The Tour de France is one of the most prestigious and gruelling sporting events in the world. As the cycling race celebrated its 100th edition in 2013, organisers decided to commemorate the milestone by having the race visit the French island of Corsica for the very first time in the races history.
Corsica is the only region in metropolitan France that the Tour had not passed through up until 2013. Adding Corsica to the Tour route would highlight the race’s century of history while bringing new and exciting terrain to challenge the riders.
Tour de France Corsica Stages 1-3
The opening stages of the 2013 Tour launched from the city of Porto-Vecchio on the east coast of Corsica. The first three stages toured the island from south to north, showcasing Corsica’s mountainous landscapes before the race returned to mainland France.
Stage 1: Porto-Vecchio to Bastia
The 2013 Tour de France’s grand départ on the Isle of Beauty began with a relatively flat Stage 1 promising a thrilling sprint finish. But what unfolded was a day of drama, unexpected changes, and ultimately, sheer pandemonium.
Five escapees surged ahead early, but the peloton kept them in check, anticipating a showdown later. The only climb, Cote de Sotta, saw Juan José Lobato claim the polka-dot jersey, but the breakaway’s glory was short-lived. They rejoined the peloton, then attempted another escape before finally settling back.
However, the real drama was yet to come. With 37km remaining, a logistical nightmare struck. An Orica-GreenEDGE team bus became stuck under the finish arch, disrupting timing and blocking the finish line. In the ensuing confusion, officials moved the finish to a temporary banner 3km before the original line.
This sudden shift plunged the stage into chaos. The peloton, unaware of the change, raced towards the original finish. Crashes erupted, claiming big names like Ryder Hesjedal, Peter Sagan, and Mark Cavendish. Even Alberto Contador went down, though able to continue.
Meanwhile, the bus situation was resolved, and officials scrambled to move the finish back to its original location. This further confused the race, leaving some unaware of the change and still sprinting for the 3km banner.
In the midst of this madness, one rider thrived. Marcel Kittel, perhaps unaware of the revised finish, remained focused on the original line. He powered through and crossed the finish line first, oblivious to the drama unfolding behind him. He claimed the stage victory, the yellow jersey, the green jersey, and the white jersey – a complete sweep thanks to the chaotic circumstances.
No time gaps were awarded. All other 197 riders received the same time as Kittel. The day ended with controversy and frustration. Cavendish, Lotto-Belisol, and others expressed outrage at the last-minute switch, questioning its safety and impact on the competition. Orica-GreenEDGE received a fine for the bus incident.
Stage 1, intended to be a celebratory start, became a testament to the unpredictability and drama that can define the Tour de France. It was a day where strategy went out the window, luck played a major role, and one rider, amidst the chaos, emerged as the unlikely hero.
Stage 1 Highlights:
- Marcel Kittel’s Triumph: Marcel Kittel (Argos-Shimano) secured his first Tour de France stage win in the chaotic Stage 1 of the 2013 edition. Despite last-minute changes to the finish line and a massive crash, Kittel emerged victorious, claiming the yellow jersey.
- Bus Mishap and Mass Crash: The Orica-GreenEdge team bus getting stuck at the finish line led to a hasty decision to move the finish line forward, creating mass confusion. A subsequent crash, involving riders like Cavendish and Sagan, prompted organisers to award all riders the same time due to the unprecedented circumstances.
- Kittel’s Career Moment: Marcel Kittel celebrated the greatest day of his cycling life with this stage win, marking his 12th victory of the year. The German sprinter expressed gratitude to his team for their crucial support in achieving this significant milestone.
- Prominent Performances: Notable performances included Alexander Kristoff securing second place and 19-year-old Danny Van Poppel claiming third. The race featured a seesawing gap between the breakaway group and the peloton, adding moments of indecision to the dynamics of the stage.
- Organisational Challenges: Despite organisational challenges, such as Chris Froome’s early crash and the decision to move the finish line due to the bus mishap, Marcel Kittel’s sprinting prowess and the overall excitement of Stage 1 left a lasting impression on the 100th edition of the Tour de France.
