The Tour de France 2024 route contains 5 summit finishes, 59km of particular person time trialling, and gravel sectors on stage 9.
It begins on the 29 June, and finishes on the 21 July, three weeks later.
The race will start in Italy for the primary time, with phases from Florence to Rimini, Cesenatico to Bologna and Piacenza to Turin. It’ll mark 100 years because the first Italian winner of the Tour, Ottavio Bottecchia.
One other first is that the Tour is not going to conclude in Paris for the primary time ever, because of the 2024 Paris Olympics, with the closing stage coming in Good. It additionally signifies that for the primary time since 1989, the ultimate stage might be contested, in a time trial.
On the way in which, the race tackles the Alps, the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, together with 4 summit finishes at Pla d’Adet, the Plateau de Beille, Superdévoluy, Isola 2000 and the Col de la Couillole, and 59 kilometres of time trialling throughout phases seven and 21.
There are 14 gravel sectors on stage 9 from Troyes to Troyes, totalling 32km, with six packed into the ultimate 35km in what might be a decisive level of the race. The longest is 4km.
With the ultimate day a hilly time trial in Good and never the standard procession in to Paris, it’s hoped that the race might be alive proper to the top of the race. The entire closing week, in actual fact, might be essential for normal classification, with 4 of the six days doubtlessly decisive.
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In keeping with the race organisers, there are eight dash alternatives alongside the way in which, though some aren’t as simple as others, with a breakaway positive to contest a few of them. Mark Cavendish might be trying ahead to Saint-Amand-Montrond on stage 13, the place he received in 2013, and Nîmes on stage 16 particularly, the place he received in 2008.
Final yr, the race was dominated by Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma), who crushed all of his competitors, together with Tadej Pogačar (UAE Staff Emirates), on the stage 16 time trial to Combloux and stage 17’s summit end in Courchevel.
Tour de France 2024 route: stage abstract
| Stage | Date | Begin | End | Distance | Profile |
| 1 | 29 June | Florence | Rimini | 206km | Hilly |
| 2 | 30 June | Cesenatico | Bologna | 200km | Hilly |
| 3 | 1 July | Piacenza | Turin | 229km | Flat |
| 4 | 2 July | Pinerolo | Valloire | 138km | Mountains |
| 5 | 3 July | Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne | Saint-Vulbas Plaine de l’Ain | 177km | Hilly |
| 6 | 4 July | Mâcon | Dijon | 163km | Flat |
| 7 | 5 July | Nuits-Saint-Georges | Gevrey-Chambertin | 25km | ITT |
| 8 | 6 July | Semur-en-Auxois | Colombey-les-Deux-Églises | 176km | Flat |
| 9 | 7 July | Troyes | Troyes | 199km | Hilly/Gravel |
| 10 | 9 July | Orléans | Saint-Amand-Montrond | 187km | Flat |
| 11 | 10 July | Évaux-les-Bains | Le Lioran | 211km | Medium mountains |
| 12 | 11 July | Aurillac | Villeneuve-sur-Lot | 204km | Flat |
| 13 | 12 July | Agen | Pau | 171km | Flat |
| 14 | 13 July | Pau | Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d’Adet | 152km | Mountains |
| 15 | 14 July | Loudenvielle | Plateau de Beille | 198km | Mountains |
| 16 | 16 July | Gruissan | Nîmes | 187km | Flat |
| 17 | 17 July | Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux | Superdévoluy | 178km | Mountains |
| 18 | 18 July | Hole | Barcelonnette | 179km | Hilly |
| 19 | 19 July | Embrun | Isola 2000 | 145km | Mountains |
| 20 | 20 July | Good | Col de la Couillole | 133km | Mountains |
| 21 | 21 July | Monaco | Good | 34km | ITT |
Full Tour de France 2024 route map
(Picture credit score: ASO/Tour de France)
Tour de France 2024 route week one
The 2024 Tour de France begins the way it means to go on, with a whole lot of climbing. Stage one begins in Florence, and contains 3,800m over 205km, essentially the most ever in a gap stage, in line with race director Christian Prudhomme.
The second stage can be hilly, ranging from Marco Pantani’s hometown of Cesenatico, ending in Bologna by means of Emilia-Romagna. It copies the route of the Giro dell’Emilia, together with the ultimate climb of San Luca – 1.9km at 10.6 per cent – which is tackled twice.
