Stage Three – From Belgium to France

Binche to Epernay


A long cycle (215km) with 4 categorised climbs, all in the last quarter of the stage, day 3 takes Tony from the old Belgian city of Binche to the heart of champagne country in France.

Along the way he’ll pass through Fourmies, where the infamous Fusillade de Fourmies played a significant part in the formation of the French Section of the Workers’ International, the forerunner of the modern Socialist Party in France. On the 1 May, 1891, nine striking workers were shot and killed and 35 workers were wounded when troops opened fire on the strikers.

He’ll finish in Epernay, a town long synonymous with the production of champagne. Many champagnes are aged in the massive cellars, built in to the chalk rock that the town sits upon.

Thanks to Linda B who suggested Rose des Riceys as the drink of the day. Unfortunately I’ve yet to try it (although based on the recommendation I’ll hunt it down) so will be going for the rather more obvious Pol Roger Brut Reserve. Pol Roger was such a favourite of Winston Churchill that the house now produce a prestige cuvee as an homage – the Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill.

Song of the day – again rather obviously I’m going with Champagne Supernova by Oasis.