Stage 13 - Pau > > > Lourdes - 152.5 km
Friday, July 15, 2011
High Mountains - A sporting perspective
JEAN-FRANÇOIS PESCHEUX’S ANALYSIS: A chance for glory
“This is a stage that will suit the breakaway specialists, the baroudeurs, who can take some big climbs in their stride, because the Aubisque features about halfway through. Last year, one of the most memorable stages was the one over the Madeleine, with the finish about 30km on from that summit. Once again, if there are plenty of attacks, it will only need one of the favourites to get caught out and his rivals will all react, and we will see a significant change in the overall order. On the other hand, a team leader who has already been struggling could try to go for glory on the Aubisque, because from there the road is all downhill. As there is no summit finish today, the best climbers won’t go all out today. They will just stay in the wheels. Other riders, those likely to finish between 15th and 30th in Paris, will contest the victory once the sprinters have been eliminated from today’s equation.”
Thanks for that perspective.
Helps to have a general feel for how the days stage may develop