Stage 1 Results:
- Marcel Kittel (GER) – Argos–Shimano – 4h 56′ 52″
- Alexander Kristoff (NOR) – Team Katusha – + 0″
- Danny van Poppel (NED) – Vacansoleil–DCM – + 0″
- David Millar (GBR) – Garmin–Sharp – + 0″
- Matteo Trentin (ITA) – Omega Pharma–Quick-Step – + 0″
- Samuel Dumoulin (FRA) – Ag2r–La Mondiale – + 0″
- Greg Henderson (NZL) – Lotto–Belisol – + 0″
- Jürgen Roelandts (BEL) – Lotto–Belisol – + 0″
- José Joaquín Rojas (ESP) – Movistar Team – + 0″
- Kris Boeckmans (BEL) – Vacansoleil–DCM – + 0″
General Classification after Stage 1:
- Marcel Kittel (GER) – Argos–Shimano – 4h 56′ 52″
- Alexander Kristoff (NOR) – Team Katusha – + 0″
- Danny van Poppel (NED) – Vacansoleil–DCM – + 0″
- David Millar (GBR) – Garmin–Sharp – + 0″
- Matteo Trentin (ITA) – Omega Pharma–Quick-Step – + 0″
- Samuel Dumoulin (FRA) – Ag2r–La Mondiale – + 0″
- Greg Henderson (NZL) – Lotto–Belisol – + 0″
- Jürgen Roelandts (BEL) – Lotto–Belisol – + 0″
- José Joaquín Rojas (ESP) – Movistar Team – + 0″
- Kris Boeckmans (BEL) – Vacansoleil–DCM – + 0″
Stage 2: Bastia to Ajaccio
The second stage of the Tour de France, a 156km ride from Bastia to Ajaccio, was anything but predictable. It wasn’t just about the stunning Corsican scenery, though it certainly played a role in the drama that unfolded. This stage was about the tenacious spirit of Jan Bakelants, his daring gamble, and his ultimate triumph.
The day started with the usual breakaway attempt, led by Lars Boom, David Veilleux, Blel Kadri, and Ruben Perez. They built a decent lead, but the peloton, hungry after Kittel’s stage 1 win, kept them close. As the climbs rolled in, Kadri emerged solo, only to be caught by Pierre Rolland on the Col de Vizzavona. This shift in the breakaway dynamic proved decisive, as Rolland’s attack prompted Sky to chase, effectively ending the breakaway’s hopes.
As the peloton hit the final climb, the Côte du Salario, the real battle began. Mark Cavendish and Marcel Kittel, the sprinting giants, were dropped, their stage 1 dreams fading. Sky, BMC, and Cannondale all jostled for position, setting a fierce pace. Froome even launched a test attack, showcasing the GC contenders’ growing tension.
In the final kilometers, a new breakaway formed, with Bakelants, Fuglsang, Izagirre, Mori, Chavanel, and Flecha. With just 3km to go, Chavanel, celebrating his 34th birthday, seemed destined to take the stage. But Bakelants, refusing to be a spectator, saw his chance. He surged ahead, holding off the charging peloton and claiming the biggest win of his career.
With the finish line in sight and the peloton looming, Bakelants attacked again. He left his breakaway companions in his wake, pushing his limits and defying expectations. As he crossed the finish line, the Belgian erupted in a celebration of disbelief claiming the biggest win of his career.
Stage 2 Highlights:
- Winner: Jan Bakelants (RadioShack Leopard) secured victory in Stage 2 of the Tour de France.
- Yellow Jersey Change: Marcel Kittel (Argos Shimano) lost the yellow jersey to Bakelants by a one-second margin.
- Late Breakaway: Bakelants made a decisive move in the final kilometres, breaking away with Jakob Fuglsang, Gorka Izagirre, Manuele Mori, Sylvain Chavanel, and Juan Antonio Flecha.
- Nail-biting Finish: Bakelants managed to hold off Peter Sagan (Cannondale) and Michal Kwiatkowski (Omega Pharma – Quick-Step) in a gripping finale.
- Bakelants’ Reaction: Bakelants expressed his joy and disbelief at winning the stage and wearing the yellow jersey, stating it might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Challenges for Sprinters: Mark Cavendish and Marcel Kittel faced difficulties, with Kittel losing significant time.
- Corsican Countryside: The stage featured intricate and enthralling routes through the Corsican countryside.
- Mountains Competition: Pierre Rolland took the lead in the King of the Mountains competition with a strong attack.
- Team Sky’s Action: Sky set a furious pace on descents, and Chris Froome tested the waters with an impressive attack.
- Peloton Dynamics: Teams like Sky, Lampre, Garmin, BMC, and Cannondale vied for position, setting the stage for a dynamic finale.
