks set to be a cracking route and race this year…

The route starts in Corsica with 3 days of racing in their mountains before then moving across to Nice for a Team Time Trial which is set to finish on the “Promenade des Anglais”.

It then heads across to the Pyrenees and ticks off some of the big climbs such as Col d’Aspin, Col d’Ares and Col du Tourmalet – before making its way further north to Brittany and a stage finish at the Mont St Michel (let’s hope the tide’s out for them!)

The tour and caravan then make their way back down south to tackle the mighty Mont Ventoux in Provence. From here they head into the Alps and visit Gap twice before an exciting day (Thursday 18^th July) which will feature the legendary climb of Alpe D’Huez twice in one day! A new loop over the Col de Sarennes is planned to liven things up with the gruelling switchbacks being raced up twice.

Fri 19^th July then sees a stage crossing some of the famous cols before dropping down into Grand Bornand village for the stage finish. Our local village has a perfect setting for a finish line and has hosted 4 stage finishes in recent years – so we’re well used to seeing some great racing action on our doorstep. We hope 2013 will be no disappointment and Grand Bo will be a memorable day for Bradley Wiggins.

The next day (Sat 20^th July) the action moves just down the hill to Annecy which is the start and end of the final day’s racing in this year’s tour. It could all be settled, or the very last chance to sort out those positions – either way it’s sure to be a big day of racing and I should imagine a famous Col or two may feature to increase the excitement and challenge on the last day!

After the racing is done and dusted its time for the ceremonial last stage roll into Paris on the Sunday  21^st July. But – with this being the 100^th edition of the Tour de France – the organisers are looking to create a great party atmosphere in Paris.

For the first time ever it will be an evening stage and the riders should cross the finish line in Paris at around 2230. We hope Mark Cavendish can still sprint well in the evening and lead the riders home to finish a memorable tour and start the fireworks party.

If you fancy riding some of the routes and cols of the Tour de France then be sure to check out our cycling trips on www.bikeweekender.com The site is currently undergoing redevelopment for the re-launch in Spring 2013 but check back then to find full details of how we can help you conquer Ventoux, Alpe D’Huez, Colombiere, Aravis and other Tour de France favourites…