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Mende
173.5 km
Thursday 11 March
Maurs, also known as Maurs la Jolie or little Nice of the Cantal, has already welcomed Paris-Nice in 2007. The difficulties for the competitors arise after 40 km with the slopes of the 2nd category Côte de Montsalvy. Afterwards, the decor of the Gorges du Lot will be the backdrop for the stage as it heads towards Mende, where the riders will have to tackle a demanding final climb that Contador used as a springboard to victory in 2007. The ascent of the Croix Neuve – Montée Laurent Jalabert climb is 3.1-km long with an average gradient of 10%. This climb will be a rehearsal for the next Tour de France, whose 12th stage will also finish in Mende on 16th July.
Maurs, also known as Maurs-la-Jolie, is located in the south of the Cantal at the crossroads between the Lot and Aveyron departments. The town’s three fountains symbolise these three departments. The town has conserved an almost perfect circular shape from medieval times, created by its walls, now known as the tour of the town. The number of shops, the weekly market and the booming fabric of associations are a demonstration of just how dynamic the main town in its district is. With a population of 2,200, it is renowned for horse related activities (for sport and leisure but also for a European fair) as well as the events it holds in the summer. Near to the town centre, in a leafy area on the banks of the river, the 3-star municipal campsite is very welcoming. In reference to its southern character, Maurs is also nicknamed “little Nice of the Cantal”, a name preordained to welcome the Paris-Nice race…
Mende is the prefecture of the Lozère department in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, and is located in the Lot Valley, in the Gévaudan area. Founded in 200 BC, its original name was Mimata in reference to the mountains that surround it. Today, Mende has a population of 13,400 and has conserved a rich heritage from its history, in particular the medieval streets of the town centre, a 14th century gothic cathedral or the 13th century Notre Dame Bridge. Boasting a well-preserved environment, Mende is currently setting up a business park to welcome new companies. With 80 sports clubs, it is also an ideal playing field for guests to the town or newcomers. Already twice designated sportiest town in France by the daily sports newspaper “L’Equipe”, Mende will again have pride of place in July when it well welcome, on Friday 16th July, the finish of the 12th stage in the Tour de France.
