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
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'Can somebody launch me?' - Visma-Lease a Bike delighted after Jonas Vingegaard catches Vuelta a España rivals napping with powerful surprise attack
Dane's acceleration 10 kilometres from line completely unplanned, team say -
'I felt a lot better than on the previous mountain stages' – Jonas Vingegaard back in full flight for 40th career victory at Vuelta a España despite mistimed attack
'Maybe I didn't do my homework good enough, because I thought it was closer to the finish' says Dane after making gains on all GC rivals with solo move -
'They got the surprise factor' - João Almeida forced into damage limitation mode at Vuelta a España after Jonas Vingegaard launches devastating mountain attack
Portuguese racer points to lack of team support in pursuit of Danish favourite -
'He told me to grow some balls' – Tom Pidcock makes big GC gains at Vuelta a España but frustrates João Almeida in the process
Brit said he was unable to pull through against Portuguese rider's pace as Jonas Vingegaard beats both to stage victory in Valdezcaray
