The Tour de France

• Stage site for the first time
• A tidal causeway linking the mainland to the Isle of Noirmoutier in Vendée (85)

The Tour first visited this truly unique route in 1999. It is a reminder that vigilance is essential from the very beginning of the race for those aspire to win it. Alex Zülle lost more than six minutes there in a mass fall. But this time, the cyclists will only ride on the Passage du Gois as part of the official ceremony to mark the start of the race. In 2005, the bridge was used to link the mainland to the Isle of Noirmoutier, in an individual time-trial that allowed the very young David Zabriskie, 20 years old, to put on the Yellow Jersey for his first day on the Tour de France.

• Stage site for the first time
• The summit (232m) of Vendée (85) near the cantonal subdivision of Les Herbiers (15, 500 inhabitants)

This place made a name for itself in history due to its decisive role in the Wars of Vendée. The commune of Herbiers has been accustomed to welcoming the best riders at the end of the cycling season for the Chrono des Nations since 1982. This time it will have the opportunity to award the first Yellow Jersey of the 2011 Tour de France. The topography of the final stretch should allow for a confrontation between sprinters and puncheurs (strong cyclists with explosive speed which they use on short, but steep gradients with sudden attacks). This 100% Vendeen route, which will pass by Chantonnay just before the stage finish, may well give ideas to Thomas Voeckler, as he was crowned the French National Road Champion there in June.