With the second individual time trial completed, the 100th edition of le Tour de France begins three consecutive challenging stages through the French Alps. With a double ascension of the Alpe-d'Huez, Stage 18 will challenge even the greatest of climbers. The peloton will journey 172.5km from the town of Gap to the Ski Resort at Alpe-d'Huez.
Circumstantial evidence suggests that Team Sky may not particularly enjoy the parcours. It would seem that the more mountains Team Sky have to climb the sooner the majority of the team becomes of no use. As strong as leuitentants Richie Porte and Peter Kennaugh have been for Chris Froome, there is only so much workload they can shoulder before they too crack and leave Froome isolated.
The King of the Mountains classification could be in for another transformation, with an impressive 92 points available during Stage 18. The final ascent of the Alpe-d'Huez shall be the most profitable of the categorised climbs, with a maximum of 50 points on offer for the stage winner. That leaves a maximum of 42 points up for grabs throughout a parcours featuring the Category 3 Rampe du Motty, and the Category 2 climbs of the Col de Manse, Col d'Ornon, and Col de Sarenne.
From the beginning of the stage the peloton receive a taste of what is still to come, as the riders once again climb the Col de Manse en route to our finale atop the Alpe-d'Huez. There will be little time for the peloton to rest should a fierce pace be set at the front of the group. With the descents one of the few areas where the riders may be able to throttle back just a little to let the legs recover for the climb ahead.
The ascent of the Col de Manse is different from the route used for Stage 16, with the climb some 6.6km in length at an average gradient of 6.2% for Stage 18. With the summit of the Col de Manse arriving just 13km from the commencement of the stage in Gap, the peloton could be in for a high intensity climb as a breakaways attempt to form.
The journey to the Col d'Ornon from the Col de Manse shall be quite hilly, with categorised climb of the Rampe du Motty to be climbed along the way. The Rampe du Motty is a relatively short climb, in comparison to the other categorised climbs in the parcours. However, at 2.4km in length at an average gradient of 8%, it is not to be mocked.
Whilst Col d'Ornon is listed by race organiser ASO as being shorter than the earlier ascent of the Col de Manse. At an average gradient of 6.7%, over a length of 5.1km, it could certainly cause some damage to the peloton, should the peloton still be largely intact. The intermediate sprint point is located after the descent of the Col d'Ornon, but arguably isn't worth talking about in depth on such a mountainous stage.
Alpe-d'Huez & Col de Sarenne
The riders will then shortly arrive at the foot of the stage's penultimate climbs. Whilst it is listed as two different categorised climbs, you could argue the Col de Sarenne almost acts as an extension to the first ascent of the Alpe-d'Huez. The climb of the Alpe-d'Huez will be at an average gradient of 8.4% and over a length of 12.3km. With the following Col de Sarenne some 3km in length and at an average gradient of 7%.
The descent following the summit of the Col de Sarenne has been criticised by several riders as being dangerous. Certainly the road surface will have been improved with the Tour de France coming to town. However, the descent will still be extremely difficult and technical, thanks to the narrow roads and the several twists, turns, and switchbacks encountered.
Alpe-d'Huez Finale
The concluding ascent of the Alpe-d'Huez will be much like the first ascent of the Alpe-d'Huez. Except instead of changing direction to summit the Col de Sarenne the parcours will continue following the traditional route used for summit finishes atop the famous Alpe-d'Huez climb. With the second traditional ascent 13.8km in length and at an average gradient of 8.1%.
Stage Contenders
It will be difficult for the majority of people to look any further than Chris Froome for the stage victory, and who could blame them. Though there is always the possibility of the breakaway successfully staying away, like in Stage 16, or a successful attack coming on one of the climbs.
The eyes of the world shall be on Team Saxo-Tinkoff heading in to the Alps, with Alberto Contador needing to audaciously reduce a 4'34" time deficit to claim the overall honours in the Tour de France. Whilst Roman Kreuziger is not that much further behind, should the team wish to try to pull a knock out one-two punch.
Meanwhile, both Nairo Quintana and Joaquim Rodriguez could attempt something during the stage in an attempt to climb further up the General Classification standing. So we may be in for an exciting stage of attacking riding, if Team Sky do not blow the race to pieces despite several difficult climbs.
Epilogue
Another day of dominance for Team Sky and Chris Froome? Or will the number of climbs throughout the day leave Froome isolated again? Will the breakaway get any leeway? Or will it be one of the General Classification riders to take the stage victory?
I know the descent is dangerous, but really? Cancel for rain? I don't agree with that. The riders should just take more care if they want on the descent.
"Cycling is now the the world's cleanest sport." - Chris Froome
Screw the rest of the Tour if it's true.
