Beyond Jonas Vingegaard's takeover, the second huge alpine stage presents itself to a peloton which is becoming more and more exhausted on this Tour.
While the favorites will perhaps continue to fall apart, the scenario of a stage winner who has started from afar cannot be ruled out.
18 French victories on July 14
18 times in the Tour de France, a Frenchman won a Tour stage on July 14.
Some have done it twice like Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Thévenet or Laurent Jalabert.
The last tricolors to have won this prestigious victory are from the most recent to the most distant Warren Barguil (2017), David Moncoutié (2005), Richard Virenque (2004), Laurent Jalabert (2001 and 1995) and Laurent Brochard (1997) .
The eye of Thierry Gouvenou
“The idea, once again, was to hit hard and return to this mythical place where the last times, everything had not gone very well.
I am thinking in particular of the fall of Nibali because of a spectator in 2018. That year, there were far too many overflows.
We hope to come back in force in a safer way with an audience that will understand the issues and be reasonable.
But clearly, when we say Alpe-d'Huez, it necessarily slaps for everyone.
Even if the Col du Granon is harder physically.
With Alpe-d'Huez, we think back to the mountains of the Dutch and the fervor.
The imagination is back.
Obviously, we also did a remake of the 1986 stage which made an impression with Bernard Hinault and Greg LeMond reaching the summit hand in hand.
We will therefore have the history with the prestigious name, the festive and,
of course, I hope there will be no incidents from the public.
Sportingly, it will be a very tough stage because before that, there will be the Col du Galibier and the Col de la Croix de Fer.
This step is made to enter the legend.
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The favourite.
What if Pinot did it again?
The Franc-Comtois is the last Frenchman to have raised his arms at the top of Alpe-d'Huez.
It was seven years ago.
Dropped in the general (29th at more than 35 minutes), he can be one of those who will try a breakaway quickly.
Then, with his racing knowledge, he can perfectly capsize the crowds at the end of the 21 bends of Alpe-d'Huez.