Tour de France 2022 - Stage 16 preview
July 19, 2022: Carcassonne – Foix, 178.5km
Stage 16: Carcassonne to Foix
Date: July 19, 2022
Distance: 178.5km
Stage timing: 12:30 - 16:58 CEST
Stage type: Hilly
The peloton will head for the Pyrénées from Carcassonne after spending the final rest day in the city with its famous medieval citadel. The first Pyrénées stage finishes in Foix instead of atop a mountain, but with two category-one passes, it must not be underestimated.
The first 100km are relatively easy – neither the fourth-category Côte de Saint-Hilaire nor the third-category Col de l'Espinas should trouble the GC contenders, but they serve as excellent springboards for a breakaway. The break may even include some sprinters fighting for the green jersey who want to pick up points at the intermediate sprint in Lavelanet.
After 90km, the riders pass within ten kilometres of the finish line, but they still face a big loop through the Pyrénées. The 11.4-kilometre, 7% Port de Lers has a 10.3% ramp on the second kilometre of climbing and another kilometre at 9.1% 2.5km from the top. Most of the rest of the climb is between 6 and 8%.
A 17-kilometre descent takes riders to Massat where the Mur de Péguère starts. The first six of its 9.3 kilometres are deceptively easy at 5.5-6.6%, including a stretch at only 2.8%. But the last 3.5 kilometres are brutal with an average gradient of more than 12% and sections at 16 and 18%.
The 27-kilometre descent to the finish should enable dropped riders to get back on. A small group of escapees will probably contest the stage win; GC action on the Mur de Péguère is likely, but it remains to be seen how much of an advantage the attackers can take to the finish.
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
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Lukas Knöfler started working in cycling communications in 2013 and has seen the inside of the scene from many angles. Having worked as press officer for teams and races and written for several online and print publications, he has been Cyclingnews’ Women’s WorldTour correspondent since 2018.
Most Popular
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Tadej Pogačar can dominate the Giro d’Italia but nobody can control its chaos – Analysis
Slovenian the overwhelming favourite but the Corsa Rosa always produces unexpected drama -
Stages Cycling ceases operations and lays off entire staff, report suggests
Supplier orders cancelled, products out of stock at esteemed power meter and indoor cycling brand -
'This course was almost perfect' - Late call-up for Cameron Scott leads to Tour de Romandie prologue podium
Australian comes second on opening day of racing at his first European WorldTour stage race -
Pogačar, UAE Team Emirates top UCI rankings, Astana losing fight against relegation
Kopecky, SD Worx-Protime top women's rankings