Stage 5: Gap - Privas
Date: September 2, 2020
Distance: 183km
Stage start: 1:10 p.m. CEST
Stage type: Hilly
A big net downhill into the Rhône Valley and only three small inclines make this a big target for the sprinters, who will nonetheless look nervously at the final ascent into Privas, which makes its second appearance in the Tour since being a stage start back in 1966. The alpine town of Gap is a perennial favorite as a host city in the Tour, and this year launches a west-bound route through the hills and gorges that surround Privas. Even the sprint line at 48km on the stage at L’Epine 48 is uphill.
A short category 4 climb comes 130km into the route at Col de Serre Colon, followed 37.5km later by another cat-4 rise at Côte de Saint-Vincent-de-Barrès. From there it is just another 15k on the pavement to the finish, which includes a leg-searing final uphill drag across the line in Privas.
It’s not quite the Poggio of Milan-San Remo, and the final kilometres following the Côte de Saint-Vincent-de-Barrès favour the sprinters’ team. A full week is not yet completed and the course has a theme of disruption and chaos, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see at least some riders attempting to challenge the established authority of the sprinters.
-
Larry Warbasse: I've danced on the line of burnout my entire career
US rider explains how paddleboarding and bikepacking have restored some balance to his life -
Anthony Roux turns training litter collection into ‘my clean route’ campaign
'Many complain but do not do anything ... But who really acts?’ says Groupama FDJ rider -
Superprestige Boom still a go with Pidcock, Van Aert on the line
Pidcock to make first 'cross start of season on Saturday -
Cyber Monday turbo trainer deals: Get the cheapest Zwift setup before midnight
With Cyber Monday in full swing, here are the best turbo trainer deals you can get, along with our guide to the cheapest Zwift setup
