No wine stop en route to Alps

The wine capital of Alsace, Colmar, will see the riders depart on a 199km journey to Besançon for one of the last chances for the sprinters to shine.

One day before heading towards the mountain passes of the Alps, the flat route of today's stage 14 is an excellent chance for another bunch sprint finish.

However, the bunch is starting to get tired, and the long road to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Besancon citadel could also see escapists get some well-deserved fame.

See full-size map and profile.

Vaughters' views

Back to the battle for sprint supremacy. This far along in the race, sometimes you begin to see sprinters with better durability and endurance come to the fore.

On our team Julian Dean seems to be able to sprint much better when all the other sprinters are tired. Thor Hushovd seems to ride well in this scenario as well. Or maybe Pippo Pozzato?

In any case, it will be a continued battle for the green. My guess is Cavendish, Friere, Haussler, Hushovd and Farrar will all be in the mix for this jersey.

It may be the most hotly contested jersey of the Tour.

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