2020 Tour de France stage 6 preview

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.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Cyclingnews is the world's leader in English-language coverage of professional cycling. Started in 1995 by University of Newcastle professor Bill Mitchell, the site was one of the first to provide breaking news and results over the internet in English. The site was purchased by Knapp Communications in 1999, and owner Gerard Knapp built it into the definitive voice of pro cycling. Since then, major publishing house Future PLC has owned the site and expanded it to include top features, news, results, photos and tech reporting. The site continues to be the most comprehensive and authoritative English voice in professional cycling.

Latest on Cyclingnews