This stage is made for an escape artist in the style of Laurent Jalabert - or whoever takes his place in this year's peloton - who was able to push hard enough on the climbs to get away. The finish is atop Cote de la Croix-Neuve, a brutally steep climb of 10.1% for 3.1km after climbing the Cote de Chabrits, a cat 3 short climb of 1.7km with a tough 7.1% gradient. Michael Boogerd and Alexandre Vinokourov could both be in the mix for a win on this stage within the Massif Central - look for some shuffles on GC as riders tire after 10 days of climbing, and the final selection is made before the race against the clock.
-
Pedro Delgado - 'The reign of Tadej Pogačar will be a dictatorship'
Former Tour de France winner predicts Pogačar will dominate cycling for next five years -
'He can be on the podium of a Grand Tour' - Matteo Jorgenson finds a perfect fit at Visma-Lease a Bike
USA rider talks Grand Tour potential and the difference between racing at Movistar to super team -
Best smart bikes 2024: Hit your training goals without leaving home
Our experts test the best smart bikes, with in-depth comparisons and advice on choosing the right one for you -
Andrey Amador retires after not racing since being run over by a truck in May
Costa Rican says retirement 'wasn't planned' after 16 seasons
