Gap and cycling

In 21 visits to Gap, the Tour saw victories by cycling greats such as Raphael Geminiani, Gastone Nencini, Jean-Francois Bernard, Erik Zabel or Alexandre Vinokourov. But the town was also the start of legendary stages towards Briancon marked by the triumphs of Louison Bobet, Fausto Coppi or Federico Bahamontes.  Since then, rirdes from Gap more frequently went to l'Alpe d'Huez, as is the case again this year. In 1991, a simialr stage went to Gianny Bugno while Frank Schleck won in 2006.

Solitary raids were also often successful in Gap and suceh was the case for Jean-Francois Bernard in 1986, Alexandre Vinokourov in 2003 or Pierrick Fedrigo in 2006. In the last stage to Gap in 2011, a bold move was again rewarded when Thor Hushovd clinched his 10th Tour vicotry at the expense of fellow-Norwegain Devald Boasson-Hagen.