Posted on 07/14/2006 10:20:34 PM PDT by nutmeg
Stage 13: Béziers to Montélimar - 230km
Course: At 230km, this is the longest stage of the race, and together with the likely fast pace and baking hot weather, it could be one of the most grueling, too. It starts at Béziers on the Mediterranean seaboard before cutting across the southeast corner of the Massif Central on winding back roads that are constantly dipping and climbing through the foothills. The critical part of the stage comes with 60km to go, from where the race twists through the spectacular canyons of the Ardèche and Ibie rivers and crests two Cat. 4 climbs before emerging onto the N.102 highway with 25km to go. There's a fast twisting descent to the wide Rhône River, which the race crosses before a flat finish in Montélimar.
History: Surprisingly, for a city of 30,000 and the home of world-famous nougat candy, Montélimar has never hosted a stage.
Favorites: This marathon stage is ideal for a small group to gain a substantial lead in the early kilometers. If potentially dangerous riders like CSC's Fränk Schleck are in the breakaway then the yellow jersey's team won't let the move get too far ahead. Otherwise, there will be little opposition to a break with riders way down on GC. It could suit a rider like Rabobank's Pieter Weening or Davitamon's Chris Horner.
Graphics by CyclingNews.com
Stage 13 photos:
The pack rides uphill near the village of Anduze, seen behind, during the 13th stage of the 93rd Tour de France cycling race between Beziers and Montelimar, southern France, Saturday, July 15, 2006. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)
A spectator dressed up as a cow, right, encourages riders of the Phonak team, with overall leader Floyd Landis of the US seen third left, rear, in the village of Aniane, southern France, during the 13th stage of the 93rd Tour de France cycling race between Beziers and Montelimar, southern France, Saturday, July 15, 2006. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
The pack, led by the Phonak team and its overall leader Floyd Landis of the US, chases a 5-men breakaway near Saint-Bauzille-de-Putois, southern France, during the 13th stage of the 93rd Tour de France cycling race between Beziers and Montelimar, southern France, Saturday, July 15, 2006. (AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)
Jens Voigt of Germany, foreground, followed by Andriy Grivko of Ukraine, left, and Manuel Quinziato of Italy, rear, pedals in a 5-men breakaway during the 13th stage of the 93rd Tour de France cycling race between Beziers and Montelimar, southern France, Saturday, July 15, 2006. Voigt won the stage ahead of Oscar Pereiro Sio of Spain. Pereiro Sio takes the overall lead of the race. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
Jens Voigt of Germany, foreground, reacts as he crosses the finish line ahead of Oscar Pereiro Sio of Spain, to win the 13th stage of the 93rd Tour de France cycling race between Beziers and Montelimar, southern France, Saturday, July 15, 2006. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
Robbie McEwen of Australia, in the best sprinter's green jersey, pushes his bicycle over the finish line to win the sprint of the pack during the 13th stage of the 93rd Tour de France cycling race between Beziers and Montelimar, southern France, Saturday, July 15, 2006. Jens Voigt of Germany won the stage, Oscar Pereiro Sio of Spain took over the overall leader's yellow jersey from American Floyd Landis. Far left Tom Boonen of Belgium is seen, right is Carlos da Cruz of France. (AP Photo/Peter D
Jens Voigt of Germany waves from the podium after winning the 13th stage of the 93rd Tour de France cycling race between Beziers and Montelimar, southern France, Saturday, July 15, 2006. Oscar Pereiro Sio of Spain takes the overall lead of the race. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
New overall leader Oscar Pereiro Sio of Spain reacts on the podium after the 13th stage of the 93rd Tour de France cycling race between Beziers and Montelimar, southern France, Saturday, July 15, 2006. Jens Voigt of Germany won the stage. (AP Photo/Alessandro Trovati)
Photos of Stage 13, links to results, etc. posted in #121
Please FReepmail me if you want on or off my Tour de France 2006 list.
That's the guy! I knew he had a name that was similar to another rider (Gilberto Simoni) but I couldn't remember what it was. Thanks!
Thanks for taking the time to post these pictures. Have not had time to catch up on the Tour news the last day.
Thanks, bwteim! ;-)
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