What Is 2011 Tour du Haut Var

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 Tour du Haut Var was a two-stage professional cycling race held in southeastern France from February 19 to February 20, 2011. It was part of the UCI Europe Tour, classified as a 2.1 event, and won by French rider Romain Feillu of Vacansoleil-DCM.

Key Facts

The 2011 Tour du Haut Var took place from February 19 to February 20, 2011.
It was a two-stage race, unusually short for a multi-day cycling event.
Romain Feillu of Vacansoleil-DCM won the general classification.
The race was part of the UCI Europe Tour 2.1 category.
Stage 1 covered 178 km from Draguignan to Le Cannet-des-Maures.

Overview

The 2011 Tour du Haut Var was a professional road cycling race held in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. As a UCI Europe Tour 2.1 event, it attracted several top-tier continental teams and served as an early-season indicator of form ahead of the spring classics.

Unlike traditional editions that spanned multiple days, the 2011 version consisted of just two stages over a single weekend. This condensed format allowed for intense racing and emphasized sprint and climbing performances in varied terrain.

Stage 1 began in Draguignan and ended in Le Cannet-des-Maures after 178 kilometers of racing, featuring rolling hills and a challenging final climb.
Stage 2 was a 172-kilometer route from Seillans to Fayence, known for its steep gradients and technical descents that tested rider handling.
The race was won by Romain Feillu, who secured the leader’s jersey with consistent performances across both stages.
Feillu represented the Vacansoleil-DCM team, a Dutch-registered UCI ProTeam that competed in multiple European races that season.
Despite its reduced length, the 2011 edition maintained its reputation for difficulty, with elevation gains exceeding 2,500 meters across the two stages.

Stage Breakdown & Key Performances

Each stage presented unique challenges, combining sprint opportunities with selective climbs that fragmented the peloton. The condensed schedule meant riders had little time to recover between stages, increasing tactical demands.

Stage 1 Winner:André Greipel claimed victory in a sprint finish, showcasing his power after a tightly contested lead-in by his team, Team HTC-Highroad.
Feillu’s Consistency: Romain Feillu finished in the top 10 in both stages, allowing him to accumulate enough time bonuses and consistent placements to win overall.
Stage 2 Decisiveness: The second stage saw attacks on the final climb to Fayence, with Johnny Hoogerland breaking away and finishing second overall.
Time Bonuses: Intermediate sprints and stage finishes awarded 10, 6, and 4 seconds to the top three, which proved crucial in the final general classification.
Team Strategy: Teams like FDJ and Cofidis focused on positioning for sprints, while others, such as Vacansoleil, prioritized GC placement through steady pacing.
Weather Conditions: Cold temperatures and crosswinds on Day 2 added difficulty, contributing to early breakaways and reduced peloton cohesion.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2011 edition differed significantly from prior and subsequent years in format and participation. The following table compares it with other notable editions:

Year	Number of Stages	Winner	Team	UCI Classification
2009	2	Romain Feillu	UAGC	2.1
2010	3	Jean-Christophe Péraud	AG2R	2.1
2011	2	Romain Feillu	Vacansoleil-DCM	2.1
2012	2	Thomas Voeckler	Europcar	2.1
2013	2	Rinaldo Nocentini	AG2R	2.1

The 2011 race continued the trend of shortening from three to two stages, a shift that began in 2009. This format favored all-rounders over pure climbers or sprinters, making the competition more unpredictable. The consistent 2.1 UCI rating ensured strong team participation despite the reduced length.

Why It Matters

The 2011 Tour du Haut Var played a key role in shaping early-season momentum for riders aiming for success in the spring classics. Its competitive field and challenging terrain made it a valuable benchmark for fitness and form.

Launchpad for Feillu: Winning the 2011 edition marked Romain Feillu’s return to top form after a quiet 2010 season, boosting his confidence for upcoming races.
Team Evaluation: For Vacansoleil-DCM, the victory provided early validation of their season strategy and team cohesion.
French Pride: A French winner in a domestic race helped maintain national interest in professional cycling outside the Tour de France.
UCI Points: The 2.1 status meant riders earned valuable UCI Europe Tour points, influencing team rankings and selection for higher-category races.
Tactical Insight: The race demonstrated the growing importance of time bonuses and stage consistency over single-day heroics.
Regional Promotion: The event highlighted the Var department’s scenic routes, supporting tourism and local economic engagement.

While not as prestigious as the Grand Tours, the Tour du Haut Var remains a significant fixture in the European cycling calendar. The 2011 edition, in particular, stands out for its competitive balance and the resurgence of a seasoned rider in Romain Feillu.