The penultimate stage of the Tour from Modane to Alpe d’Huez was originally supposed to cover a different route. However, due to a landslide, the race will cross the Col de la Croix de Fer again, instead of the Col du Galibier.
It’s a very short stage at just 110kms, but that doesn’t mean that significant time gaps can’t be created. Legs are tired at this stage, and once again we can expect fireworks from early on such a stage. A similar stage in 2011, which did include the Galibier turned out to be very exciting.
It will be difficult for riders to get away in the opening kilometres which is a descent to the foot of the Col de la Croix de Fer. From there though, might we see Movistar try and send some riders up the road on the early slopes of the climb?
Team Sky have shown that they’re vulnerable at this stage of the race, and Froome was left with little support yesterday. Will Movistar set an early fast pace to try and drop the likes of Geraint Thomas, Richie Porte and Leopold Konig?
In 2008, Carlos Sastre did beat Cadel Evans by over two minutes on Alpe d’Huez to go on and win the Tour. So it is possible to gain some decent time on the climb. If Quintana hasn’t attacked by this stage, then he needs to try and go clear on the lowers slopes of the climb when it’s steepest.
If he leaves it too late, then he won’t be able to put enough time into Froome to win the Tour. It’s the last opportunity for Quintana to try and win the Tour, and yesterday will have provided him with some confidence. He can’t leave it too late though.
