Although it’s unlikely the 2014 Tour de France will be won here, this stage is still highly selective and will present numerous opportunities for the general classification riders to put time into each other.
With it being Bastille Day, the French riders in the peloton will be extremely motivated to get into the breakaway to try and position themselves for the stage victory.
There are four Category 1 climbs to negotiate and the final climb up La Planche des Belle Filles begins at 13 per cent with the final ramp at 20 per cent, which in itself is difficult to walk on. Significant time gaps will be opened up and the general classification will take shape as we head toward our first rest day.
From what has unfolded in a tumultuous opening week, it cannot be understated how instrumental domestiques are to the success of their team. Whether they’re dropping back through the caravan to retrieve food and drink from their team cars, assisting with punctures/mechanicals or riding at the front of the peloton to chase down breakaways, their efforts allow their leaders to conserve energy for later attacks.
While Alberto Contador is the deserved favourite to win this stage, it will be interesting to see how much cumulative fatigue has accrued in the Tinkoff-Saxo squad.
Having lost chief lieutenant Roman Kreuziger before the start of the race to a biological passport irregularity, Contador has relied upon Nicholas Roche and Michael Rogers for support, both of whom raced in the Giro d’Italia earlier this year. It remains to be seen whether both riders can sustain their efforts on the tenth consecutive day of racing.
Richie Porte has been giving a good account of himself in the Vosges mountains, confirming that the Team Sky leader has overcome the health issues that plagued him earlier this season. With Geraint Thomas and Bernhard Eisel racing well, I believe Porte can mount a serious challenge for the stage victory and pull back significant time on the maillot jaune.
Follow Stephen on Twitter @sw064351
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