The first day back in the saddle after the rest day is likely to be hard work as this stage is more than a little undulating. The peloton will cover 140km of energy-sapping rollers before they reach the four categorised climbs in the last 40km of the stage.

Wednesday 16th July: Stage 11 – Besancon to Oyonnax, medium mountains, 187.5km

It’s a tactical sort of day well suited to a breakaway, especially those looking to quietly grab a few King of the Mountains points. However, the swooping descent to the finish after the last uncategorised summit looks tailor-made for a rider such as Peter Sagan. I expect to see his Cannondale team working hard to ensure some of the pure sprinters are dropped on the climbs. Could this finally be a stage win for the Tourminator?

Watch out also for riders who like Milan San-Remo, such as current champion Alexander Kristoff (Katusha), Simon Gerrans (Orica-GreenEDGE) and John Degenkolb.(Giant-Shimano). That closing 40km stretch looks a lot like the finish of La Primavera, doesn’t it?

Link: Official website

Header image: Besancon