The second Alpine stage of the Tour de France is short, nervous and very difficult. Right from the start, stage eight commences with rollers that will be ideal for attackers, then it transitions to three first category ascents in the second half. After 75 kilometres, the long ascent of the Cormet de Roselend, then the Montée de Hauteville should give the favourites a chance to get into position for the 18-kilometre, 5.5% average gradient of the ascent to Tignes, where the real contenders for victory in this year's Tour will likely be revealed.
Climbs:
Km 15.5: Col du Marais: 3.8 km climb @ 4.1 % grade / 4th Cat.
Km 22: Côte du Bouchet-Mont-Charvin: 2.0 km climb @ 7.1 % grade / 3rd Cat.
Km 46.5: Col de Tamié: 9.5 km climb @ 4 % grade / 2nd Cat.
Km 99.5: Cormet de Roselend (D.925-D.902): 19.9 km climb @ 6 % grade / 1st Cat.
Km 136.5: Montée d'Hauteville: 15.3 km climb @ 4.7 % grade / 1st Cat.
Km 163: Montée de Tignes: 18.0 km climb @ 5.4 % grade / 1st Cat.
-
‘I can’t say I will beat Demi, but I will keep trying to get there’ - second overall Marlen Reusser at Vuelta Femenina
Swiss rider gains confidence going into summer races -
Ineos Grenadiers say 'The only way to do the best GC possible' at Giro d'Italia is continued use of more aggressive tactics
'We have to find this balance of being realistic but also dreaming' says Egan Bernal, as he looks to rediscover former Tour and Giro-winning shape -
'We're happy with where we are' - UAE Team Emirates-XRG upbeat on Giro d'Italia options despite Primoz Roglič's time trial success
Team management say Adam Yates turned in notable TT performance -
'Hopefully, here I can take another step' - Simon Yates upbeat about Giro d'Italia despite double preparation setbacks of illness and being hit by car
Visma-Lease a Bike GC challenger uneven preparation, but satisfied with opening time trial performance in Tirana
