Stage 6 of the Tour de France, 99 miles

An exciting stage, the first in the mountains and most difficult so far with an opportunity to take a closer look at the general classification contenders.  The attack did not occur at the start, with the pace described as parade-like.  There was speculation whether the current yellow jersey holder, Julian Alaphilippe, could hold on to it with the long steep climbs, and he did not, but he gave an outstanding performance, so he may be a contender.  Even through Tour de France riders appear super human, there is at least one who is mortal like many of us, Andre Greipel  who walked his bike up  the 24% grade climb on stage 6 (click "Read More" below to see photo)

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​There is history in the race route:  the town at the end of the race, “LaPlanche des Belles Filles” translates to “the plank of the beautiful girls” so named in the 16th century when women jumped off the hill to their death rather than submit to invaders.  

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