We're finally here. After 11 days of steadily rising expectations – and not a few unexpectedly intense skirmishes – the Tour de France's first series of general classification battles will begin in the Pyrenees. Come Sunday evening, a clear outline of each contender's real chances for victory in Paris will be established once and for all.
The difference between important GC stages like La Planche des Belles Filles on stage 6 or the stage 2 team time trial is that from now until Sunday, it's one crunch-stage after another with no letting up.
Consistency will be as crucial as flashes of individual brilliance. As the saying goes, a large part of the Tour is won off the bike. It will be one all-out effort after another, and the ability to recover will be as significant as the events of each day's racing.
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The racing in a nutshell
A difficult stage 12 on Thursday takes on two first-category climbs. Then there's the medium-length stage 13 individual time trial in Pau, followed by a summit finish on the Tourmalet at the end of Saturday's short-but-challenging stage 14. And lastly, a classic long grind eastward through the Pyrenees with another tough summit finish at Prat d'Albis in Foix on stage 15. Right now, next Monday's second rest day must feel like a lifetime away.
Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-QuickStep) is in command of the GC, but he is expected – although by no means guaranteed – to suffer on the toughest mountain climbs. All eyes will be on the Team Ineos duo of Geraint Thomas and Egan Bernal.
Thomas and Bernal have substantial advantages on their chasers, and are second and third overall. Unless Alaphilippe proves to be a harder nut to crack on the climbs and in the TT, Team Ineos can afford to play a defensive game. They can wait to take yellow almost by default. Under such circumstances, their rivals are obliged to attack.
Tackling the Tourmalet
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
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