On paper, it’s a remake of the legendary 1986 stage, where Greg LeMond and Bernard Hinault crossed the finish line hand in hand. On the road, this 12th stage of the Tour de France between Briançon and L’Alpe d’Huez could well write its own story, Thursday July 14th. On Wednesday, the general classification was turned upside down and the hierarchies that we thought were established evaporated. The double title holder, Tadej Pogacar, has shown an unprecedented vulnerability in recent years, while the Jumbo team has impressed around its leader, Jonas Vingegaard, now yellow jersey. As for Romain Bardet, surprising runner-up in the general classification, he can still make France dream on this national holiday… Follow the 12th stage of the Grande Boucle live on franceinfo.
Alpe d’Huez back after four years of absence. The end of this stage will take place in a magnificent setting: the 13.8 km climb to L’Alpe d’Huez, at an average gradient of 8.1% along the 21 numbered bends that lead to the finish at the summit. Thibaut Pinot had achieved quite a number there in 2015. If the climber from Franche-Comté, who lost a lot of time on Wednesday, has good legs…
The Galibier rather twice than once. Lhe roof of the Tour, 2,642 m high, was climbed for the second time in two days, but this time by the Lautaret step on its southern slope (23 km at 5.1%), less steep than the northern slope covered Wednesday by the peloton.
The day of glory? Contrary to a tenacious received idea, the French do not win so often on the day of the national holiday. The last was Warren Barguil, on July 14, 2017. Before him, David Moncoutié, in 2005, Richard Virenque, in 2004, or Laurent Jalabert twice, in 1995 and in 2001, had entered their name on the list.