The final stage of the Criterium du Dauphine is the shortest road stage of the race at just over 115 kilometres, and with four classified climbs, it will be an enthralling stage. Join The Roar’s live coverage of Stage 8 of the Criterium du Dauphine from 9:30pm AEST.
The stage kicks off from Albertville, with the riders travelling only 13 kilometres before the first climb of the day, the category one climb of the Col des Saisies.
The climb is brutal for so early in the stage, as the climb averages 6.4 per cent for 15 kilometres. This climb is the longest on the day’s stage.
A technical descent of 14 kilometres ensues before the second category rise of the Col des Aravis is at the foot of the riders. The climb averages just under 7 percent for 6.6 kilometres.
At the top of the second climb, the riders are just outside the halfway point on today’s stage. With the short nature of the stage today, I would not be surprised to see Team Sky and Movistar look to attack the first two climbs to isolate Richie Porte.
From the top of the second climb, it is a 13 kilometres descent before the riders tackle the penultimate climb of the day, the category one climb of the Col de la Colombiere.
It is similar in length to the final climb of the day, however, it only averages 6.1 percent. The final climb is far more difficult in that respect.
The penultimate climb tops out with just under 35 kilometres to go, which may be too far for general classification riders to attack away on their own, but if they have teammates up the road, attacking may work out to be beneficial.
Also, there is a flat section of around 10 kilometres before the start of the final climb, which may also make attacking away on your lonesome all the more off-putting.
The climb of the Plateau de Solasion is the final test for the riders in this year’s race, and is sure to be instrumental in the final results.
The 11.3 kilometre climb averages over 9 per cent, with the steepest part of the climb being the first four kilometres. I expect fireworks on this climb, with riders wanting to fine tune their fitness before the Tour de France in three weeks time.
Richie Porte holds over a minute lead over Froome, however, his main challenger in my opinion is Astana’s Jakub Fuglsang, who has gone toe to toe with the Australian on every mountain pass in the race to date.
Can Porte defend his lead, and become the only the second Australian to win the Dauphine? Join The Roar’s live coverage of the final stage of the Criterium du Dauphine from 9:30 pm AEST.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Cheers for the call Brendon! See you for the Tour in a couple of weeks - can.not.wait.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Scott Pryde
Expert
What a race. Fuglsang is a serious threat at the tour in a 1-2 with Aru. Lots of positives out of that for Porte. He rode the final climb 1:20 faster than Froome. That's awesome.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Fuglsang takes the general classification by 10 seconds. Incredible.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Second stage for Fuglsang, can he now take the overall win. Martin second, and Meintjes third. 1 minute and 4 seconds the magic number.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
500 metres for Fuglsang.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Porte going full gas. Ride for the ages this. The best of his career.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
1 kilometer to go. Fuglsang in the box seat. Can he do it?
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Porte drops Froomedog.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Porte a minute and 13 back. 8 second lead virtual at the moment for Fuglsang. This is sensational.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
2 kilometres to go for Fuglsang. Meintjes rides away from Bardet. Meintjes is 40 seconds behind, but the way the young man is riding, he could catch Fuglsang.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fuglsang has always had this potential. What a ride.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Buchamann dropped by Meintjes and Bardet.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Porte rides past Froome, as Froome attempts to hold the wheel of his former teammate.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
3 kilometres to go for Fuglsang.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Buchamann follows Meintjes, as Bardet is also there.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Meintjes attacks as Froome is slowly capitulating.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Porte has the Froome group in his sight.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Fuglsang virtual leader.