There’s a probability for the quick males on stage three, which covers 225km from Piacenza to Turin.
Stage 4 sees the race lastly attain France, through the Alps. The Sestriere, the Col de Montgenèvre and the Col du Galiber are all tackled earlier than a descent to Valloire.
Phases 5 and 6, to Saint-Vulbas and Dijon, needs to be dash alternatives, however the quick males might be ambushed.
The race’s first particular person time trial comes on stage seven, however it is going to be a technical affair versus a pure rouleur‘s course, earlier than stage eight needs to be one other probability for the sprinters.
Stage 9 might be the spotlight of the opening week, and is definitely one thing new, utilizing the gravel roads of the Champagne area to combine issues up. The 32km of gravel throughout 14 sectors is impressed from the Tour de France Femmes 2022, which used two of the identical tracks; it’s the largest use of gravel on the Tour up to now.
Tour de France 2024 route week two
After a relaxation day in Orléans, the closest to Paris the race will get in 2024, there are 4 phases which head south in the direction of the Pyrenees.
Stage ten will certainly be a dash stage, however the winds may blow, as they did in 2013, when Cavendish received, whereas stage 11 is a return to medium mountains. The stage to Le Lioran is much like the one which Greg Van Avermaet triumphed on in 2016, taking the yellow jersey within the course of. 4,500m of climbing will make this a tricky take a look at for everybody.
It is again to sprinting or breakaways on phases 12 and 13 to Villeneuve-sur-Lot and Pau, respectively, with the latter trying extra nailed on for a bunch end.
Stage 14 is the primary Pyrenean take a look at, ending atop the Pla d’Adet, which marks Raymond Poulidor’s victory up there 50 years in the past; it follows the Col du Tourmalet and the Hourquette d’Ancizan in simply 152 km.
After that, the climbing doesn’t cease. On Bastille Day, Catorze Juillet, the race heads from Loudenvielle to Plateau de Beille, in a stage that covers 198 km, with 4,850 metres of climbing. The Peyresourde is tackled first, adopted by the Col de Menté, the Col de Portet d’Aspet, the Col de la Core, and Col d’Agnès, earlier than the ultimate take a look at to Plateau de Beille. It’ll certainly assist resolve the path of the race.
Tour de France 2024 route week three
A basic transition stage follows the second relaxation day from Gruissan to Nîmes, which is deliberate as a dash stage, but when the winds blow, mayhem may ensue.
Stage 17 is a return to the mountains with a end within the ski resort of Superdévoluy on the fringes of the Alps, earlier than stage 18 appears set to be a breakaway day because the race travels from Hole to Barcelonnette.
It’s the closing three days the place the 2024 champion might be topped, nonetheless, with two back-to-back summit finishes in southeast France. Stage 19 finishes atop Isola 2000, with the Col de Vars, at 2,120m, earlier than the Col de la Bonnette, at 2,802m, marks the excessive level of the race, after which there’s Isola 2000.
Stage 20 looks like a Paris-Good penultimate stage, and type of is, with among the favorite climbs from the race tackled consecutively. The Col de Braus is first, 10.2km at 6.3 per cent, earlier than the Col de Turini, 20.6km at 5.6 per cent, after which the Col de La Colimiane, 7.6km at 6.8 per cent, after which, lastly the Col de la Couillole, 15.7km at 7.1 per cent. That is 4,500m of elevation in simply 132km.
Nevertheless, that isn’t the top of the race. This yr, there’s a closing day time trial round Good, not a procession in Paris. The 35km course contains La Turbie, 8.1km at 5.6 per cent, and the Col d’Eze, 1.6km at 8.1%, earlier than concluding on the Promenade des Anglais.
Tour de France 2024 route: stage abstract
Stage one: Florence > Rimini (206km)
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At the moment’s route Beginning in Florence, the birthplace of legendary Italian bike owner Gino Bartali in addition to Renaissance artwork and structure, the primary stage is a lumpy route travelling east to Rimini on the Adriatic coast.
There are seven categorised climbs on the menu and the primary, the 11km Col de Valico Tre Faggi, will prime out after only one hour of racing. Then comes a succession of brief however tough climbs, with the ultimate ascent denoting the doorway to the principality of San Marino. From there, it’s a 26km quick downhill race again to the Italian coast.
