After a transition stage between Albertville and Valence, the riders of the Tour de France continue to survey the alpine roads, this Wednesday July 7th. And, inevitably, Mont Ventoux is a necessary part of the Grande Boucle. And the organizers have thought big with a double ascent for the giant of Provence! For this eleventh stage between Sorgues and Malaucène, the peloton will therefore have a lot to do. Deviations from the general can be made. Climbers should be in for a treat.
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What route?
The multicolored snake will have 198.9 kilometers to cover this Wednesday, July 7. It is a stage dedicated to climbers with the ascent of five difficulties including the famous Mont Ventoux twice. Small subtlety of the course: the ascent of the giant of Provence is not listed in the same category during the two passages. Quite simply because the first ascent, starting from Sault, classified in the first category, is longer but less difficult (22 km at 5.1%) than the second starting from Bédoin, a more classic passage well known to cyclists.
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The profile of the 11th stage. © Ouest-France
What stakes?
On a stage like this, many things can happen and in particular the failure of Tadej Pogacar, yellow jersey of the Tour de France. Obviously, the battle for the general classification should be raging. But the one for the best climber’s jersey will be worth its weight in gold. Its wearer, Nairo Quintana (Arkéa-Samsic) will want to defend his tunic at all costs. The battle for the victory of such a prestigious stage will also be one to follow closely.
Which favorites for the stage victory?
The Colombian Nairo Quintana (Arkéa-Samsic) will undoubtedly have a card to play on this stage. Just like Miguel Angel Lopez (Movistar). The Spaniard is familiar with the roads of Vaucluse where he shone last month by winning the Mont Ventoux challenges, with an identical route on the final at this eleventh stage with the double ascent. There is no doubt that the Colombian has checked this step. Especially since it is left behind in the general classification (45e at 54 minutes). The French will have a card to play as well. We think of Guillaume Martin (Cofidis) and David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ), respectively ninth and tenth in the general classification. All the other members of the Top 10 are in a position to win on this stage.
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Miguel Angel Lopez is one of the favorites of this stage. © AFP
What rankings at the start?
Tadej Pogacar (Team UAE Emirates) will defend his yellow jersey on the alpine roads. His lead over Ben O’Connor (AG2R Citoën Team) is comfortable (2’01 “) and even more over Rigoberto Uran (EF Education – Nippo), third at 5’18”.
The green jersey should remain on the shoulders of Briton Mark Cavendish (Deceuninck – Quick Step). Nairo Quintana (Arkéa-Samsic) will have a lot to do to defend his tunic as a best climber. Logically, the best young rider’s white jersey is still on Tadej Pogacar’s shoulders.
What hours?
The real start of the stage will be given at 12:15 from Sorgues. The only intermediate sprint, located at Les Imberts, should be done between 1:13 p.m. and 1:19 p.m. The first passage to the top of Ventoux should take place between 3:32 p.m. and 3:58 p.m. The second between 4:57 p.m. and 5:34 p.m. L he arrival at the foot of the giant of Provence should be judged at Malaucène between 5:18 p.m. (if an average of 39 km / h) and 5:57 p.m. (if an average of 35 km / h).
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The route of the 11th stage of the Tour de France. © ASO
What weather?
Nothing is spared the riders of the Tour de France this year. On the roads of Vaucluse, the weather will be capricious with thunderstorms expected around Malaucène between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. with humidity above 58% …
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