Stage 17: Embrun to Chorges, 32km individual time trial

Froome, Contador, Quintana. This time trial should suit them down to the ground. But that doesn’t mean that pure climbers such as Joaquim Rodriguez will lose a load of time, as the climbs are challenging. This time trial will provide a taster to set up the Alpine battles.

Two cat 2 climbs: the Cote de Puy-Saineres is 6.4km at 6%, the Cote de Reallon 6.9km at 6.3%. Then 10km of descent to the finish. Anyone who has any remaining aspiration to unseat Froome cannot afford to lose another chunk of time to him here, and the other top places are so tight that a few seconds here or there could make a big difference.

Bit of trivia: The last mountain time trial was in 2004, from Bourg d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez. The winner on the day of that time trial was Lance Armstrong. Obviously, he’s not the winner now. That would go to second place Jan Ullrich. Oh, wait …

Link: Official website

Header picture: Lac de Serre Poncon