What to anticipate
The groups with normal classification ambitions may be completely happy to let a rider who isn’t fascinated about Paris take the race’s first yellow jersey – and with all of it the eye and obligations – and the sprinters’ groups received’t be working both. However with a yellow jersey up for grabs, there may be little probability an excited peloton will let a break go the gap.
It’s a tough sufficient day and a few outdoors contenders might need their goals dashed on day one, however don’t anticipate any full-gas assaults from the larger GC riders – there’s no want to fireplace too many bullets on the opening weekend, nonetheless tempting it may be.
Stage two: Cesenatico > Bologna (199.2km)
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It’s a seaside begin within the spa resort of Cesenatico, residence to the late Marco Pantani, the final rider to attain the Giro d’Italia-Tour de France double in 1998. Paradoxically, a stage that harks again to ‘Il Pirata’ is usually flat. There are two little bumps within the first 140km in addition to a spin across the Imola racing circuit, the venue of the 2020 World Championships.
Then come two brief back-to-back climbs earlier than the peloton arrives in Bologna for 2 circuits that take within the San Luca climb (1.9km at 10.6%), used as a summit end within the autumn-held Giro dell’Emilia. At the moment, nonetheless, the riders have 12km excessive of the ultimate climb to get organised for the finale in Bologna.
What to anticipate
Regardless of these bumps within the profile, this needs to be a reasonably simple stage for a peloton with recent legs. A gaggle will little doubt go clear however with plenty of riders fancying their probabilities, and with GC riders being cautious of shedding time by means of inattention, pace might be excessive and the break received’t be given a lot time. The 2 climbs of San Luca are an ideal launchpad for a Classics rider who thinks they’ll maintain off the bunch, whereas a sprinter in nice kind can even suppose the stage is up for grabs.
Stage three: Plaisance > Turin (230.8km)
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At 230km, it’s the longest stage of this yr’s Tour, with the entire Tour caravan heading west to Turin. Earlier than it will get to Italy’s fourth most populous metropolis, there’s a passage by means of Tortona, the city the place the long-lasting Fausto Coppi, a winner of two Excursions and 5 Giri d’Italia, died in 1960 resulting from misdiagnosed malaria.
Two fourth-category climbs must be tackled forward of what’s going to be a quick and largely arrow-straight run-in to Turin for the finale.
What to anticipate
A doomed breakaway, presumably with simply two or three riders, will go clear, however they’ll know their destiny from the second the peloton lets them free. Count on one of many lowerranked groups, corresponding to Uno-X Mobility, to be current.
The bunch will make the catch in loads of time in anticipation of the primary mass dash of the race. A dash with out hiccups just isn’t a foregone conclusion, although, with all of the dash trains combating for place and the standard first-week nerves and pressure usually inflicting crashes at decisive moments.
Stage 4: Pinerolo > Valloire (139.6km)
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Not since stage two of the 1979 Tour, a time trial to the Pyrenean ski resort of Superbagnères, has the Tour climbed above 1,800m so early within the race.
On condition that stage 4 – which begins in Italy – exceeds 2,000m after solely 50km with a passage by means of Sestrières, after which one other taxing take a look at (the Col de Montgenèvre) precedes the mighty Col du Galibier, it’s little marvel that is being labelled as essentially the most tough begin to a Tour on document.
Race organisers have at the least resisted the temptation of a summit end on prime of the Galibier, with riders having to descend 19km into the city of Valloire earlier than they catch sight of the end line.
What to anticipate A brief stage that goes straight up a mountain is the stuff of nightmares for sprinters. Contesting a quick end yesterday, right this moment they’ll be frightened of a quick begin, getting dropped and the broomwagon looming massive behind them. The break will kind on the primary climb to Sestrières and solely as soon as that has shaped will the bunch sit up and take a collective breath.
The motion will scorching up once more for the GC riders within the skinny air excessive of the fabled Galibier, however with a protracted, and in essentially the most half not too technical, descent to Valloire there may be time for mountain domestiques to chase again to their leaders and assist shut any gaps.
Stage 5: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne > Saint-Valbus (177.4km)
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Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, a frequent staging publish of the Tour, is the beginning city for the peloton’s speedy exit in the direction of central France. The unclassified, lengthy however shallow Col de Couz comes simply earlier than the halfway level, after which there’s the climb of the Côte de Lhuis (4.4km at 4.2%) 34km earlier than the end.
The river Ain is crossed inside the ultimate few kilometres, with the sprinters anticipating their glory within the sleepy, tiny village of Saint-Vulbas.
