Exciting Stages Await in the Tour de France
The Tour de France continues to captivate audiences with its challenging and picturesque stages. The upcoming stages promise a mix of rugged terrain, strategic climbs, and opportunities for both sprinters and climbers to shine.
Stage from Gap to Barcelonnette
The 180 km stage between Gap and Barcelonnette is set to be a true test for adventurers. With five 3rd category climbs, including the Col de Festre (3.9 km at 6.3%) and the Côte de Corps (2.1 km at 7.2%), the stage is designed to create significant selections early on. The final climb, Côte des Demoiselles Coiffées (3.6 km at 5.4%), could be decisive, but the 35 km descent to Barcelonnette might allow a small group to reform or a resilient sprinter to make a final push.
Race director Thierry Gouvenou describes this stage as aesthetically stunning, emphasizing the beautiful scenery of the Hautes-Alpes. He notes that it will be a stage for adventurers, with multiple opportunities to escape from the peloton, leading to a physico-tactical battle as riders approach Barcelonnette.
Saint-Paul-Trois-Câteaux to Superdévoluy: A Mountain Challenge
The 177.8 km stage from Saint-Paul-Trois-Câteaux to Superdévoluy is expected to favor breakaways, especially if leading teams like Visma or UAE Emirates do not chase aggressively. The finale features a series of challenging climbs, including Col Bayard, Col du Noyer, and Superdévoluy, setting the stage for climbers to attack.
Historically significant, the Col Bayard (6.8 km at 7.3%) has seen legendary climbers like Joaquim Rodriguez and Federico Bahamontes take the lead. This stage offers a golden opportunity for riders like David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) and Oier Lazkano (Movistar) to secure a victory.
Gruissan to Nîmes: A Sprinter's Delight
The 188.6 km stage from Gruissan to Nîmes offers a respite for sprinters after a grueling Pyrenean weekend. This transition stage is expected to be favorable for sprinters, barring any successful breakaways. The peloton will pass through the symbolic town of Gignac, known for its close ties to cycling.
Jasper Philipsen, a favorite for this stage, aims to secure his third victory, challenging Eritrean Biniam Girmay. However, the accumulated fatigue and numerous abandonments could provide an opportunity for an adventurous rider to upset the predictions.
- The Tour de France stages are broadcasted on France 3 and France 2, with comprehensive coverage on Eurosport and live commentary on Le Figaro.fr. Fans can follow the action from the comfort of their homes, ensuring they don't miss any thrilling moments.
- Expressions like “Keep it under control” and “suck the wheel” are commonly used to describe strategic behaviors in cycling. These terms highlight the tactical aspects of the race, where riders conserve energy or closely follow opponents to gain an advantage in crucial moments.
