Stage



This stage preview is available in the following languages:

(We are looking for translations in ALL other languages. Please submit your translation with the stage no. and language in the subject title. If you don't see your preview posted within 12 hours then please resend your preview as an attachment if you didn't already do so because we've had problems with some inline character sets like German.)


Also follow steephill on Twitter for the latest race info and video updates.
July 16 post: Stage 15 is a flat stage with on major categorized climb from Limoux to Montpellier, a frequent stage host town strategically located between the Alps and Pyrenees. Robbie McEwen and Robbie Hunter were the last winners of road stages in Montpellier in 2005 and 2007, respectively.

In 2009, Montpellier hosted a windy, technical team time trial (photos). The 2007 stage to Montpellier was also highly impacted by the coastal winds of the Mediterranean Sea. That year the peloton split in half with the last half finishing more than three minutes behind a 80 man break. The same thing happened with the 2009 stage from Marseille to La Grande-Motte when Alberto Contador was caught out by the move and lost 41 seconds.

So the wind (and heat) could be a big factor on this 193 km stage, but with Monday being a rest day teams like HTC-Highroad will be willing to work extra hard to set up a sprint finish. On paper this stage looks like one for the sprinters, but the GC contenders will need to be attentive. — Steve with contributions from Lizzie.

2007: Hunter makes history in Montpellier madnesscyclingnews