Special envoy to Tarbes
The Pyrenean mountains are now behind the peloton and the sprinters can finally breathe a little. Those who have kept a little energy are even salivating at the idea of the massive sprint that is looming in the streets of Bordeaux after a day spent on the plain. The fresh aspect will be essential after two exhausting stages in the mountains. Who will have crossed the passes the best? Do Philipsen and his pilot fish Wout van Aert have yet another explosive number in store for us to go for a third win in a row? Will the competition succeed this time in disrupting the infernal duo? Answer at the end of the afternoon. One thing is certain, we cannot imagine a breakaway going to the end of this flat course, with the exception of the ascent of the Béguey coast (1.2 km at 4.4%).
The fictitious start will be given at 1:15 p.m. The actual start will be given at 1:30 p.m. and the arrival is scheduled for around 5:17 p.m. with an average speed of 45 km/h.
France 3 from 12.55 p.m. then France 2 from 3 p.m.
“A breakaway has almost no chance of going to the end. I think it will still be played in the sprint, an ideal terrain for sprinters. Philipsen is in great shape and has a formidable launching pad with Van der Poel and above all, he has taken a psychological advantage over his opponents. This is very important in this exercise. But the result will also depend on the state of fatigue of some after the Pyrenees. Philipsen got through the difficulties not too badly, it confirms my prognosis.
Mont-de-Marsan, adopted city of Luis Ocana, has already hosted the Tour de France three times. Lovers of medieval history will flock to the Donjon Lacataye dating from the 14th century or to the tower of the old ramparts (12th century). Art lovers will opt more for the Despiau-Wlérick museum, the only French gallery devoted exclusively to figurative sculpture.
Bordeaux, a classic of the Tour de France. The Grande Boucle has passed through this city 81 times! A good memory especially for Marc Cavendish who won the sprint in 2010, one of his 34 victories in the event. Queen city of cycling with 700 km of track dedicated to it, Bordeaux offers its many architectural splendours: let us mention the Saint-Michel basilica (14th century), the Grand-Théâtre (18th century) or the Place de la Bourse and its mirror of ‘water. We should also mention the unmissable Place des Quinconces or the stone bridge.
Take advantage of your visit to Mont-de-Marsan to taste foie gras or duck confit if you have a good fork. The city of Stade Montois, a rugby club, also often works with asparagus but also kiwi, for dessert. Armagnac is essential at the end of dinner. In Bordeaux, a city of land and sea, opt for oysters from the Arcachon basin and discover Gironde caviar. The meat lovers will cut a good rib steak à la bordelaise or Paulliac lamb. Passing through the pastry shop, do your shopping for canelés. We obviously no longer present the wines of Bordeaux.
Nothing to do with a burglary, we are talking here about physical preparation. It is better to make the cash during the months preceding the departure to be able to cash three hard weeks of racing without cracking.
Example: “This year, the whole team went on an internship in Chartreuse to make the cash. »