The route for the 2012 Tour de France was revealed by organisers earlier today.
Race organisers have confirmed that the new route will include some steep new climbs, while also announcing that the number of time trials will increase to provide more unpredictability over the outcome of races.
"There are new climbs featuring very steep parts with very high gradients," Tour director Christian Prudhomme said.
"It should make for a thrilling race. Those who will want to attack far from the finish will be able to do so.
"There are more time trials and less summit finishes, but you really can't predict who is going to win it."
The race will begin in Liege, Belgium, on Saturday, June 30. It will then wind its way through France before concluding in Paris on Sunday, July 22.
