Stage
10 Preview: Chambéry - Gap 179 km With 3 categorized
climbs, the
riders will have the opportunity to test their recovery from the Tour's most difficult stage on Tuesday. The first
climb on the day, Côte de Laffrey is a Category 1 at 7 kilometers of 9%. The
final two mild climbs may offer some breath if a rider decides to
breakaway on the first climb.
The race to watch Wednesday is the race for the climbers' Polka Dot jersey as the current King of the Mountains Anthony Charteau (BTL) is currently tied in points with fellow Frenchman Jerome Pineau. Expect to see the two battle for points on Cote de Laffrey, and continue to sacrifice their legs all the way to Col du Noyer.
As Wednesday is 14 July, and Bastille Day current French National Champion Thomas Voeckler (BTL) will likely look for a win.
Stage 10 profile; evidence the race will start hard with many French would-be champions looking to make a name for themselves on Bastille Day.
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The famous descent in to Gap may prove fatal if any rider takes too risky a chance- however a good descender can expect to gain minutes on others from the top of Col du Noyer. The final kilometer of the race is
practically downhill, and will provide exciting racing to the very end.
This is the final day of climbing before the Pyrenees, where the GC race will heat up. Don't expect much from GC contenders today as they will want to save their legs for the Pyrenees.
The downhill to the finish line will prove pivotal as riders will take chances to take the win. It was on this descent Joseba Beloki crashed, ruining his chances for the yellow jersey. Look for an exciting race to the finish- no matter how far ahead the climbers are on the final summit.
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©ASO