TDF14

It's that time of the year again - to start planning for summer. This (next) year we fancy heading for the mountains.

I've been looking at the climbs in the Pyrenees and Alps stages of Le Tour 2014 weighing up the pros and cons for either range.

The race will probably be decided in the Pyrenees but heading for the Alps would allow some travel through Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.

Google maps street view is once again proving valuable allowing you to potentially "drive" the probable stages and Stage 14 Grenoble - Rissoul looks like a good stage to plan around as part of a two week trip.

Like everything there are tips and techniques to follow not least head back down the stage from the summit of your chosen climb until you find the best spot.

The higher you go the longer you'll need to be in situ (four days in some cases) so some sensible position a day ahead sounds like a plan.