Game plans TOUR DE FRANCE BOARD GAME 2022
The basic game set contains game plans for 4 stages based on the real stages of the 109th Tour de France 2022 race: 1. ROSKILDE > NYBORG, 2. BRIANCON > ALPE D'HUEZ, 3. CARCASSONNE > FOIX, 4. PARIS LA DÉFENSE ARENA > PARIS CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES. The game can be further extended by additional individually sold stages from the next Tour de France. If you choose to play our game as a stage race, which is just one of its many charms, the choice of stages will be only up to you and your own collection.
The mobile app included with the game helps you to count and keep result and time for each team rider. But we'll talk more about the app in a separate article.
The attractive original graphic design of the whole game was created by the talented young graphic designer Táňa Sekerková. The logo of the Tour and its traditional sponsors, various motifs from the tracks and traffic signs - every detail of the game is made to feel you like you're competing on the real Tour...
Game plan description
Each game plan represents one real stage of the famous road race. The road is made up of hexagonal spaces on which the pawns move. The unique hexagonal shape of the space allow the pawns to move in up to three different forward directions.
Each stage consists of segments separated by distinct yellow line. The segments are significant for the direction in which the riders movel. White arrows indicate direction of movement in the segment. The light blue line on the edge of the road and the arrows coming from it show the direction from which the wind is blowing, and in the game they determine the order in which the players play. Black arrows in yellow fields copy the real signs used in the Tour de France stages and serve as auxiliary traffic signs. They indicate the same forward movement like white arrows and are always placed on the side from which the wind is blowing to determine the order of play.
In hilly terrain, segments where the climb starts and ends are highlighted by 3D effect hatching at the yellow borderline and also the colour of the asphalt is noticeably lighter. On some stages you will find lines marking the finish of the mountain (sommet) and sprint (sprint) points classification.
The beginning of each stage starts from a separate start corridor which should be attached to the game plan so the hexagons match. On the reverse side of the board you will find the winner’s podium where you move the three most succesful pawns after they reach the finish line which is located at the end of each game stage.
Details of game plans – Tour de France 2022
Each game plan is specific, just as each stage of the Tour de France. Let's take a closer look:
1. ROSKILDE > NYBORG
The first race with mass start of the TDF 2022 takes the riders to Denmark, a country where people love cycling as much as in France, for the first time in its history. This flat stage is a little shorter than the others, so it's good for the start before you "get into it". You'll fight for your first sprinters' points and face exceptionally strong headwinds on the long bridge between the Sjaelland and Fyn Islands which can shuffle the standings of riders close to the finish. As the Tour is unlikely to visit Denmark in near future, the game plan could become a real collector's gem.
BRIANCON > ALPE D'HUEZ
The second game plan takes you from the plains straight to the highest mountains. Alpe d'Huez, unlike the Danish introduction, is one of the Tour's stalwarts and its mountain jewels. In this stage you'll taste the pedalling your bicycles in big hills with two mountain points classification in addition to the one sprinter's bonus. This stage gives you a hard time just like to the racers on the Tour.
- CARCASSONNE > FOIX
This hilly stage in the foothills of the Pyrenees starts in the historic town of Carcassonne, home to one of the largest castle complexes in the world. Two long flat sections await you before you reach the foothills of the Pyrenees. You can try different tactics and attacks to split the peloton before you enter the hills which will slow you down. More points for sprinter and mountain classification are waiting for you in this stage.
- PARIS LA DÉFENSE ARENA > PARIS CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES
The traditional final stage of the Tour de France in Paris cannot miss in the first edition. Before you bring the yellow jersey across the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, you'll have to ride the final circuit twice This can shuffle the standings because you may battle with the riders from the deep of the peloton. The last stage will also bring the last points for the sprinters' classification.
