The eighth stage of the Tour de France is happening today. We may never ride in the race, but we can virtually tour this year’s race route through Google Maps. Just as they did last year, Cycling the Alps has published a Google Maps tour of the race. You can zoom in on the course, see the elevation profiles of the stages, and navigate through the stages.

Check out this animated video to learn all about the tactics of the race, the logistics of the race, the physiology of riding in the race, and many other interesting facts about the world’s most famous bicycle race.

H/T to The Adventure Blog and Google Maps Mania.