CycloWorld heroes the Tour de France. In a series of articles we focus on the stage cities and the gran fondo's and sportives of thee region. Today: the final stage (number 21), which starts from Mantes-la-Jolie.

Photo: Wikipedia Commons.

Cycling around Mantes-la-Jolie

Mantes-la-Jolie is a city of around 40,000 inhabitants about 50 km west of Paris. It is situated, like the capital, on the river Seine. Because of its location between Normandy and Paris, the city has often been part of wars in the past. In the 100-year war for example, it changed owners frequently. The eye-catcher of the city is its beautiful cathedral.

The terrain around the city is slightly sloping, it's sort of a light version of the Dutch region of Zuid-Limburg, know from the Amstel Gold Race. You'll find climbs up to a height of about 200 meters. Cycling is quite here, at least if you avoid the many cities in the area. This part of France is very densely populated. In 2018 the French cycling nationals took place in Mantes-la-Jolie. Anthony Roux of FDJ-Groupama won. 

Gran fondo's

Mantes-la-Jolie has its own gran fondo: La cyclo de l'Intérieur. One that is organized by the local cycling club and has a horrible website: usually the ingredients for a perfect event. The longest route makes a loop to the southeast and has 166 km, gathering about 1100 meter of elevation. For 2020 the event is of course cancelled, but in 2021 it should continue. The date has not yet been confirmed, but is currently on June 5. The event traditionally attracts many riders from nearby Paris. 

This brings us to the end of our series about the Tour. Do you have any questions or comments about this series? Do not hesitate to send us a mail or leave a message on our Facebook or Instagram. Thanks for reading!