94th Vélocio Hill-Climb - Col de la République

I've just received a flier for this year's Vélocio event.  It's on the 9th June, so a busy time of year for many Wayfarers, but it's quite a thing if you're in the St Etienne area.  The Col de la République was the first major climb undertaken by the Tour de France in 1903, and was the scene of serious misbehaviour by spectators in 1904, when officials fired gunshots as warnings.  Things don't change much, eh?

'Vélocio' was the pen name of Paul de Vivie, revered in French cycling history for his work promoting the use of derailleur gears for long-distance riding, and this event commemorates him.

There are several events but the main two from our point of view are either a timed climb - for which you need a racing licence - or an untimed climb that anyone can do.  As you'll see, there is a web-site, entries cost 6€.

Mark