Stage 14 - Saturday, July 16: Agde - Ax-3 Domaines, 220.5 km
If Ivan Basso is still in the mix at this point of the race, eyes will be on him as the race enters...
If Ivan Basso is still in the mix at this point of the race, eyes will be on him as the race enters the Pyrenees. Armstrong has traditionally consolidated his strong position throughout the Pyrenees and carried this on into the final time trial. In 2003 things were very tight at this stage - in 2004 he virtually had the race sown up. In 2005 this stage, and the next could be the deciding factors for the overall title. The focus will be on the 15.2km Port de Pailheres, which rises to 2100m at an average of 8%. It's not the tallest col but it's gradient means most riders will struggle up it, especially because it comes after 170km of riding, including three cat 4 climbs and a cat 3 col. These won't pose nearly the same challenge as the hors categorie monster, but add this to a summit finish in Ax 3 Domaines - a 9.1km climb at 7.3% and you've got yourself a tough day. Most are tipping Basso on this stage, and with his performances at the Giro to go by, they're not too far off the mark.
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Most Popular
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Giro d'Italia: Benjamin Thomas wins dramatic stage 5 as breakaway holds off charging field in Lucca
Michael Valgren second, Andrea Pietrobon third and Enzo Paleni fourth as Tadej Pogačar finishes in the field to maintain overall race lead -
Leaked Shimano patent hints at 13 speed fully wireless groupset
Front derailleur indicates 2x is still the way to go -
Giro d'Italia stage 5 Live - Will Jonathan Milan win again?
A third consecutive day for the sprinters promises drama -
Tour de Hongrie: Sam Welsford wins opening stage ahead of heavy crash
Cavendish finishes sixth in front pack behind second-placed Quaranta and third-placed Mareczko