The Tour de France hits the Alps today where Vincenzo Nibali looks to consolidate his grip on the race leader’s yellow jersey.
The 197.5km route features the debut of the Col de Palaquit, a grueling category 1 climb that is sure to shred the peloton before they begin their stratospheric ascent to the ski resort of Chamrousse, the first hors catégorie climb in this year’s race.
Given the length and steepness of the final climb, it appears unlikely the general classification contenders will launch any significant attacks on the Col de Palaquit. However, with the gradient continuously changing, this presents an excellent opportunity for the breakaway to stay away if they establish a large enough time gap.
Sky haven’t had to set tempo in this race and as a result Richie Porte will have the support of a team with relatively fresh legs. He will be suited by these longer climbs and his effort behind Nibali on La Planche des Belle Filles was a vast improvement over prior form this season.
King of the Mountains leader Joaquim Rodriguez put on a courageous display that day as well, sprinting for maximum points on each of that day’s category 1 climbs. He appeared momentarily to have made the winning break before being overhauled in the final kilometres. Down over an hour on the race lead, Rodriguez poses no threat to the general classification riders and will be allowed additional leeway to challenge for the stage win. For mine, he looks the one to beat.
Alejandro Valverde should also relish these conditions and can go close on his best.
Join The Roar for live coverage of Stage 13 from 10:30pm (AEST).
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