Challenging one-day race to be held July 17
“We rode most of the route today and I think It’s the hardest course I have ever raced on,” said Katie Hall, winner of the women’s Tour of California. “They are four categorized climbs including two Cat 1 climbs and quite a bit of wind. I’m not sure how the race will play out in the last descent except I know it will be very small groups or single riders that go over the top of the final climb. The descent has both technical aspects and parts where real power will be required to maintain a gap or chase down a leader. The final descent means that more abilities are needed than simply pure climbing.”
Leah Thomas, fresh from her overall win at the Tour de Feminin, said she’s excited to carry the team’s winning momentum to La Course. Rushlee Buchanan, Diana Peñuela, Lizzy Banks and Lauretta Hanson will round out the six-rider roster.
“At Feminin, we showed the strength within the team, with many of us taking podiums and finishing with the overall win, a podium sweep in the time trial, and top tens in GC,” Thomas said. “I think we have a good team for hilly, hard courses. I believe our team excels on attritional courses and the final of the race will be relentless.”
“The penultimate climb, the Col de Romme is long and steep.” Thomas went on to say. “While the final climb, the Col de la Colombiere is slightly shorter and shallower, there is very little respite between the two climbs. It will be interesting to see how the race plays out. If a rider can go solo down the final 15 km descent or make it to the line, or if the climbers will regroup into a small bunch sprint finish.”
2018 La Course by Le Tour de France Parcours
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