Race Highlights
The breakaway contenders are on the move in Nantua. Healy, Arahamsen, and Schmid are in pursuit as Kasper Asgreen makes his move. His team supports him from the roadside.
Wout van Aert shares his thoughts:
"Naturally, I'm feeling fatigued. The mountain stages, weather, and long transfers have been challenging. We’re all looking forward to reaching Paris. I’ll try to join the breakaway today. Tomorrow is another opportunity, but in the Tour de France, you can’t afford to miss any chance. However, breakaway attempts often include climbers, which makes it difficult."
Fred Wright outlines his strategy
"The first goal is for both of us to get into the breakaway. That would be a good start. There’s a 12km climb early on, but it’s steady, so I think we can make it."
Fourteen teams have yet to secure a stage win in this year’s race. Julian Alaphilippe has been quoted saying, *"I’m gonna try."* A victory for France would be well received.
Below is the official map of today’s undulating stage.
Friday marked the final mountain stage, with Ineos’ Arensman taking his second win. Unfortunately, it was a disappointing day for Scotland’s Oscar Onley, who had fought hard throughout the Tour but slipped from podium contention in the closing moments after third-placed Florian Lipowitz attacked alongside Pogacar and second-placed Vingegaard.
Onley has shown tremendous effort, riding strongly, but he appeared exhausted after Thursday’s stage. His post-race interview was difficult to watch. Still, his resilience in the high mountains deserves praise. There’s much more ahead for him. The challenge of keeping up with Pogacar and Arensman was evident in Arensman’s condition at the finish line on Friday.
Stage Preview:
The punchy riders and breakaway specialists have had this stage in mind for days. The competition to form the early break will be fierce, and the battle for the stage could be intense. Along with familiar faces like Cort and Healy, many in the peloton—experienced one-day riders such as Denmark’s Mattias Skjelmose—will be contenders.
Note: Mattias Skjelmose withdrew after a crash last weekend. Will Ben Healy step up?
Stage Overview:
After the grueling mountain stages, today’s shorter route resembles a Classic. This year’s race has been tough for sprinters, making it a day for the strong all-rounders. With key riders like Van der Poel and Evenepoel out, veteran Julian Alaphilippe may have a chance if he stays alert. Or perhaps Tadej Pogacar, dominant in nearly every aspect except sprinting—and with a potential push in Paris still coming—will secure his fourth yellow jersey. Talks of the Vuelta, and a possible fifth Tour victory, are already underway.
The neutralized start begins at 11:05 UK time—one last effort before the finish.
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