Tour de France: Mûr-de-Bretagne Finishes - A History of Thrills
The Mûr-de-Bretagne is a short but steep climb in Brittany, France, that has become a staple of the Tour de France. Its inclusion in the race has provided some of the most thrilling moments in recent cycling history, featuring dramatic attacks, incredible comebacks, and nail-biting finishes.
A Steep and Iconic Climb
The Mûr-de-Bretagne, meaning "Wall of Brittany," is a 2km climb with an average gradient of 6.9%. It is notoriously difficult for cyclists, demanding significant bursts of power and effort. The climb's distinctive cobblestone sections add another layer of challenge, making it a true test of rider skill and endurance.
A History of Thrills
Since its first inclusion in the Tour de France in 2011, the Mûr-de-Bretagne has witnessed a string of exciting finishes:
- 2011: Thor Hushovd wins the stage in a dramatic sprint finish.
- 2013: Peter Sagan takes the victory in a thrilling sprint finish.
- 2015: Christophe Laporte pulls off a surprise victory, winning the stage from the breakaway.
- 2017: Edvald Boasson Hagen secures a decisive victory after a long breakaway.
- 2019: Julian Alaphilippe wins the stage with a powerful solo attack, showcasing his strength and tactical acumen.
- 2021: Mathieu van der Poel secures a thrilling victory after a breakaway with Wout van Aert.
- 2022: Wout van Aert dominates the stage, achieving a resounding solo victory.
A Stage for the Bold
The Mûr-de-Bretagne has proven to be a stage for daring attacks and aggressive racing. It often plays a decisive role in the overall standings, as riders look to gain crucial time advantages. The steep climb encourages bold moves, making it a popular stage for breakaway attempts and late-stage fireworks.
A Future of Excitement
The Mûr-de-Bretagne is set to remain a key feature in the Tour de France for the foreseeable future. Its challenging nature and history of spectacular finishes ensure that it will continue to provide cycling fans with some of the most exciting moments of the race. Expect more daring attacks, incredible comebacks, and heart-stopping finishes as the world's best cyclists battle it out on this iconic climb.