Amilly
9.3 km
Sunday 8 March
As in 2008, this 67th edition of Paris-Nice will start in Amilly (Loiret).
But there is one difference. This time trial will be longer than 8 km kilometres, therefore, it will be considered as the first stage instead of prologue.
On a mainly flat course, the real specialists of the time trial might be perfectly at ease on the first half. Then, the second half will be a bit more technical. And then hunt to succeed obviously tough.
© J.M. Thibault
A town of art, sport and child friendly, Amilly, situated on the outskirts of Paris, is the most extensive commune in the Montargis urban district, stretching over 4 000 hectares, including 800 hectares of state forest. Natural resources (rivers, forest, agricultural land) in close proximity to urban zones have brought local councillors to a closer awareness of the need to protect and develop this heritage, which boasts all the quality features of life in the country, notably with hiking and mountain bike trails. The town centre houses the Saint-Martin church, built in the 16th century, classified as a historical monument and restored in 2004. Amilly is renowned for its sporting talent (football and jujitsu), for its culture (contemporary art and concerts) and its firmly established roots in Europe: twinned with Nordwalde in Germany and Vilanova del Cami in Spain, it organises the European festival each year in July.
© A.M.E.
Situated one hour away from Paris, the Montargoise and Rives du Loing Urban Area (AME) covers 10 communes and promotes a comprehensive range of sectors for its 60 000 inhabitants, notably dedicated to the development of the economy, tourism, and sport. The population particularly benefits, via the Arboria economic cluster, from an industrial fabric in the spheres notably of plastics, rubber, automobile supplies and pharmaceutics. Montargis, « the Venice of the Gâtinais », is made up of little islands, canals and 131 bridges. The medieval city can be discovered by following the « Chinese Trail », evocative of the town’s links with China, followed by a visit of the Girodet museum. Other towns in the area offer a multitude of leisure activities: hiking in the forest and a visit of the Maison de la Forêt, open-air activities, a trip down the river aboard a pleasure steamer, an adventure park… It is with great pleasure that the AME once again hosts the Start of the 2009 Paris-Nice in the commune of Amilly. Sport in AME is a serious business!
