Tour de France Stage 4: Cambrai to Reims
Plain Stage
Wed, July 7—starts at 1350 local time
About Stage 4
By Chris Brewer
Today’s stage is what is referred to as an up-and-down one. While there is just one “easy” rated climb, there are very few flat sections, either. If the riders decide to make it a hard day, and they usually do, there will be a lot of tired legs and potentially many support riders dropped on the way to Reims. Still expect a bunch sprint from the top fast men in the peloton.
About Cambrai
Cambrai, famous during World War I as the location of the first tank battle, has acted as a stage town for the Tour de France once before, in 2004. During the 2004 Tour, the windows of the Cambrai Town Hall were decorated with the colors of the shield of each of the stages towns. For the 2010 Tour, the Town Hall will be decorated with photos of the statues from each of the stage towns.
Cambrai is located in the Escaut Valley in the north of France, surrounded by rolling plains. The town is known for trade and architecture, dating back for more than seventeen centuries. It is also considered a diffusion center of the baroque art movement, but after World War I, it was heavily influenced by the art-deco style.
About Reims
This is the eleventh time that Reims has served as a stage town on the Tour, and the first time since 2002. Known as the city of Champagne, Reims is one of the largest producers of sparkling wine in the province, and is located near the slopes of the Montagnes de Reims.
As well as being famous for its champagne, Reims is also known as the coronation site of the French kings. From 1027 to 1825, all but three of the French kings were crowned Reims, at the Cathedral Notre Dame de Reims. The cathedral is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Other historical sites in the town include the Palais du Tau (once the archbishop's residence) and the Basilica and Royal Abbey of Saint-Remi.
-- City descriptions written by Rachel Horn
Tags:
de france,
de france s4
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