Stage 16 of the Tour de France sees the riders transition to the foot of the Alps. Join The Roar’s live coverage from 10pm (AEST), as the sprinters have another chance for glory.
The last week of the Tour starts from the finishing town of Stage 15, Le Puy-en-Velay, with a 165-kilometre stage finishing with an expected sprint finish in the town of Romans-sur-Isere.
However, with two classified climbs inside the first half of the stage, it will not be simple for riders like Marcel Kittel and Andre Griepel in getting to the final sprint.
The first climb is the Category 3 Cote de Boussoulet (4.5 km at 6.3%), which is completed after 20 kilometre. While the categorised section of the climb is a little under five kilometres in length, looking at the race profile, the road rises over 600 metres before the summit.
A few lumps and bumps come after the descent, before the fourth category climb of the Col du Rouvey (2.8 km at 5.6%).
After yesterday’s rest day, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of the pure sprinters get dropped on those initial climbs.
It is then a long descent of around 60 kilometres before the intermediate sprint point in the town of Chatemerle-les-Bles with just under 45 kilometres to go.
The final 40 kilometres are on flat roads, before a technical final kilometre, with a fast right then left hand 90-degree sequence of corners leading onto the final straight with around 500 metres to go.
Can Kittel make it six, or will the likes of Griepel and Alexander Kristoff show up to the party?
Join The Roar’s live coverage of Stage 16 of the Tour de France from 10pm (AEST).
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Well, l'm out. Massive day tomorrow with the Galibier and Telegraphe featuring tomorrow. Thanks for joining the coverage tonight.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Michael Matthews takes his third Tour stage, second this year, with Boasson Hagen and Degenkolb following behind.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Meintjes and Martin finish 50 seconds down.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Photo for Matthews, Boasson Hagen and Degenkolb.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Van Avermaet leads.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Bennati caught.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
1 to go.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Matthews third wheel.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Barguill attempting to bring him back.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
2 to go, Bennati attacks.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
3 to go.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Martin 32 seconds behind, as Jack Bauer has cracked in the chase effort.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
5 to go.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Looks like they have just turned, should be tailwind to the finish.
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
Dan Martin not doing so well today.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
Martin group still 25 seconds behind.
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
10 kilometres to go.