In week 2, we face a completely different terrain - from the UK and north western France to the more thrilling Vosgues and Alps. The reason i like this route so much this year is mainly due to the Vosgues which we will face at stage 8, 9 and 10.
It already starts at the first stage. A first flat 130 km's will be rounded of with 3 hard climbs at the final in a session where no rest is allowed. First up is Col de la Croix des Moinats followed the Col de Grosse Pierre followed up by the stage ending La Mauselaine-climb (1,8 km at 10,3%). I think we will see the favorites at the last climb dueling it out for the stage victory - i like Contador in this one.
Stage 9 is very similar to the stage Michael Rasmussen won in 2005 where he claimed the polka dotted-jersey. A very climb heavy 2/3 of the stage and downhill and flat for the rest into Mulhouse. The stage is suited for the break (maybe the first one in this year's edition).
While the 2 first stages of the Vosgues seem rather interesting, the stage to Plance des Belles Filles. Compared to 2012, this stage seem to be a 'real' mountain stage as the peloton at the end of the day would have climbed 4 categories 1, 2 categories 2 and 1 category 3. I think we are in for fireworks.
Next up is the Alps, but first 2 transitions stage. First first one to Oyonax is relatively bumpy, but i still expect the sprinters to win both of those. The first stage in the Alps goes to Chamrousse, a climb with similar length and gradients to Tourmalet at 18,2 km and 7,3% - however, the climb is steepest in the bottom. Before Chamrousse, they also have to climb the cat 1 Col de Palaquit. I honesly dont know what to expect of this stage, but would put my money on a break. The last stage in the Alps and rounding off week 2 is the stage to Risoul which will offer another opportunity for the climbers and in my opinion a stage which is better suited to create gaps in the GC than the day before. Before reaching Risoul, they also have to climb Lautarat and the legendary Izoard (19,6 km, 6%). Compared to Chamrousse, Risoul (12,6 km, 7%) is steepest towards the top which definetely opens up for the big guns. I expect big gaps today.
Apart from the shitty Alpine stages and the bewildering complete lack of any TT whatsoever until the penultimate stage it's a decent route, not as good as last year's though. Nice to see that pretty much all the Vosgian climbs get in to the route, that should be an interesting part of the race to watch.
Stromeon wrote:
Apart from the shitty Alpine stages and the bewildering complete lack of any TT whatsoever until the penultimate stage it's a decent route, not as good as last year's though. Nice to see that pretty much all the Vosgian climbs get in to the route, that should be an interesting part of the race to watch.
Routewise, I think it's similar as good to 2013. I do think it's a huge plus that we only have one TT so Froome doesnt put 2 minutes into Nibali and Contador. This way it can be a lot more close until the end. The Alps arent great, however, both stages finishes uphill and are decently hard. And the Risoul-will go over Izoard which always is a pleasure! + as you mentions the Vosgues are looking very interesting.
Good indications of who we can expect to see this year. My questionmarks (or riders Ill look forward to how perform) are Tejay, Betencur and Rui Costa. I really hope those 3 do well. However, Im not sure if Rui and Betencur will ride the GC, but i kinda assume and hope they will. Also interesting and young riders such as Sepulveda, Demare, Jungels and Bardet will attend.
