A transitional stage to Rodez and the chance for Team Sunweb to make it two in a row with an uphill finish that’s perfect for Michael Matthews and out of reach for the pure sprinters. But everyone knows this so maybe their rivals will send riders up the road knowing one or teams can’t bring the breakaway back.
A lively stage that promises action from start to finish. The Tour’s theme of steep climbs continues with a triptych of short climbs on Bastille Day, France’s national holiday so we can expect big crowds.
The race heads into the Pyrenees via a series of hard climbs ending in an even harder finish. This is a long day for the riders and even for television viewers with over six hours of racing ahead.
I awoke and padded my way to the bathroom across the Quick Step flooring. A flick of the Hansgrohe thermostatic valve and the shower hissed into life. As I waited for the hot water to arrive I glanced at the tiles fixed in place by the Soudal adhesive and grouting.
The race resumes gently. Today should be a semi-rest day for plenty in the peloton as the peloton meanders around gentle countryside before a likely sprint finish in Bergerac.
The race hasn’t reached the Pyrenees or the Alps yet and already it’s had several decisive phases and the list of contenders has been thinned down. Yesterday’s stage was especially full of action and drama. Here’s a look back at recent events as well as a look ahead.
After yesterday’s wild stage here’s an even harder stage, a collection of climbs with slopes that are regularly above 10%, selective for the front of the race and a battle for those at the back.
A stage with beautiful roads, medium mountains and hidden climbs. There will be action and for those who don’t attack these roads will be tiring ahead of tomorrow’s crucial stage.
Another sprint stage, the last before two stages in the Jura mountains. The sprinters will dream of the finish today and fear what lies ahead this weekend.
