Instead of two run-of-the-mill ‘transition’ stages between the Alps and the Pyrenees, Prudhomme and his team have opted to start the move westwards with a tricky day running through the Ardeche to the now well-known finish at Mende’s aerodrome atop the Montée Laurent Jalabert, so called after the Frenchman’s famous Bastille Day win there in 1995.
On heavy roads and over four categorised climbs, this stage could cause surprises, particularly if the temperature boils up. Spaniard Marcos Serrano won the last time the Tour finished here in 2005. Will a compatriot triumph today?
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Giro d'Abruzzo: Alessandro Covi claims stage 1 win in UAE Team Emirates-XRG's 28th victory of the season
Filippo Fiorelli second, Alessandro Fancellu third in Crecchio -
This has to be one of the best smartwatch deals ever – the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar has just dropped by £540 to an incredible £279
With a huge 65% reduction it makes this Garmin deal one of the best smartwatch discounts I've ever seen -
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38-year-old Italian confirms decision to stop racing at end of 2025 but welcomes change -
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'We want fans to be passionate, but there is no room for aggression or unwanted behaviour like we saw on Sunday' says world champion
