Tour de France Stage 15 Preview.

 

Pamiers - Bagnères-de-Luchon, 187 km

The second stage in the Pyrenees will see the riders attack the Port de Balès, a climb that was first featured just three years ago when the road was given a new surface -It was specially laid for cycling races. this climb does feature some sections of up to 11%  and this is sure to thin out the yellow jersey group. However the 20km downhill into the finish at Luchon means a GC shakeup is unlikely. Sure a good downhill rider can open up the gaps, for example Samuel Sánchez, as it is quite a technical descent, but more importantly those that are dropped might find it hard to get back up to the contenders on the high-speed downhill.  

 Climbs:

• Km 30.0 - Côte de Carla-Bayle - 3.1 km climb to 4.1 % - Category 4
• Km 105.0 - Col de Portet-d'Aspet - 5.8 km climb to 6.8 % - Category 2
• Km 126.5 - Col des Ares - 6.1 km climb to 4.7 % - Category 2
• Km 166.0 - Port de Balès - 19.3 km climb to 6.1 % - Category H

 

Look for a breakaway to try their luck- if they can crest the HC summit first, they will stay away.  If Saxo Bank - or more likely Astana try and flex their muscle a break might get caught and the games will start on the final climb.  No doubt riders well down in time will be given leeway (Maybe Lance?) in a break, big points on offer for KOM so the usual suspects will be there.  If the break is going to be caught look for the Port de Balès to be used by the opportunists riding with the GC group trying for a stage win  - Sastre, Vino, Cunego, Kiryienka. They can either go for early attack and try and stay away or a late one and look to get over the top first knowing they will be hard to catch.

We saw Schleck struggle with the downhill on the Col du Madeline - maybe Contador will attack late and try and pressure the leader on the downhill.  There is a big battle for 3rd taking place - expect the man generally regarded as the best descender in the peloton - Sammy Sanchez to attempt to get time on Menchov and the likes.    With a monster day tomorrow though, the favourites might take a break from all out hostilities on this stage.  One thing is sure though- i think Schleck will be the one following Contador.