Mt. Blanc

Credit: Credit: USGS/NASA, Posted on: Tuesday, 15 July 2003, 06:00 CDT Download full size image

Mount Blanc is the highest mountain in Western Europe. The eastern boundary of Europe is debated as there is no clear division between Europe and Asia as landmasses. Some definitions of the eastern boundary place the Caucasus Mountains of Russia in Asia, in which case Mt. Blanc is Europe’s tallest mountain and hence one of the Seven Summits (the tallest peaks on each of the seven continents). Its 4,807-meter-high (15,707-foot) peak lies in the ridgeline of the Pennine Alps and the peak defines the border between France and Italy. This year’s Tour de France passes to the west of Mt. Blanc in Stages 7 & 8 (July 12 & 13, 2003), the first mountain stages of the race. The steep grades and extended climbs from valley floors will provide some of the most challenging terrain in the race.

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