All the stage information you need, including why it matters and which riders to watch.
Bourg-de-Peage to Gap, 201km; Monday, July 20
One day before the Tour’s second rest day, Stage 16 brings the race into the Alps with two significant climbs in the second half of the stage. The summit of the day’s final climb, the Second Category Col de Manse, comes only 12km from the finish line in Gap. The climb is difficult, but its steep, spiraling descent should determine the day’s winner.
Why It Matters
Stage 16 is certainly no cakewalk. It’s one of the longer stages in this year’s Tour, and the road tilts gently upward all day. In other words, it’s the kind of terrain that saps already tired legs. Expect a somewhat nervous day of racing for the leaders, especially if a confident descender like Alberto Contador decides to attack on the steep and twisty descent of the Col de Manse.
Who to Watch
Astana’s Vincenzo Nibali had a disastrous start to the Tour, but he’s shown signs that his form is coming around. When’s he feeling good, he can climb better than almost anyone, but he’s also one of the finest descenders in cycling. Tomorrow’s finish will provide the perfect opportunity for the Italian to win his first stage of this year’s Tour.
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via Bicycling » Tour de France http://ift.tt/1Vkdymt
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