There was a similar stage in 2013 that saw Samuel Sánchez – then at Euskaltel-Euskadi – win and Chris Froome maintain his overall lead in the race. The start and finishes are the only similarities to that stage this time around with the meat of the profile taking in different climbs. The Col du Noyer does remain, acting as the penultimate ascent towards the final climb of the race.
Cyclingnews' top tip: Romain Bardet (AG2R-La Mondiale): Much will depend on how the GC stands going into the final day but the Frenchman – as he proved at the Dauphiné last year – is a rider capable of replicating the Sánchez blueprint.
-
UCI Gravel World Series: Femke Markus and Jordan Habets win Gravel Grit ‘n Grind
Romain Bardet gets 10th in his first UCl Gravel World Series race -
ADAC Cyclassics Hamburg: Rory Townsend holds off peloton by tiny margin from early breakaway for biggest victory of his career
Arnaud De Lie takes second and Paul Magnier is third in Hamburg -
'He's special, I hope we can achieve great things together' – Primož Roglič reacts to Remco Evenepoel signing with Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe
Slovenian welcomes Belgian star to German team after landmark move from Soudal-QuickStep -
La Polynormande: Nicolas Prodhomme finishes solo for sixth victory of the season
Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale attacks away in final nine kilometres to win 31 seconds ahead of Sandy Dujardin and Axel Mariault
