Special envoy to Moirans-en-Montagne

The Tour de France sprinters’ teams missed the boat on Thursday with the return to the plain, leaving breakaways to compete for victory that ultimately went to the daring Dane Kasper Asgreen. They could bitterly regret their tactics because this Friday, the profile of the stage traced entirely in the Jura could be a little more suitable for backpackers even if a massive sprint is not to be ruled out. Two difficulties are on the menu with the crossing of the Côte du Bois de Lionge (1.9 km at 5.7%) and that of Ivory (2.3 km at 5.9%). Nothing insurmountable on paper, of course, but this last difficulty located 28 km from the finish could make it possible to blow up tired sprinters after almost three weeks of racing and roll out the red carpet for punchers who still have a little juice in their thighs.

The fictitious start will be given at 1:15 p.m. and the real start at 1:30 p.m. with an expected arrival around 5:20 p.m. with an average speed of 45 km/h.

France 3 from 12.55 p.m. then France 2 from 3 p.m.

“It’s a little harder than the stage the day before. And certainly more complicated to control for sprinter teams. There will be a real match between the sprinters’ teams and the breakaways. If it has to happen in the sprint, we have eight kilometers of straight line. Runners shouldn’t miss the finish line.”

Moirans-en-Montagne will host the Tour de France for the second time in its history. The town of 2,300 inhabitants where Anaïs Bescond, the biathlete who won the mixed relay at the 2018 Olympic Games, is home to a very original toy museum. 20,000 toys from all over the world are stored, whether handcrafted or industrial. A great way to relive your childhood.

The arrival of the Tour de France in Poligny is a great first. The municipality of Jura dedicates a few days each year to a Hiking Festival. Lovers of old stones will go and see the Saint-Hyppolyte Collegiate Church dating from the 15th century or the former Jacobin convent that emerged from the ground in the 13th century. Fans of gastronomic history can make a detour to the Maison du Comté.

It’s hard to miss the chicken and its variation in yellow wine accompanied by morels. Trout and zander are an excellent alternative to poultry. For big appetites, why not a Comté fondue or a Morbier raclette. In Poligny, don’t miss the cheese platters and the tasting of polinois or cancoillotte accompanied by Jura wines (crément, vin jaune or macvin).

To win on the wire against an opponent with a few centimeters in advance.

Example: “I gave it my all in the finale to put the screed on him.”