After yet another long transfer, the riders will this time tackle the Massif Central. A region known for its short but very steep climbs.
The start is located in Issoire, a small Town south from Clermont-Ferrand. The first part of the Stage features a simple uphill to Saint-Bable through some villages and paved roads. The first problems for the GC contenders might start here, but those that won’t be affected by that are ...
Read moreAfter yet another long transfer, the riders will this time tackle the Massif Central. A region known for its short but very steep climbs.
The start is located in Issoire, a small Town south from Clermont-Ferrand. The first part of the Stage features a simple uphill to Saint-Bable through some villages and paved roads. The first problems for the GC contenders might start here, but those that won’t be affected by that are the ones going for the Breakaway of the day, it’s the perfect location to launch it.
The first 18 km is the only period where we’ll be on the west bank from the L’Allier river. After crossing it, the riders reach Coudoux and attack the first proper hill, the Puy de Gourdon (4,8%). Then the riders go down to Saint-Saturnin and then up again to Nadaillat (7 km at 5%). There are several short, paved sections where the riders will need to be vigilant!
When the riders reach the valley at Gergovie, they have just 34 km left to ride and the first real challenge at sight! The Puy de Mardoux with its 2 km at 13% will for sure leave a mark on the rider’s legs.
The penultimate difficulty of the day is the climb to Berzet (5 km at 7,9%). Anyone who wants to win the stage (or the Tour) must be well positioned here. After the climb, there will be an 8 km downhill to the footsteps of the final climb.
The climb to Puy de Dôme can be divided into 2. The first half is a gradual climb to “Panoramique des Dômes” (9 km 4,4%), but when the riders turn right into the final climb, we get an even steeper climb (10,5%). 5 km of pure pain! Who will survive?