What to anticipate
It’s solely day 5, however already fatigue might be creeping into riders’ legs, particularly after the efforts of the day before today within the Alps. The GC groups will due to this fact be greater than content material to let the sprinters management the day, and thus the breakaway riders must struggle onerous to withstand the collective pull of the quick males and their brothers in arms.
The climb of the Côte de l’Huis does at the least provide one thing for the escapees to launch a transfer on, however they must put in an almighty time trial effort to carry the charging peloton at bay.
All of the sprinters ought to make it over the ultimate categorised climb, though don’t be shocked to see one or two dash groups pushing onerous on the ascent in an effort to distance some rivals.
Stage six: Mâcon > Dijon (163.5km)
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From Mâcon, a frequent host city of the Critérium du Dauphiné, the race goes north by means of the Burgundy wine area, and particularly embarks by itself Route des Grands Crus. Essentially the most famed purple wine from this space is produced from pinot noir grapes and is understood for its dry texture, whereas one of the best white wines are produced from chardonnay grapes.
The journey by means of the vineyards is a flat one earlier than an 800-metre straight finale in Dijon, internet hosting its first Tour end since 1997. Whoever is victorious would possibly simply get to expertise one of many area’s well-known wines. Simply don’t inform Visma-Lease a Bike’s boss Richard Plugge, who criticised Groupama-FDJ for consuming alcohol on a relaxation day final yr.
What to anticipate
The race may be heading in the direction of Paris, however that is no stage 20 last-chance saloon for a giant breakaway group. As a substitute, the sprinters’ groups will solely let a break go – most likely a small one – as soon as they’re completely happy they’ll management it. Which means sitting on the entrance of the bunch and protecting them at a snug distance earlier than reeling them in in the direction of the top.
The race’s first time trial is tomorrow so the GC contenders might be taking it straightforward, and little doubt warming down on their TT bikes as quickly as they’re safely again at their buses.
Stage seven: Nuits-Saint-Georges > Gevrey-Chambertin ITT (25.3km)
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The race stays firmly nestled among the many vineyards within the east of the nation, with a 25km time trial between two wine-making villages. The route’s normal path is about to north, though it is going to deviate west to absorb the Côte de Curtil-Vergy. Nevertheless, coming on the midway level of the stage, and being comparatively tame at simply 6.5% for 1.5km, riders received’t be ditching their street bikes to deal with the ascent.
What to anticipate
Often, the variations between the principle normal classification riders aren’t large on flat programs of lower than 20 miles, however TT world champ Remco Evenepoel, the strongest TTer of the GC riders, has made a behavior of gaining between 30 and 60 seconds on rivals on programs like this. GC riders on prime of their recreation with good aero packages are onerous to beat, even by TT specialists, so the gaps received’t be large.
Do anticipate Giro’s Aerohead TT helmet to as soon as once more trigger a stir, as thousands and thousands of individuals the world over tune right into a biking race for the primary time this yr and shout, “What’s that on their heads?!” on the tv.
Stage eight: Semur-en-Auxois > Colombey-Les-Deux-Églises (183.4km)
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We’re only a stone’s throw from Dijon – groups will little doubt be having fun with the restricted journey instances earlier than and after these phases. At the moment the race departs from Semur-en- Auxois, which has a inhabitants of simply 4,200.
The stage begins with a flurry of three categorised climbs within the first 40km, then three extra simply after the midway level. The undulating parcours continues late into the stage with a closing small climb 17km from the top, earlier than a ending kilometre that averages 3%. The common pace over such terrain will assist form the consequence. If it’s a gentle day, all of the sprinters will fancy their probabilities; if it’s quick, it is going to favour the fastmen in good kind.
What to anticipate
Not one of the climbs are lengthy or onerous sufficient to have an effect on the order of the GC, but when a giant breakaway goes clear, controlling the stage might be a difficult process for the sprint-focused groups. If this stage had been later within the race the chances can be stacked in favour of a giant break. However there’ll nonetheless be loads of fastmen within the bunch, thus making certain their groups take cost. So anticipate a small break introduced again inside 15km of the end.
Stage 9: Troyes > Troyes (199km)
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The origins of this route may be traced again to 2022, the yr the Tour de France Femmes was reborn. On stage 4 of the race, the ladies’s peloton rode throughout 4 plenty of white roads, with Marlen Reusser finally taking the win.
