Best stage of 2011 poll – Vote!

We had epic attacks, unexpected wins and emotional tributes in a year of pro racing that was unlike one that I can remember since I’ve followed the sport. The Tour itself may have not been as exciting as LeMond’s Tour win. The return to the Basque country may not have been as contentious as it’s departure. The epic attacks may not have yielded Coppian or Merckxian results on the Champs-Élysées. But make no mistake, this year’s events, when considered throughout the entirety of the year, have been as grand as any and second, if not to none, then to few. What was the most memorable, the most significant of them all? What stage would be the first you would share with someone new to the sport?

View Video Highlights (Option [1], [2], [3], [4] [5], [6], [7], [8])

Tell us below:

Stage of the Year? – Final Option – Stage 19 Tour de France

The final mountain stage of the Tour de France, Andy Schleck lead Cadel Evans by 57 seconds, and needed more time to protect that lead in the final time trial. Alberto Contador, who trailed Evans by 3’30″, had one last chance and attacked from the first climb and attacked again on the Alpe d’Huez. Samuel Sanchez wanted the stage and the Polka Dots, and young Pierre Rolland was finally free to fly after protecting Voeckler for 2 weeks.

Stage of the Year? – Option #5 – Stage 18 Tour de France

Andy Schleck goes on the attack for his one chance to win the Tour. An epic solo breakaway over the Galibier which puts all the contenders in a spot of bother. Andy wins the stage, and gains time, smashing Contador and Sanchez in the process, but it’s not enough as Andy’s strengths aren’t enough to overcome his weaknesses.

Stage of the Year? – Option #1 – Stage 16 Tour de France

It was such a great year of racing, maybe one of the best in nearly a decade, that we’ll be re-visiting some of the excitement and conclude with a poll to vote on the stage of the year.

First up, Option 1 – Stage 16 of the Tour de France won by Thor Hushovd, but also a stage where Evans, Contador and Sanchez unexpectedly attacked and Evans gained 1’02″ on the brothers Schleck.

2012 Tour de France route presentation

Coming hot on the heels of the 2012 Giro d’Italia route presentation, the 2012 Tour route has been released. Starting in Liege, and ending 21 stages later on the Champs-Elysees, the Tour looks to feature some very tough climbing, with more categorized climbs than in 2011 (25 vs 23) and much more time trial distance than in 2011 (96km vs 41km). At first glance the climbs look less tough than last year, but there are some tough ones, short, Marie-Blanque-esque climbs, like the stage 7 Planche de Belle Filles.

Le Tour official site

A more detailed analysis is to come, perhaps tomorrow, but tell me what your first thoughts are, of either the 2012 Tour route or the 2012 Giro.