The peloton tackled what was its last day for the sprinters on the previous stage 16 into Nîmes, and now the attention turns to the climbers and GC contenders on stage 17 into Superdévoluy at the Tour de France.
The Tour heads east to the Southern Alps for a 177.8km route from Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux to Superdévoluy with no significant obstacles faced mid-race while crossing the Drôme.
A large breakaway group could likely be formed through the windy valley roads on stage 17. The puncheurs will be looking for a chance to shine, assuming they will be able to deal with the climbs in the final 40 kilometres.
The last 40km is where things get tougher as the roads get steeper and the climbers and GC contenders are sure to emerge.
The race will reach the first ascent of the category two Col Bayard, (6.8km at 7.3%), although the final selection should be made on the category one Col du Noyer (7.5km at 8.4%) just 12 kilometres from the finish line, and a time bonus sprint at the top.
Stage 17 ends with a new climb for the Tour, the category three Côte de SuperDévoluy (3.8km at 5.9%).
There are only five days to go of this Tour de France and yellow jersey, Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates), believes that the wind and hilly course could make the next two stages challenging before the race heads back into the high mountains.
"[Wednesday, stage 17] is windy from the start and then mountains at the end, so tomorrow is not an easy day," Pogačar said.
"The day after tomorrow [Thursday, stage 18] could be a chance for a breakaway, and then again, it's big mountains where we will see a big showdown again as we did in the Pyrenees."
The SuperDévoluy was first climbed in the Critérium du Dauphiné in 2013 where Samuel Sánchez took the win. Three years later, it was Steve Cummings’ turn to take the win while Chris Froome sealed the overall victory for the third time.
Stage 17 information
Stage 17 Sprints
- Intermediate sprint, km 114.8
- Time bonus sprint, km 166.3
Stage 17 Mountains
- Col Bayard (6.8km at 7.3%), cat. 2, km 145.7
- Col du Noyer (7.5km at 8.1%), cat. 1, km 166.3
- Côte de SuperDévoluy (3.8km at 5.9%), cat. 3, km 177.8
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Prologue kicks off the six-day race with a 3.6km individual time trial in Adelaide