For the boys this yr the problem is even higher, with 14 gravel sections totalling 32km to be tackled over the course of right this moment’s round route – albeit with totally different begin and end areas within the metropolis of Troyes. The primary half of the stage is a little bit hillier, however the 4 fourth-category climbs might be inconsequential in comparison with the gravel sectors and the struggle for place that may inevitably occur earlier than every one. The ultimate half-a-dozen gravel sectors are all grouped collectively in simply 24km and it’s a day for fixed attentiveness and excessive pressure.
When the route was introduced, Visma-Lease a Bike’s boss, Richard Plugge, stated, “Gravel, for me, just isn’t essential in a race corresponding to this,” and Soudal-Fast Step’s all the time outspoken boss Patrick Lefevere merely stated: “I’m not a fan of it.”
The rationale for his or her disdain is obvious: a stage like this – ditto when the Tour traverses the Paris-Roubaix cobbles – can severely dent a rider’s general ambitions, with a badly timed mechanical or slip on the uneven floor usually proving extra damaging than a nasty day within the mountains.
What to anticipate
When the TdF Femmes undertook a diversified model of this stage two years in the past, the variations between the general contenders had been minimal, and on a similar-looking course on the Giro d’Italia this Could, time gaps had been nil.
However right this moment is a singular alternative for GC riders assured of their skills to place their team-mates on the entrance and their rivals underneath stress. Splits are more likely to happen, and as quickly as they do these on the entrance will seize the chance to push on and open up the gaps. Velocity might be excessive not solely over the gravel however within the method to every part because the stronger groups get their chief to the entrance and keep a excessive tempo to maintain them there. A break continues to be more likely to go clear, and maybe a big one. That group, in addition to the peloton, will then fragment later within the stage.
Regulate the climate forecast, as wind and rain will solely heighten the chance and due to this fact the stress within the bunch. When that occurs, time gaps may be vital.
Stage 10: Orléans > Saint-Amand-Montrond (187.3km)
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Starting within the metropolis of Orléans – yesterday’s rest-day location – riders head due south, with not a single categorised climb on right this moment’s parcours.
However with three adjustments of path within the closing 30 kilometres taking riders onto uncovered roads in a area famed for its wind, a bunch dash in Saint- Amand-Montrond, the hometown of Soudal-Fast Step’s non-competing Julian Alaphilippe, might be doubtful.
What to anticipate
The shortage of any elevation makes it an unappealing stage for a break, so right this moment would possibly flip into a kind of lengthy days the place one rider from a smaller group – step forwards TotalEnergies and Arkéa-B&B Accommodations – spends a number of hours off the entrance with solely the TV moto for firm.
If wind is forecast – anticipate groups to be analysing the climate intently upfront – you’ll see the tempo improve as groups of the GC riders and the sprinters are all informed to get to the entrance on the identical time. This not solely will increase pace, however nerves too. If the wind is blowing, anticipate Classics riders hitting the entrance to line it out and create the echelons. The sprinters might be alert, and are used to combating for place, it’s the GC riders with no large burly team-mates you want to fear about. If this occurs, the break’s lead will drop like a stone and so they’ll be caught and dropped earlier than they comprehend it.
Stage 11: Évaux-Les-Bains > Le Lioran (211km)
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It’s a comparatively benign opening 150km because the peloton crosses by means of the majestic Massif Central. However the calmness will virtually undoubtedly precede a storm with 4 categorised climbs jammed into the ultimate hourand- a-bit of racing that contains a gradual rise in elevation to the end line at 1,242 metres above sea stage.
The Col de Néronne (3.8km at 9.1%) is a mere warm-up to the volcanic first-category Puy Mary the place the ultimate two kilometres common 12%. A quick descent is adopted by the Col de Pertus (4.4km at 7.9%) with some bonus seconds excessive, then the ultimate climb of the Col de Font de Cère (3.3km at 5.8%). The end line is 2.8km additional on from the summit though not categorised as a climb in its personal proper.
What to anticipate
It’s possible there might be a giant battle to get into the day’s break, however not till after the intermediate dash at 56km. As quickly because the categorised climbs start, so will the assaults.
With 4,350m of elevation acquire, it’s one of the crucial climb-laden phases of your complete race, and the roads of the Massif Central aren’t as huge, straight or easy as the remainder of France. All of which suggests the GC riders and their hard-working team-mates must be switched on all day. Tadej Pogačar’s UAE Emirates team-mates are almost certainly to be on the entrance right this moment.
