Group 2 – day 2

Saint Paul de Vence - Sospel
On leaving the hotel we turn towards the sea, following the valley.
Arriving at the coast, we take the coast road for a fast journey to Menton, in the process travelling the entire length of the Côte d'Azur and crossing the southernmost part of the Alpes Maritimes.
Our route begins to climb, and the road, which was initially narrow, becomes slightly wider after several hairpins and we face two hill-climbs.

Sospel - Breil  22 km Special section
This second special trial section is characterised by an ascending road with narrow carriageways and a succession of small-radius bends and a number of hairpins without lateral protection.
This is combined with asphalt which provides variable conditions, damaged in some places, making the route extremely tricky.
In these conditions we will really appreciate the tire's qualities of precise handling in the bends and stability under braking.
The application of "Cap & Base" technology, which uses compounds with variable rigidity between carcase and tread, gives improved distribution of the stresses suffered by the tire due to the roughness of the terrain.
It now becomes possible to ride the heavy big enduros with the same style as an agile naked bike, and in absolute safety. Bend after bend the riding pleasure increases …with just the right dose of prudence it becomes sheer fun.

Breil - Fontan
At the end of the special trial section we continue in the direction of the Colle di Tenda pass. For several kilometres we are riding in the valley through which the river Roya runs.
Along the route we pass through a couple of inhabited centres. The road is fairly straight and allows us to ride in relaxed style.

Fontan - Limone Piemonte
After the coffee break the climb towards Colle di Tenda begins.
The main feature of the route is the continual alternation between narrower and broader stretches. For the first 5-6 km of the climb, the bends are wide and sweeping. The last stretch before the tunnel, however, is a sequence of very tight hairpins which lead directly to the mouth of the tunnel. Inside the tunnel the asphalt is fairly badly damaged.
On our arrival in Italy, we begin the descent towards Limone Piemonte. The road is fairly wide and although there are some hairpins, we can easily take them in our stride and enjoy the ride.
To get to the restaurant we have to go down an unmade road about a kilometre long, allowing us to test the Tourance EXP on a route which takes us through a wood with a road surface of rocks and earth.
Owing to the geometry of the tread blocks, now wider and more compact, and the design of their corners, the new tread pattern gives traction even on light off-road surfaces, so that we feel we could go anywhere in perfect safety.