It is now more than a tradition. As usual, Corrèze will host, in 2024, the 3rd stage of the Tour du Limousin – Périgord – Nouvelle-Aquitaine. A 57th edition which promises to be beautiful, given the field: 6 UCL World teams, including Cofidis, Groupama FDJ and Arkea – B&B Hôtels, will be entered in the competition, which will take place from August 13 to 16, 2024.
Corrèze, the “queen stage” of the Tour
The Corrèze stage of this Tour du Limousin 2024 edition could still leave some traces in the memories of the runners, but especially on the organizations. “For several years, it has always been the main stage”says Christian Courbatère, president of the Tour du Limousin. “This will be the case once again this year, with its 3,400 meters of altitude difference. This stage is very, very tough. At the end, we will only have a small group, and it would surprise me if the finish was a sprint, Or maybe I don’t know anything about cycling anymore.”he quips.
Once again, this stage could prove decisive in the final ranking. “The stage in Corrèze is often the one which determines the final yellow jersey, even if there is one stage left the next day. It will certainly come down to the riders who will be in the breakaway at the end of the race.”
An “impressive” journey
The main difficulty of this Corrèze stage? The different levels to overcome for the runners. “We listed 5 points for best climber, but we could have put 15. It’s impressive”proclaims Christian Courbatère. “From the start, at the Rivière de Mansac, we begin to climb on the banks of Lac du Causse, we go to Turenne, we cross the vineyards of Branceilles, which are very hilly, we then go to Beaulieu-sur-Dodogne, we then attack the big climb which takes us to La Chapelle Saint-Géraud, then we pass into Xaintrie… And then the breathtaking finale, with a first category pass, on the Chastang dam. It never ends.says the president of the Tour du Limousin, with a smile.
Beyond the exceptional sporting aspect, this third stage will also be a fantastic showcase for tourism and the local economy. “Most of the hotels, at the start and finish, are already full. We always have a lot of people who come to see the runners passing along the roadsides, and the television broadcast also allows us to discover our Limousin, which is absolutely magnificent, to the general public we are very proud to be from this territory today.”concludes the president of the Tour.
Discover the summary of the stage:
- Departure from La Rivière de Mansac at 11:45 a.m. on August 15, 2024
- Sprint Points: Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (km 55.8); Saint-Bonnet – Les Tours de Merle (km 87.5); Saint-Privat (km 102.6); Auriac (km 113.3, Trophée Corrèze le Département)
- Best Climbers Points: Côte de l’Auvergnassou (4.75%, km 63.8); Côte des Tours de Merle (4.75%, km 94.1); Côte de Bassignac le Haut (5.59%, km 124.1); Côte de l’Auzelou – Saint Martin la Méane (6.98%, km 160.1); Côte de Servières le Château (4.47%, km 174.9)
- Arrival in Argentat – Xaintrie Val’Dordogne
