The second Alpine stage of the Tour de France is short, nervous and very difficult. Right from the start, stage eight commences with rollers that will be ideal for attackers, then it transitions to three first category ascents in the second half. After 75 kilometres, the long ascent of the Cormet de Roselend, then the Montée de Hauteville should give the favourites a chance to get into position for the 18-kilometre, 5.5% average gradient of the ascent to Tignes, where the real contenders for victory in this year's Tour will likely be revealed.
Climbs:
Km 15.5: Col du Marais: 3.8 km climb @ 4.1 % grade / 4th Cat.
Km 22: Côte du Bouchet-Mont-Charvin: 2.0 km climb @ 7.1 % grade / 3rd Cat.
Km 46.5: Col de Tamié: 9.5 km climb @ 4 % grade / 2nd Cat.
Km 99.5: Cormet de Roselend (D.925-D.902): 19.9 km climb @ 6 % grade / 1st Cat.
Km 136.5: Montée d'Hauteville: 15.3 km climb @ 4.7 % grade / 1st Cat.
Km 163: Montée de Tignes: 18.0 km climb @ 5.4 % grade / 1st Cat.
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Wout van Aert and Visma teammates race in time trial helmets at Opening Weekend
Van Aert has been racing in the Giro Aerohead helmet at several races this year already -
Faun Drôme Classic: Juan Ayuso wins one-day race with 40km solo attack
Spaniard crosses line ahead of solo pursuer Mattias Skjelmose, Ben Tulett wins bunch sprint for third -
As it happened: Big bunch sprint decides Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne
All the action from the 196.8km race with 13 climbs but plenty of room for sprinters to rejoin on the roads to Kuurne -
Femke Gerritse holds off Lara Gillespie win Omloop van het Hageland
Susanne Andersen third as break makes it to the line
