Stage 6: Le Teil - Mont Aigoual
Date: September 3, 2020
Distance: 191km
Stage start: 12:00 p.m. CEST
Stage type: Hilly
On a clear day, it is possible to see the Alps, Pyrenees and the Mediterranean from a single viewpoint at the top of Mont Aigoual, the second summit finish of the week. The view from the 1,550m summit will include reminders from the immediate past, present and future of each rider’s race so far, with the Mediterranean and Alps behind them, the Massif Central surrounding them, and the Pyrenees and a second visit to the Alps still ahead. Challenges are in every direction.
The first 146km are relatively flat and fast, with a small category 3 climb at Cap de Coste signaling more to come. When the riders ascend the Col des Mourezes, this heralds the final 26km of climbing, including the 11 kilometres averaging a gradient of 7.3 per cent on the category 1 Col de la Lusette. Reaching the observatory atop Mont Aigoual will be an early test for the overall contenders.
Mont Aigoual has never hosted a stage finish before, but it did appear on the route of the 1987 Tour de France. The Tour, as they say, will not be won on a stage like this, but it could be lost. If a single rider shows weakness, his rivals will not help him to his feet.
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