Instead of two run-of-the-mill ‘transition’ stages between the Alps and the Pyrenees, Prudhomme and his team have opted to start the move westwards with a tricky day running through the Ardeche to the now well-known finish at Mende’s aerodrome atop the Montée Laurent Jalabert, so called after the Frenchman’s famous Bastille Day win there in 1995.
On heavy roads and over four categorised climbs, this stage could cause surprises, particularly if the temperature boils up. Spaniard Marcos Serrano won the last time the Tour finished here in 2005. Will a compatriot triumph today?
Stage profile
TOPICS
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'This is the last thing I wanted to happen' - Spectator apologises after knocking Mathieu van der Poel off balance during Azencross
Spectator questioned by authorities, organisers announce that no charges will be filed -
'I believed I could turn it into a battle' - two punctures on same rock ends Wout van Aert's clash with Mathieu van der Poel at Azencross
Belgian left disappointed after initially matching World Champion and eternal rival -
X2O Trofee Loenhout-Azencross: Mathieu van der Poel adds another victory to season winning streak as Wout van Aert struggles with double flat tires
1-2 for Alpecin-Deceuninck as Niels Vandeputte takes second, series leader Joris Nieuwenhuis finishes third -
X2O Trofee Loenhout-Azencross: Lucinda Brand continues cyclo-cross winning streak in elite women's race
Dutch rider takes solo win ahead of Kristyna Zemanová and Manon Bakker
