The route for the 2010 Critérium international was announced today on Velochrono.fr, with this year's edition marking the first time the race will be held on the island of Corsica. The change in venue is seen by some as a try-out by Amaury Sports Organization prior to a possible start for the Tour de France there in 2013.
This year's Critérium international will take place on March 27 and 28 around Porto-Vecchio, and the 258.7 kilometer route will take on a new look from previous years. Instead of the traditional long and flat stage to open the event, the organizers have decided to mix things up by starting the race with a 175 kilometer medium mountain stage on the southern part of the island. The first stage will see the riders begin in the hills and then take in the Bacinu and Punticella climbs, ending with the 800 meter ascent of the Col de l'Ospedale.
Day two of the race will begin with a short 75 kilometer stage around Porto-Vecchio and is expected to be a stage for the sprinters. The race will end that afternoon with a 7.7 kilometer time trial around the Corsican port city.
Five-time Critérium international winner Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank) has said he would like to go for win number six in what will likely be his final year as a professional. With the move to Corisca and the race's difficult first day, Voigt will have a difficult time picking up another victory to break his four-way tie for the record of five wins with Léon Le Calvez, Emile Idée and Raymond Poulidor.
Team RadioShack leader Lance Armstrong is also expected to be in attendance. Armstrong has only participated in the race on two previous occasions finishing second in 2002, less than one second behind winner Jose Alberto Martinez, and third in 2005 behind Jens Voigt and Jose Ivan Gutierrez.
2010 Critérium international Stages:
March 27: 1st stage, Porto-Vecchio - Col de l'Ospedale, 175.5 kilometers
March 28: 2nd stage; Porto-Vecchio - Porto Vecchio, 75.5 kilometers
March 28: 3rd stage; Porto-Vecchio - Porto Vecchio 7.7 km (individual time trial)
Route map courtesy of ASO
