The iconic Galibier Pass is a highlight of the Tour de France 2024, presenting a demanding challenge as part of the race’s fourth stage on July 2nd.
This mountain stage, spanning 139.6 kilometers from Pinerolo to Valloire, features a 23-kilometer climb at an average gradient of 5.1%. The first cyclist to reach the summit of this Hors Catégorie climb not only gains significant recognition but also a substantial financial reward.
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The prize of conquering the Galibier
The Galibier is not just a test of endurance and climbing ability; it’s also a lucrative opportunity for the cyclists. The rider who crests the summit first will be awarded the “Souvenir Henri-Desgranges,” a tribute established in 1947 named after Henri Desgranges, the founder and first organizer of the Tour de France in 1903. This year, the prize for reaching the summit first is €5,000, a handsome sum that adds an extra layer of competition among the climbers.
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Historical and financial significance
The reward at the Galibier speaks to the historical and cultural importance of this mountain in the Tour de France. Named after a pivotal figure in the tour’s history, the “Souvenir Henri-Desgranges” is not only a financial incentive but also a mark of honor, celebrating the spirit and endurance required to lead the pack over one of the tour’s most challenging climbs.
Comparisons with other mountain stages
The financial incentives continue throughout the Tour with similar prizes for other monumental climbs. For instance, the first rider over the Col du Tourmalet during the 14th stage on July 13 will also receive €5,000 as part of the “Souvenir Jacques-Goddet.” This prize, established in 2001, honors another key figure in Tour history, Jacques Goddet, who directed the Tour de France from 1937 to 1988.
Tomorrow's stage will end in Valloire after the downhill of Col du Galibier. Here's Tom Pidcock descending it at breakneck speed in 2022, one of the most spectacular attacks in recent years. 🫨#TdF2024 pic.twitter.com/CU4jnpLsr4
— Mihai Simion (@faustocoppi60) July 1, 2024
Why these prizes matter
The financial rewards for these mountain stages do more than compensate the riders for their physical exertions; they enrich the narrative of the Tour de France, linking current competitors with the legends of the past. Each prize carries a legacy, connecting the dots between the heroes of yesteryear and today’s cyclists pushing the limits of their endurance and skill.
The role of these prizes in modern cycling
In contemporary professional cycling, these prizes underscore the importance of strategy and resilience. They motivate competitors not just to perform well overall but to excel in specific segments of the race, adding a strategic element to team and individual tactics. Riders and teams plan extensively to target these stages for both prestige and the financial benefits they offer.
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This article explores the significance of the “Souvenir Henri-Desgranges” at the Galibier Pass during the 2024 Tour de France. It highlights not only the challenge of the climb and its historical importance but also the substantial rewards that await the cyclists. These prizes celebrate the heritage of the Tour while motivating current generations of cyclists to excel in these epic mountain stages.
