A good day for the French?
Although the home riders will have been motivated to show themselves on the Bastille Day stage to Luz-Ardiden, today's run between Pau and Lourdes appears to suit them better. Not only is there no summit finish on this Pyrenean day, but it only features the climb of the Aubisque. Although a Tour classic, its summit is 50km from the finish. Add all that together and the Tour's leading performers are sure to keep their powder dry, which should give French riders the opportunity they need. Fédrigo has won twice on stages like this while Voeckler has impressed too.
Details -
Distance: 152.5 km
Highest point: 1,709m
Category: High mountains
Vin Denson says...
"Aubisque is huge but far from the finish. I don't see the winner being a yellow jersey contender. Someone who had deliberately put themselves out of contention, maybe one of the Spanish climbers, will want to smash it open early on."
Matt White says...
"Today has a big break written all over it. Look to the likes of Voeckler and the current world champion to dominate."
Stage profile
-
'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
