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The Mercan’Tour Granfondo Turini is one of four sportives in the Mercan’Tour series in the eponymous mountains, the highlight of this one being the Col du Turini, the biggest climb within a reasonable day’s ride of Nice. The Turini has featured three times in the Tour de France, but it’s probably better known generally for its inclusion in the Monte Carlo rally.

The race starts in Saint Martin de Vésubie, the first climb being the western slopes of the Turini (15km, +1100m) followed by the descent of the eastern slopes to Sospel. From Sospel we climb the Col de Braus, which continues climbing a short way further to the Col de l’Ablé and the Col de l’Orme. This brings us out roughly halfway up the middle ascent, the top half of which is the most spectacular with some amazing hairpins. Having reached the Turini a second time, we descend back down the western slopes and retrace our steps to Saint Martin. The Mediofondo finishes here, the Granfondo continuing on up the valley to the hamlet of Le Boréon at 1600m elevation.