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.
TOPICS
-
What to do if your bike is stolen
Should the worst happen, here's what you should do, plus some preventative measures just in case -
'This is the last thing I wanted to happen' - Spectator apologises after knocking Mathieu van der Poel off balance during Azencross
Spectator questioned by authorities, organisers announce that no charges will be filed -
'I believed I could turn it into a battle' - two punctures on same rock ends Wout van Aert's clash with Mathieu van der Poel at Azencross
Belgian left disappointed after initially matching World Champion and eternal rival -
X2O Trofee Loenhout-Azencross: Mathieu van der Poel adds another victory to season winning streak as Wout van Aert struggles with double flat tires
1-2 for Alpecin-Deceuninck as Niels Vandeputte takes second, series leader Joris Nieuwenhuis finishes third
