The TCFIA has announced the route for its 20th edition of the Tour de l’Ardeche today with at least one summit finish on Mont Lozère. The route will be 7 stages, over 7 days and takes place between 6th to 12th September 2022. With the race taking place just 6 days before the World Championships in Australia, it’s a good chance for any riders needing a late tune-up before Worlds. Alternatively, for those not making the trip, it’s a great late-season race! The race traditionally isn’t short of climbing and before the Tour de France Femmes returned this year, it was the premier French stage-race in the women’s cycling calendar.
There’s still no mention in the announcement of live coverage which is unfortunate. In an era where so many women’s races are now live to some degree, the Tour de l’Ardeche sort of takes place in a vacuum. It’s a tough race to follow with little to no information shared whilst racing is taking place. Hopefully, in its 20th year, the Tour de l’Ardeche will be able to showcase its awesome racing.
The 2021 edition was won by Leah Thomas who just beat Mavi Garcia and Ane Santesteban by 9 seconds. With a result that foreshadowed her awesome 2022 season, Pauliena Rooijakkers was 4th, only 26 seconds behind. The final podium after the last stage saw possibly the best podium celebration in women’s cycling history. When the cult song Links Rechts by Snollebollekes started playing, Lucinda Brand kicked off with the dance moves and everyone else joined in too.
2022 Tour de l’Ardeche Stage Details
Stage 1
Le Teil > Villeneuve-de-Berg (109.5km)
Stage 2
Lac de Champos > Montélimar (108.2km)
Stage 3
Avignon > Pernes-les-Fontaines (103.5km)
Stage 4
Beauchastel > Sarras (128.7km)
Stage 5
Florac > Mont Lozère (109.4km)
Stage 6
Alès > Alès (92.5km)
Stage 7
Vesseaux > Privas (121km)
2022 Tour de l’Ardeche Stages Map
