“There’s a bump at the entrance (la côte de la Cascade du Coeur; 1.5 km at 8%), then a long descent in which you have to pedal. You have to have strength, bring gear to go fast, not waste time. And after the flat portion and the famous Domancy coast (2.5 km at 9.4% with passages at more than 15%), if you have the strength, you put the big plateau back on and you go to the arrival at Combloux. Whose benefit? It’s not easy to find a favourite,” says Charly Mottet, the former yellow jersey. Tadej Pogacar assures: “In the time trial, I believe there will be gaps. The route suits me well. ” Jonas Vingegaard slips, he is very short, but I like short lap times like that, it’s often difficult to find your rhythm and I like it when there are a lot of changes of pace. “In 2016, the time trial (17 km) drawn between Sallanches and Megève (via the Domancy coast) allowed Chris Froome to establish his superiority. The Briton won in 30’43” (ahead of Tom Dumoulin by 21”, Fabio Aru and Richie Porte by 33”). Finally, the Domancy coast is a nod to the 2027 world championships, of which it will be the highlight of the Worlds course.
After the Col des Saisies and the Cormet de Roseland will rise the Col de la Loze (2304 m, with passages at 24%) which made a remarkable entry into the Tour de France in 2020. “One of the steepest climbs hard times in the world, ”plants Tadej Pogacar. In 2020, the Slovenian took 3rd place (30”) in a stage won by Colombian Miguel Angel Lopez (ahead of Primoz Roglic). Jonas Vingegaard will discover the places. “5,500 m of elevation gain, with an arrival at the Courchevel altiport (after an 18% climb),” presents Christian Prudhomme. Jonas Vingegaard admits to impatiently waiting for climbs that can serve his endurance. He surely ticked the 17th stage.
No traditional time trial on the eve of the parade on the Champs-Elysées (like 2009 at Mont Ventoux, 2013 at Semnoz above Annecy, 2015 at Alpe d’Huez, 2016 at Morzine and 2019 at Val Thorens). The 20th stage of the Tour 2023 (133.5 km) will bristle with six passes: the Ballon d’Alsace (11.5 km at 5.3%), the Col de la Croix des Moinats, (5.2 km at 7% ), the Col de Grosse Pierre, (3.2 km at 8%), the Col de la Schlucht, (4.3 km at 5.4%), the Petit Ballon (9.3km at 8.1%), the Col du Platzerwasel (7.1km at 8.4%), before arriving at Markstein. For 3500 m of altitude difference. A real obstacle course. “Even when it’s not the Alps or the Pyrenees, it can be selective. This corresponds to the desire I have had since I have been in charge of the Tour, to seek selective places everywhere, ”rejoices Christian Prudhomme. If the differences have not buried the hopes of one of the two candidates to the final victory, the day by its elevation could, combined with the fatigue and the heat, open on a new crazy stage favorable to reversals of situation. And inspire the untenable Tadej Pogacar or serve the collective strength of the Jumbo-Visma in the service of Jonas Vingegaard…
