Stage 14 - Saturday, July 16: Agde - Ax-3 Domaines, 220.5 km
By Cycling News published
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 this month*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
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
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to Cyclingnews. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Five questions for the second week of the Giro d'Italia
Potential ambushes for the GC men and fireworks from Van der Poel -
'All light and laughter' - Remembering Moriah Wilson
Cycling community pays touching tribute to gravel racing star -
Tour de France start unlikely for Thomas De Gendt
Lotto Soudal rider to seek more Giro d'Italia stages -
Clock is ticking for Ewan to take a Giro d'Italia stage win
Lotto Soudal rider hoping to score before exiting the race this week