Easy day likely before Ventoux

Stage 19 from Bougoin-Jallieu to Aubenas could well see a breakaway or lone attacker succeed as the GC leaders will save their energy for tomorrow's hardest day on the Mont Ventoux, and the sprinter teams may be too tired to reel anyone back in on the 178 kilometre course. The Tour de France is almost over as the bunch will wind its way southwards through the Rhône valley. With a little back wind, this is a perfect chance for anyone still fresh to get some precious TV time and possibly a stuffed toy lion on a podium in Aubenas.

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Vaughters' views

It’s hard to predict the tactics this far away, but whoever wins on this day will have to be tough and well-recovered. It’s a stage for maybe Sylvain Chavanel or David Moncoutie ?

It’s also a day where a weary or sick GC rider can collapse.