Stage 16 could be the key to the 2006 Tour. The crucial linchpin stage begins by immediately ascending the immense Galibier, then descends over 60km to attack the Beyond Category Col de la Croix-de-Fer, then the transition climb of Col du Mollard, and then down to St.Jean-de-Maurienne to the final ascent of the new climb up to the ski station of La Toussuire. It's not a steep grade at 6% but it is 18.4km long, which could lead to big gaps at the finish. It will be time for riders like Valverde to make up some time before the final TT.
Mountains
TOPICS
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Sean Kelly's Classics column: Sometimes Pogačar doesn't need tactics to win
Tom Pidcock put in a monster ride, but he came up against an even bigger monster in Tadej Pogačar -
'Sometimes it is up to me to bang on the table and say that I am still here' – Why Lotte Kopecky demanding Milan-San Remo leadership is an ominous sign for the rest of the Classics
How the Belgian getting back on track sets her up perfectly for Flanders and Roubaix -
'Every detail counts at Milan-San Remo' – How former pro Niccolò Bonifazio taught Tadej Pogačar the secrets of Milan-San Remo
'Aero bikes are faster than ever but you've got to know how to use that extra speed' former Italian pro tells Cyclingnews -
'My legs felt heavy at the start of the race today' – Tom Pidcock comes through Milan-San Remo fatigue to claim third place on opening stage of Volta a Catalunya
Briton opened up final uphill sprint but overhauled by Dorian Godon and Remco Evenepoel