Stage 12: Aurillac > Villeneuve-sur-Lot (203.6km)
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Crossing west throughout central France, there are simply three labeled climbs on right this moment’s route, however all are fourth-cat climbs and are more likely to move with out the slightest shift of rear mechs for anybody safely tucked away within the peloton. The second climb of Côte de Rocamadour was used within the penultimate stage of the 2022 Tour, a time trial received by Wout van Aert. This yr, nonetheless, the race passes over the summit from the alternative facet.
The latter half of the stage profile sees it steadily easy itself out, and even the presence of a slight rise inside the ultimate 10 kilometres received’t be sufficient to disclaim the sprinters.
What to anticipate
With greater than 2,300m of elevation acquire all through the stage, there’ll be many riders hoping that the undulating nature favours the break. That stated, the climbs themselves are comparatively insignificant; from begin to end, there may be an general lack of 537m, that means there might be loads of freewheeling within the bunch and due to this fact effort saved. It’s tough to see how an escapee may triumph, except there’s a botched or incohesive chase from the peloton.
With dash alternatives diminishing – there are solely two left after this one – the dash groups might be on the head of the peloton as quickly because the flag drops, protecting the break in examine after which making ready for a showdown. Curiously, although, on the race’s solely two earlier finishes in Villeneuve-sur- Lot, it has been a sole rider from the breakaway that has prevailed.
Stage 13: Agen > Pau (165.3km)
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Starting from Agen, a small metropolis that final featured within the race in 2000, the Pyrenees within the distant background will steadily get nearer all through the day.
It’s an undulating route south with a pair of fourth-category climbs within the closing quarter, however their gradients are tame and a descent precedes the quick end in Pau, the third most-visited metropolis within the historical past of the Tour.
What to anticipate
The hilly terrain all through, with slightly below 2,000m of climbing in complete, is useful to the breakaway, as is the dimensions of the roads. That is no sweeping route on huge, straight roads, however a extra winding route on narrower roads. This will favour the break if the peloton can’t sweep alongside at 54kph when they should reel them in. The 2 climbs, the Côte de Blachon and the Côte de Simacourbe, may additionally disrupt proceedings in the event that they tempt riders into attacking or see a key sprinter momentarily dropped. It’s not out of the query {that a} break may spoil the sprinters’ plans.
Look out for the intermediate dash at 88km. If the sprinters’ groups wish to hold issues collectively with a purpose to contest the factors, anticipate a frantic hour-and-ahalf of racing as each try at an escape will get chased down.
Stage 14: Pau > Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d’Adet
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As with most Pyrenean phases, right this moment begins outdoors the massive mountains with their valley roads, in a metropolis on the periphery. For the seventy fifth time, Pau is the place the stage begins, leading to a gradual incline for the primary 70km till the foot of the Col du Tourmalet, website of the intermediate dash.
Ascending the most-climbed mountain in Tour historical past from its west facet (the longer of the 2), the peloton then have two climbs to come back: Hourquette d’Ancizan (8.2km at 5.1%) – a modern-day common first utilized in 2011 and now that includes for the sixth time – follows the Tourmalet, earlier than a summit end at Pla d’Adet. At simply over 10km, the opening stretches usually exceed 10%, however the severity lessens in the direction of the highest. The climb was final visited a decade in the past when a younger Rafał Majka triumphed.
What to anticipate
Being the primary mountain summit end of the race, riders on the hunt for the maillot jaune don’t must be reminded how essential stage 14 is to the general results of the race. Lose contact with the lead group on one of many three cols, and a rider might be waving au revoir to their probabilities.
A giant breakaway group will kind after the intermediate dash, with riders from the massive GC groups amongst them, able to drop again later within the stage to help their appointed leaders.
The peloton will take a breather on the Tourmalet – comparatively talking – with the group of the highest-placed GC rider (the yellow may be on the shoulders of a breakaway rider) asserting management. Velocity might be elevated on the Hourquette d’Ancizan and some big-name riders might be gapped. They’ll little doubt chase again on, however in doing so will know that they’re going to be dropped once more on the ultimate climb when UAE, Visma or Ineos sit on the entrance and trip at an uncomfortably excessive tempo. The query we’re all asking is: when will the likes of Tadej Pogačar or Primož Roglic make their transfer? Early or late on the climb?
