2011 Tour Announced

Ok, so I know we havn't even gotten the opportunity to recap the 2010 season yet but already it's time to start thinking about next year. And there's no better way to do that than the 2011 Tour presentation. It will be a return to an Alpine finish after the 2010 race finished in the Pyrenees. Though this year's route was so well rounded and just a pleasure to watch throughout, the 2011 version saves the best for last with some brutal and historic summits and a TT at the end. The climbers like Andy Schleck are going to love this route and the sprinters will also be happy, but the classics guys and the TT specialists may not be so thrilled. There is only 1 ITT and it is only 41 kms. Lets take a look at the stages broken down.
No Prologue this year
Stage 1- not really sure what to expect. Seems like maybe a sprint but there will certainly be guys out to grab the glory of the yellow jersey on the slight uphill finish.
Stage 2- A Team Time Trial is always a fun way to get on the board.
Stage 3- sprint
Stage 4- maybe this is the one for the classics guys. Watch Hushovd here.
Stage 5- mostly flat but the finish opens some possibilites
Stage 6- long stage, probably a sprint.
Stage 7- sprint
Stage 8- Here's the first stage where we may see the climbers, or maybe not.
Stage 9- Breakaway or medium climber soloist could win here.
Rest Day 1
Stage 10- sprint
Stage 11- sprint
Stage 12- Ah, now we're getting into the Pyrenees with a nice tricky summit finish on Luz-Ardiden. Also we will be briefly visiting our old friend Tourmalet.
Stage 13- Another good day for a breakaway
Stage 14- Toughest day in Pyrenees. Bunch of mountains and a nice summit finish. Expect the big boys to come out to play.
Stage 15- sprint sprint sprint sprint sprint
Rest Day 2
Stage 16- There are some noteworthy climbs, but I would expect it to come down to some escapees.
Stage 17- Higher mountains now. Also takes a visit into Italy. Maybe someone will make a move, but it will likely end up as a cat and mouse chess game where the leaders are just watching and staying alert.
Stage 18- Probably the best stage on the Tour. And what can be more prestigous than a summit finish on Galibier.
Stage 19- Alpe d'Huez. Need I say more. This will be the one that decides the Tour.
Stage 20- Finally, Cancellara and Martin get their shot on the ITT. I don't expect the 41 km TT to decide the overall winner, though it may reshuffle the top 10.
Stage 21- Cruise into Paris

That's it for now. Anyone else already getting excited?