Tour de France: Stage 10 preview
Stage 10 map, profile and Chris Boardman video preview
Mâcon – Bellegarde-sur-Valserine
Distance: 194.5km
Highest point: 1,501m
Category: High mountains
Into the unknown
Tour director Christian Prudhomme and his route team have really mixed up the mountain challenges in the first half of the race, sending the riders into unfamiliar terrain that presents plenty of opportunities for the attack-minded. The main complicating factor on this one is the Col du Grand Colombier, which has never appeared on the Tour before. Logic suggests that it’s too far out from the finish to be decisive but there are some very steep ramps on its 17km ascent. Will the climbers cook something up? If they’ve lost a lot of time in the TT they might have to. If not, a small group will contest the uphill finale.
Janez Brajkovic: "This will be the first time we ride the Grand Colombier and there will only be a small selection of riders at the top. Some will come back on the descent but it will be full gas as it’s only 20km from the Richemonde’s summit to the finish."
Maps and profiles courtesy of ASO
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Mapei steps up to title sponsor role at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, extending the ties that hark back to the beginning of the Australian's career
Brand signs three year naming rights deal for both the men's and women's WorldTour events -
Juan Ayuso breaks long-term contract to leave UAE Team Emirates-XRG early over 'differences in vision'
Team confirm Spaniard's departure, with new team not yet announced, but will complete season with UAE -
'I was so mentally broken' – Vuelta a España leader Torstein Træen opens up about deep struggles with concussion on first rest day
Norwegian details struggles with concussion in early part of season after defending red jersey successfully -
Primož Roglič to join Tadej Pogačar at Rwanda World Championships
Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe rider expected to be amongst Slovenian selection as Pogačar hunts title defence