Stage 13 - Friday, July 18: Narbonne - Nîmes, 182km
With just three fourth category climbs in the way, this should once again be a stage for the...
With just three fourth category climbs in the way, this should once again be a stage for the sprinters. The route continues its way across the southern edge of France between the Pyrenees and the Alps. It's likely that a break will try to get away, but even more likely that the sprinters' domestiques will bring them back before they reach the finish.
The stage travels from one Roman settlement to another: leaving the oldest one in Narbonne, and arriving in probably the most famous one in Nîmes. The capital of the Gard department, Nîmes is home to probably the highest concentration of historic Roman sites outside Italy. These include the best preserved arena in France – which still gets used for concerts and bullfights, the Maison Carrée – a temple dedicated to the sons of Agrippa, and most famously: the Pont du Gard – a three level aqueduct which lies 20 kilometres to the north.
Nîmes' other big claim to fame is as the origin of Serge de Nîmes, an indigo blue fabric that has changed the world. Over the years its name has been shortened to one word that most people will recognise: Denim.
The city has hosted the Tour 15 times before, with Aitor Gonzales (Fassa Bortolo) taking the victory in 2004, the last time it finished here.
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
-
Lotte Kopecky to support Demi Vollering in Flèche Wallonne defence
World Champion and Paris-Roubaix winner makes debut in mid-week Classic, Anna van der Breggen talks tactics -
Tour of the Alps: Alessandro De Marchi blows up the early break to win stage 2
Italian drops Patrick Gamper and Simon Pellaud after Ineos Grenadiers stop leading the chase -
Jonas Vingegaard leaves hospital 12 days after Itzulia Basque Country crash
Tour de France winner heads home to continue recovery from fractures and lung injuries -
Thomas and Foss put Ineos altitude camp practice into action at Tour of the Alps
Ineos pair building form in final race before Giro d’Italia