Mission accomplished for Giulio Ciccone. The Italian of Lidl-Trek took advantage of several mountain peaks at the start of the 20th stage of the Tour de France, Saturday July 22, to definitively secure the polka dot jersey for the best climber. Apart from an abandonment by the arrival on the Champs-Elysées, the 28-year-old Transalpine will thus be one of the lucky ones on the final podium on Sunday. Follow our live.
A last stand of honor for Thibaut Pinot? Thibaut Pinot, the regional of the stage, received a volcanic welcome from the public who came in large numbers to support him. His supporters are hoping for a last last stand for his last mountain stage on the Tour before his retirement from sport. He is currently part of the leading group.
A compact stage. The riders will have to draw on their ultimate resources to cross a short stage (133.5 km). The 20th stage will start at the foot of the Belfort lion to end at the Markstein, taking the Ballon d’Alsace, the Croix des Moinats, Grosse Pierre, Schlucht, Petit Ballon and Platzerwasel passes. That is six climbs listed for a positive elevation of 3,500 meters over 133.5 km of racing.
An explosive ending. The definitive explanation should take place in the last two climbs, the Petit Ballon (9.3 km at 8.1% with a very rough surface) and the Col du Platzerwasel (7.1 km at 8.4%), a sequence taken in 2022 by the women’s Tour de France, before arriving on the plateau at Marktstein.
Little suspense. If Jonas Vingegaard has almost assured victory, he will have to be wary of the descent of the Petit Ballon, very technical. For the teams which have not yet tasted victory, this is the last opportunity to grab a victory, unless they have in their ranks a sprinter capable of winning on the Champs-Elysées.