- Birthday Attempt: Sylvain Chavanel, celebrating his 34th birthday, couldn’t secure the win as Bakelants seized the opportunity.
- Bakelants’ Final Push: Bakelants made a bold move in the last kilometres, pushing hard to secure the win, surprising the peloton.
- Bakelants’ Reflection: Bakelants reflected on his strategy, taking a gamble by not waiting for a sprint finish and going for the win.
- RadioShack’s Relief: Bakelants’ victory brought relief to RadioShack, settling nerves early in the Tour.
- Overall Impression: Bakelants’ win marked a significant moment in his career and added excitement to the early
Stage 2 Results:
- Jan Bakelants (BEL) – RadioShack–Leopard: 3h 43′ 11″
- Peter Sagan (SVK) – Cannondale: + 1″
- Michał Kwiatkowski (POL) – Omega Pharma–Quick-Step: + 1″
- Davide Cimolai (ITA) – Lampre–Merida: + 1″
- Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR) – Team Sky: + 1″
- Julien Simon (FRA) – Sojasun: + 1″
- Francesco Gavazzi (ITA) – Astana: + 1″
- Daryl Impey (RSA) – Orica–GreenEDGE: + 1″
- Daniele Bennati (ITA) – Saxo–Tinkoff: + 1″
- Sergey Lagutin (UZB) – Vacansoleil–DCM: + 1″
General Classification after Stage 2:
- Jan Bakelants (BEL) – RadioShack–Leopard: 8h 40′ 03″
- David Millar (GBR) – Garmin–Sharp: + 1″
- Julien Simon (FRA) – Sojasun: + 1″
- Daryl Impey (RSA) – Orica–GreenEDGE: + 1″
- Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR) – Team Sky: + 1″
- Simon Gerrans (AUS) – Orica–GreenEDGE: + 1″
- Michał Kwiatkowski (POL) – Omega Pharma–Quick-Step: + 1″
- Sergey Lagutin (UZB) – Vacansoleil–DCM: + 1″
- Christophe Riblon (FRA) – Ag2r–La Mondiale: + 1″
- Cadel Evans (AUS) – BMC Racing Team: + 1″
Stage 3: Ajaccio to Calvi
The third stage of the 2013 Tour de France, winding through the rugged coastline of Corsica, was a day of twists and turns, ultimately culminating in a photo-finish showdown for the win. While Jan Bakelants retained the yellow jersey, it was Simon Gerrans who stole the show with a surprise victory in Calvi.
From the start in Ajaccio, a five-man breakaway took flight, with Simon Clarke of Orica-GreenEDGE among them. They battled the undulating terrain and claimed early mountain points, Clarke even briefly setting his sights on the polka-dot jersey. However, RadioShack-Leopard kept the break in check, ensuring Bakelants held onto the yellow.
On the final climb, Col de Marsolino, Pierre Rolland launched an attack, claiming the mountain points and briefly hoping for a stage win. But the peloton, with Sky and RadioShack-Leopard controlling the pace, reeled him in.
With the breakaway recaptured and the peloton thinned by the climb, it seemed destined for a bunch sprint finish. Peter Sagan, the Slovakian sprint sensation, appeared poised to claim his first stage win of the Tour. But Gerrans, with Daryl Impey’s perfect lead-out, had other ideas.
In a nail-biting finish, Gerrans surged past Sagan in the final meters, securing Orica-GreenEdge’s first ever Tour de France stage win. Sagan, though disappointed, took solace in claiming the green jersey.
The overall contenders, including Chris Froome, Alberto Contador, and Cadel Evans, all played it safe on the Corsican roads, remaining in the main group and finishing around nine minutes behind Gerrans. The stage set the stage for the upcoming team time trial in Nice, where the battle for the yellow jersey would truly heat up.
Stage 3 Highlights:
- Victory for Simon Gerrans: The Australian cyclist from Orica-GreenEdge showcased his impeccable timing once again, securing a win on stage 3 of the Tour de France. Gerrans edged out Peter Sagan in a tight sprint in Calvi.
- Gerrans’ Expert Lead-out: Daryl Impey’s expert lead-out played a crucial role in Gerrans’ victory. Gerrans came off Impey’s wheel in the final 200 meters, holding off Sagan’s challenge in a photo-finish.
