Stage 2: Perros-Guirec to Mûr-de-Bretagne Guerlédan

Act 2?

Let’s hope the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions have eased enough that the ultra-enthusiastic cycling fans of Brittany can come out to cheer on this first Sunday of the 2021 Tour. If so, thousands will pack the whole route of stage 2, the first half of which follows the English Channel coast from the beautiful Côte de Granit Rose (“the Pink Granite Coast”) to the city of Saint Brieuc (hometown of Bernard Hinault) before heading inland to a finishing circuit at Mûr-de-Bretagne. Three previous Tour stages have finished atop the village’s spectacular 2-kilometer climb that has double-digit grades in the first half before easing toward the summit. In 2011, this stage finish saw the win go to Cadel Evans, who went on to win that Tour. Alexis Vuillermoz was the surprise winner four years later, while Dan Martin took a great victory in 2018. As then, the race will make the climb twice, the second one coming after a 15-kilometer loop on mostly twisting back roads. The rider who won 24 hours earlier in Landerneau could well do the double and strengthen his grip on the yellow jersey.

Finish Line

After a 2km climb at 6.9 percent, at the end of a 300m straight on the 19.6 feet wide D767.