Today’s stage starts in Switzerland before heading back to France. It’s classified as a mountain stage and ends with two Cat 1 climbs , there is a small dip after the last climb and a 3km ramp to the line. The last three kilometres are not steep enough to allow teams to force any significant time gaps and we will most likely see the action happen far earlier in the race.
As racing has become far more aggressive, and frankly better, we have seen teams and individuals tear up the Team Sky script and attack from far out. Today may even see action on the penultimate Cat 1 climb as there is only a 13km valley section separating the two Cat 1 climbs and the first climb is significantly steeper.
We expect a tough day for UAE protecting the Yellow Jersey, Ineos has 4 riders in a good GC positions and Jumbo Visma can allow Primoz off his leash as he lost some time over the cobbles but is still a realistic podium contender.
Yesterday a crash hampered a sizeable break from forming and they were ultimately doomed to fail, whether today is any different we will have to see. The terrain doesn’t allow the pure mountain goats from getting into the break as the first third of the race is mildly undulating followed by an intermediate sprint point.
I think Ineos will sacrifice either Danny Martinez or Tom Pidcock today in an attempt to break down team UAE, despite Tadej being leagues above his competitors, his team has not shown the strength one would expect from a leaders team. Visma and Ineos have far stronger squads and it seems only smart tactics or calamity will stop Tadej from making it three Tours on the trot.
Top Picks:
Thibaut Pinot
Tadej Pogacar
Leonard Kamna
Outside Picks:
Mike Woods
Simon Geschke
Our winner:
Leonard Kamna