- Sagan’s Disappointment: Despite taking possession of the green jersey, Peter Sagan expressed disappointment at losing the stage. Sagan found himself in second wheel too early in the sprint, unable to overtake Gerrans.
- Yellow Jersey Retained: Jan Bakelants (RadioShack-Leopard) retained the yellow jersey after a day of racing along Corsica’s challenging coastal roads. RadioShack-Leopard controlled the race, with Bakelants holding a one-second lead over Julien Simon.
- Main Contenders Even: The leading group of 90 riders, including main contenders like Andy Schleck, Alberto Contador, and Cadel Evans, finished together after the peloton fragmented on the final climb. Chris Froome and Team Sky didn’t make significant moves.
- Clarke’s Efforts: Simon Clarke played a crucial role for Gerrans by being on sentry duty in the early break. Clarke gathered mountains points but was eventually caught, and the stage unfolded for the sprinters.
- Rolland’s Attack: Pierre Rolland made a late attack on the final climb, joined by Lars-Peter Nordhaug, Mikel Nieve, and Sylvain Chavanel. The alliance couldn’t maintain a significant lead, setting the stage for the sprint finale.
- Team Sky’s Challenges: Team Sky faced challenges in positioning Chris Froome and Richie Porte due to narrow roads. Despite sustaining a pelvis fracture, Geraint Thomas continued to race.
- Gerrans’ Stage Victory: Gerrans claimed Orica-GreenEdge’s first-ever Tour de France stage win, making the stage a memorable one for the team.
Stage 3 Results:
- Simon Gerrans (AUS) – Orica–GreenEDGE – 3h 41′ 24″
- Peter Sagan (SVK) – Cannondale – s.t.
- José Joaquín Rojas (ESP) – Movistar Team – s.t.
- Michał Kwiatkowski (POL) – Omega Pharma–Quick-Step – s.t.
- Philippe Gilbert (BEL) – BMC Racing Team – s.t.
- Juan Antonio Flecha (ESP) – Vacansoleil–DCM – s.t.
- Francesco Gavazzi (ITA) – Astana – s.t.
- Maxime Bouet (FRA) – Ag2r–La Mondiale – s.t.
- Julien Simon (FRA) – Sojasun – s.t.
- Gorka Izagirre (ESP) – Euskaltel–Euskadi – s.t.
General Classification after Stage 3:
- Jan Bakelants (BEL) – RadioShack–Leopard – 12h 21′ 27″ (Yellow Jersey)
- Julien Simon (FRA) – Sojasun – + 1″
- Simon Gerrans (AUS) – Orica–GreenEDGE – + 1″
- Michał Kwiatkowski (POL) – Omega Pharma–Quick-Step – + 1″ (White Jersey)
- Edvald Boasson Hagen (NOR) – Team Sky – + 1″
- Daryl Impey (RSA) – Orica–GreenEDGE – + 1″
- David Millar (GBR) – Garmin–Sharp – + 1″
- Sergey Lagutin (UZB) – Vacansoleil–DCM – + 1″
- Cadel Evans (AUS) – BMC Racing Team – + 1″
- Romain Bardet (FRA) – Ag2r–La Mondiale – + 1″
The Legacy of the 2013 Tour de France in Corsica
As the wheels of the peloton rolled away from the picturesque landscapes of Corsica, the 100th edition of the Tour de France embarked on a journey that would etch its mark in cycling history. Chris Froome, adorned in the coveted yellow jersey, emerged as the triumphant champion after a gruelling battle across 3,403.5 kilometres.
Froome’s commanding presence in the mountainous terrains, coupled with his prowess in individual time trials, secured his position at the top, making him the second consecutive British cyclist to claim the Tour de France title. The captivating duel with Nairo Quintana, who clinched the mountains classification and the white jersey, added an extra layer of intensity to the race.
Corsica, with its sun-kissed roads and challenging landscapes, set the stage for a riveting start to the centennial Tour. The legacy of the Corsican stages lingered as the peloton left the island, resonating with the breathtaking moments that unfolded under the Mediterranean sun.
Beyond Corsica, the tour continued its journey, winding through iconic French landscapes, culminating in the grand finale on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Marcel Kittel’s sprinting prowess, claiming four stage victories, added flair to the tour, showcasing the diversity of talents within the peloton.
It is possible that the Tour de France will return to Corsica in the future, but there is no official confirmation of this yet. The 2024 Tour de France route has already been announced, and it does not include Corsica.