Tour de France 2024 – Stage 20 Preview
It was a fantastic stage to watch. Everything a Queen stage needed. With the GC settled, I do wonder if Team UAE Emirates will be a little more keen on letting the breakaway win.
Route
It is another fantastic stage in terms of drama and GC. 4500 climbing meters in 134 kilometers. It will be fast and furious, and for many it is the absolute last call to win a stage this edition.
The riders stay in Côte d’Azur, and make their way down to the coast.
The climbs
The start is very hard tomorrow. Much like today, we have a flat start before the first climb begins. Col de Braus is not a climb I’m familiar with but it is a long, difficult and irregular climb where the breakaway likely forms. It is a perfect spot for it.
Moving on, it is another marathon climb. Col du Turini. Easy to begin with, the regular from 6-8% after the plateau. This just feels to long from the line for any attacks in the GC.
The penultimate climb of the stage is another long and regular climb. It is not the steepest climb in the world but it will just feel like a walk through hell after today and the two climbs before it.
And just when we thought they should not endure any more climbing, the last climb and mountain top finish of this edition. Col de la Couillole. It has been used a fair bit in recent years, with Tadej Pogacar winning here in 2023 in Paris-Nice.
Weather
Another day with a tailwind. A warm day too.
Contenders
Tadej Pogacar – If the team is up for another tough day in the saddle, he will ask them to control the stage again and take the stage win. He is untouchable.
Richard Carapaz – breakaway hope #1. It has been a few days in a row, he is not holding back. He is a GC rider by nature, meaning he likely goes well again tomorrow.
Simon Yates – breakaway hope #2. It was a roller coaster watching him today. He looked awful and then found his rhythm. He will be right up there again tomorrow.
Jai Hindley – breakaway hope #3. I had higher hopes for him today. I had him written down to win from the breakaway before changing it after contemplating. He seems to be misses a little bit.
Enric Mas – breakaway hope #4. He stayed with the GC men today, likely a smart choice. It enhances his chances for a breakaway tomorrow, knowingh eh as likely spent less energy than many others on this list.
Matteo Jorgensen – breakaway hope #5. Wonderful today. I only hope he gets another chance tomorrow.
Santiago Buitrago – breakaway hope #6. I think the level here is over his head. Still, it would be a good attempt moving up in the GC.
Giulio Ciccone – breakaway hope #7. He is a fantastic stage hunter but he looked cooked today.
Felix Gall – breakaway hope #8. Did he drop the GC to save energy for a breakaway win tomorrow? I think so.
Adam Yates – breakaway hope #9. What a stage race. He does not get the praise he deserves, being such a loyal helper.
Who will win the stage?
I will take a stage win for Felix Gall.