Stage 15: Loudenvielle > Plateau de Beille
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Imitating a portion of the Raid Pyrénéen route, stage 15 crisscrosses 5 of the area’s peaks from west to east, beginning with an ascent of the Col de Peyresourde as quickly because the flag drops.
The Col de Menté (9.3km at 9.1%) and Col de Portet-d’Aspet (4.3km at 9.6%) are subsequent, however there’s a 60km lull earlier than the riders attain the Col d’Agnes (10km at 8.2%). The next brief climb of the Port de Lers just isn’t labeled however may catch riders unaware. Nevertheless, after that there’s a 35km descent for any dropped riders to regroup earlier than the formidable Plateau de Beille, a 15.5km slog that averages 7.9%.
What to anticipate
Riders might be warming up on their turbos right this moment, getting themselves able to react to the quick assaults from these eager to be within the break. Count on loads of French faces within the massive break that may kind, every of them hoping to turn out to be the primary French stage winner on Bastille Day since Warren Barguil in 2017.
With a whole lot of nothingness separating the third and fourth climb, the race will little doubt take pleasure in some calm in that center part earlier than stirring again to life on the penultimate col. If there’s no GC menace nestled among the many escapees, they’ve a very good probability of going all the way in which, albeit in ones and twos up the ultimate climb.
The yellow jersey group is more likely to bide its time, however assaults are assured on the Plateau de Beille. There’s additionally one other contest to maintain a watch out for: it is a large day within the King of the Mountains competitors with 10 factors for the primary rider over the cat-one climbs and 20 on the end line.
Stage 16: Gruissan > Nîmes (188.6km)
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Gruissan, a ravishing round coastal city constructed round a fortress, makes its debut as a Tour host. From the departure, it’s principally northeast in the direction of Nîmes, a metropolis that options for the thirty sixth time.
Except for the Côte du Mas de Cornon (7km at 3.4%) on the midway mark, and some slight rises early on, it’s a reasonably flat journey in the direction of what needs to be a dash end. The one factor that might disrupt proceedings, although, is the Mistral, a powerful northwesterly wind that comes down the Rhône river and thru southern France. If that’s blowing onerous sufficient, echelons may kind.
What to anticipate
The sprinting groups is not going to let the breakaway have any sizeable benefit, figuring out full nicely that that is their final probability to expertise glory. Count on the break to be caught with loads of time, after which the fastmen’s domestiques to all collect on the entrance of the peloton in preparation for the ultimate face-off between the sprinters.
If crosswinds are a chance, the group defending the yellow jersey might be manning issues up forward, cautious that echelons can produce time gaps of a number of minutes – greater than a key mountain stage.
Stage 17: Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux > Superdévoluy
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There’s the texture of a typical Pyrenean stage to this take a look at, one which begins light and snoozy till the mountains are reached. However we’re again within the Alps, and after 130km of warming the legs, three climbs come within the area of simply 50km.
The Col Bayard (6.8km at 7.3%) will get the celebration began, nevertheless it’s the a lot harder first-category Col du Noyer (7.5km at 8.4%) that may do the injury. It’s crested 12km earlier than the end on the small ski station of SuperDévoluy (3.8km at 5.9%), used within the Tour for the primary time.
What to anticipate
With the factors classification greater than possible sewn up, and the intermediate dash 114km away, the peloton will let the breakaway kind from the get-go, and it’s more likely to be stacked filled with groups who’re nonetheless in search of their first win. The day’s winner is sort of assured to come back from the break.
The GC riders, in the meantime, might be trying to the penultimate climb of the Col du Noyer to assault, the ultimate two kilometres having sustained ramps of double-digit gradients. Anybody who does go clear will want a wholesome cushion to remain away on the descent, forward of a closing climb that isn’t too strenuous.
Stage 18: Hole > Barcelonnette (179.5km)
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Hole, making its fiftieth look as a Tour host, is the place to begin of a stage that doesn’t contact the larger peaks of the Alps, however does cross many smaller ones, including as much as an amassed complete of over 3,000m of elevation acquire.
First heading west, then north, earlier than south-east to the end in Barcelonnette, the largest climb is first up, the Col du Festre, taking the riders to 1,442m, whereas essentially the most tough is the penultimate, the Côte de Saint-Apollinaire (3.6km at 5.4%). Following the ultimate KoM and taking the riders to the end line is a gradual ascent that’s higher described as a false flat.
