Special envoy to Moûtiers
The Alps and the passes are no more than a bad memory for part of the Tour de France peloton, which is pleased to see the return of the flat stages. The one between Moûtiers and Bourg-en-Bresse will allow the sprinter teams to regain control of the race. There will be no major difficulties on the program for this day with the exception of two fourth category climbs (Côte de Chambéry-le-Haut, 1.6 km at 4.1%) and the Côte de Boissieu (2.4 km at 4.7%) which should not pose a problem for riders. A breakaway will undoubtedly take shape but we will leave him little chance of going to the end. We will indeed be heading for a mass sprint in the streets of Bourg-en-Bresse.
The fictitious start will be given at 1:05 p.m. and the real start at 1:35 p.m. with an expected arrival around 5:42 p.m. with an average speed of 45 km/h.
France 3 from 12.55 p.m. then France 2 from 3 p.m.
“The sprinter teams will only have the 18th stage and that of Paris to show off. Several teams will drive very hard and it will not be only the Alpecin formation to do it for Jasper Philipsen whom I designate as my favorite to go for another stage victory. He is stronger than all the others.”
Moûtiers and its 3600 inhabitants will host the Tour de France for the fourth time. The Savoyard city is home to the Saint-Pierre Cathedral (11th century) and the Episcopal Palace of Charantaise dating from the 14th century as well as the emblematic Pont Saint-Pierre.
The Burgiens and Burgiennes will host the Grande Boucle for the sixth time in Ain. The city of origin of tennis player Julien Benneteau but also comedian Laurent Gerra, present tomorrow on the stage, is known for the royal monastery of Brou (16th century), a real jewel of the Gothic era. A walk in town will allow you to admire the half-timbered houses.
You can still taste Savoyard omelettes before leaving the mountains, but the choice will also be made of alpine lamb or fricassee of caïon (pork). A little indulgence with the tasting of rissoles, these turnovers filled with cream or compote. In Bourg-en-Bresse, local chicken is a must, as is Dombes carp. Before dessert, taste Bleu de Bresse and Comté cheese.
Said of a team or a rider who attacks from the start of the stage and the actual start.
Example: “As soon as Christian Prudhomme lowers the red flag, we get out of the hotel”.
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