Posted on 07/13/2006 11:37:15 PM PDT by nutmeg
Stage 12: Luchon to Carcassonne - 211.5km
Course: There are no major climbs on this first of three transitional stages between the Pyrénées and Alps, but that doesn't mean it will be an easy day. Stages like this often give rise to long breakaways that succeed, especially when the weather in this southern part of France is hot and sticky. Any break that develops in the hilly opening two-thirds of the stage will need to get at least a 10-minute lead if it has any chance of holding off the pack on the straighter roads and flatter terrain of the final 70km.
History: An almost identical stage from Luchon to Carcassonne in 1962 was won by multi-time French champion Jean Stablinski, who finished 12 seconds ahead of 11 chasers. The last of four stages to finish in Carcassonne was a 77km team time trial from Narbonne won by TI-Raleigh in 1981.
Favorites: This stage is taking place on the French national holiday of July 14, so expect an all-out effort from the home riders, especially Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Télécom), Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis) and Patrice Halgand (Crédit Agricole).
Graphics by CyclingNews.com
During the coverage this morning, Phil or Paul said that getting the supports vehicles up to the little mountain towns can be very difficult ( no space, congestion) so many of the competitors ride back to their hotels because it's so much easier than sitting around waiting for the team car to ferry them down . That doesn't that he wasn't possibly taking unnecessary risks.
Stage 12 photos:
Overall leader Floyd Landis of the US, foreground, is surrounded by reporters prior to the 12th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Luchon and Carcassonne, southwestern France, Friday, July 14, 2006. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
Overall leader Floyd Landis of the USA, second right, rides with his teammates during the 12th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Luchon and Carcassonne, southwestern France, Friday, July 14, 2006. Yaroslav Popovych of the Ukraine won the stage. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
Overall leader Floyd Landis of the US, 4th left, is framed by his Phonak teammates during the 12th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Luchon and Carcassonne, southwestern France, Friday, July 14, 2006. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)
Alessandro Ballan of Italy pedals during the 12th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Luchon and Carcassonne, southwestern France, Friday, July 14, 2006. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)
Yaroslav Popovych of Ukraine reacts as he crosses the finish line to win the 12th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Luchon and Carcassonne, southwestern France, Friday, July 14, 2006. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
Yaroslav Popovych of Ukraine waves from the podium after winning the 12th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Luchon and Carcassonne, southwestern France, Friday, July 14, 2006. Floyd Landis of Ukraine retains the overall lead of the race. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
David de La Fuente of Spain puts on the best climber's dotted jersey on the podium after the 12th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Luchon and Carcassonne, southwestern France, Friday, July 14, 2006. Yaroslav Popovych of Ukraine won the stage, Floyd Landis of the US retains the overall lead of the race. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)
Overall leader Floyd Landis of the US waves from the podium after the 12th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Luchon and Carcassonne, southwestern France, Friday, July 14, 2006. Yaroslav Popovych of Ukraine won the stage. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)
Photos of Stage 12, links to results, etc. posted in #144
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