What to anticipate
With the toughest stage of the race simply 24 hours away, and any sprinters left having little to trip for, the peloton might be completely happy to let the breakaway take the win.
Count on a giant group to go clear early on and for it to separate into smaller teams because the afternoon wears on. There might be a decisive assault on one of many two closing climbs, nevertheless it’s extra more likely to finish in a dash from a diminished group. At this stage, the GC battle depends upon whether or not or not the yellow jersey has minutes in hand, or simply seconds.
Stage 19: Embrun > Isola 2000
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It’s a delicate opening 20 kilometres for the peloton from the beginning in Embrun, however after that comes a number of hours of struggling. The two,109m Col de Vars (18.8km at 5.7%) is the primary col to be crested, after which it’s onto the monstrous Cime de la Bonette, a legendary 2,802m climb final used within the 2008 Tour.
It is 22.9km lengthy, averages 6.9%, however has gradients which can be significantly harder for essentially the most half and rear as much as above 10% within the closing kilometre. Windswept, barren and devoid of just about all vegetation, the street encircles the height’s summit earlier than it reaches the race’s highest level.
A prolonged descent of 40km is adopted by the day’s closing problem: the 16.1km climb to the ski resort of Isola 2000. Sections of its street function gradients with double-digit ramps firstly and an general common of seven.1%.
What to anticipate
A breakaway, most likely a giant one and undoubtedly containing these with eyes on the King of the Mountains jersey, will clip off the entrance on the primary climb, however a brief stage would possibly see one of many GC groups setting a quick tempo from the off with a purpose to inflict most injury.
There’s too lengthy between the Bonette and Isola 2000 for a maillot jaune contender to assault on the barbaric climb, so anticipate them as an alternative to make their transfer when the ski lifts at Isola become visible. Hold a watch out for any sprinters that fall behind the autobus right this moment. They’ll be hoping it varieties on the decrease slopes of the Col de Vars, but when a sprinter is disregarded on his personal, the specter of the time lower might be hovering over all of them day.
Stage 20: Good > Col de la Couillole (132.8km)
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Utilizing climbs that Paris-Good visits most years, and are due to this fact acquainted to the peloton, the stage is a brief one at simply over 130km, however there’s much more elevation acquire than stage 19’s arduous route, with virtually 4,800 metres – that is half an Everesting.
The Col de Braus, the primary col, is summited after 25km, and the longest, the Col de Turini at 20.7km in size, is reached after 60km. Then it’s to the shorter Col de la Colmiane (7.5km at 7.1%) and deeper into the Alpes- Maritimes with a summit end at Col de la Couillole (16.7km at 7.1%).
What to anticipate
If the struggle for the polka-dot jersey continues to be raging and one of many GC males isn’t anticipated to say it, these concerned might be taking pictures out of the peloton immediately in an effort to nab as many factors as potential.
There’ll be a excessive tempo set on the entrance of the peloton all day, however such is the issue of the ultimate climb – there is no such thing as a let-up within the constant gradients – the race for yellow is not going to ignite till they flip onto the Col de la Couillole.
Stage 21: Monaco > Good ITT (33.7km)
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Not since 1905 has the Tour completed outdoors of Paris, and it’s additionally the primary time since 1989 that the race ends with a person time trial. Starting within the principality of Monaco – residence to a number of Tour winners corresponding to Tadej Pogačar, Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas – this isn’t a straightforward time trial: after only one,500m, the street turns skyward with the 8.1km ascent of La Turbie that averages 5.6%.
A brief descent precedes the brief, sharp climb of Col d’Eze, used virtually yearly in Paris-Good, earlier than a closing 17km downhill, then flat, stretch onto the Promenade des Anglais on the Mediterranean coast. The winner’s podium celebration can even be held on the well-known seafront.
What to anticipate
Most discuss pre-stage might be whether or not or not the general contenders will deal with the primary half and the 700 metres of elevation on their street bikes earlier than switching to their time trial machines for the rest. Some would possibly choose La Turbie as an influence climb that doesn’t require a extra agile and lighter street bike, however others is not going to wish to danger utilizing their time trial machine for your complete period of what’s primarily a mountain TT.
Even when one rider already has what appears like a agency grip on yellow, it was solely 4 years in the past that Tadej Pogačar famously overturned a 57-second deficit to Primož Roglič on the penultimate day’s time trial to win the race by 59 seconds. Something is due to this fact potential.
