Short but tough Vosges climbs herald Alps
By Daniel Simms published
Big trouble in little hills?
The Tour has reached Eastern France after a series of flat stages, and therefore, it is time for some hills again. We're in the region of the Vosges mountains with three small but difficult climbs to master: the Col de la Schlucht (8.9 km at 4.1 percent), the Col du Platzerwasel (8.7 km at 7.6 percent) and the Col du Firstplan (8.4 km at 5.4 percent).
These look harmless on paper, but could reveal themselves as treacherous for the general classification contenders - remember when Lance Armstrong got isolated from his teammates back in the 2005 Tour's stage 8? That was on the Col de la Schlucht.
So the road between Vittel and Colmar has all the makings of a tricky stage, and will surely see a medium-mountain specialist take the honours.
See full-size map and profile.
Vaughters' views
This will be a great stage to watch, as it will be unpredictable and dynamic, I just don’t quite know who will win…

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
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Tim Wellens joins UAE Team Emirates after decade at Lotto Soudal
Belgian agrees two-year deal to strengthen UAE Classics squad -
Bob Jungels signs for Bora-Hansgrohe
Luxembourg rider leaves AG2R after two rollercoaster seasons -
Sina Frei makes switch from MTB to road with SD Worx at Tour of Scandinavia
Swiss Specialized Factory rider to line up at six-day tour alongside Demi Vollering and Niamh Fisher-Black -
Tiesj Benoot reportedly sustains several fractures after training crash
Het Laatste Nieuws says cause and exact nature of injuries unclear but Jumbo-Visma rider not in life threatening position