Stage 18
25.07.2019.
Embrun – Valloire
(208 km)
The first of the three hard days in the Alps. The programof the 18th stage contains 4 climbs, two of them are HC categories: the legendary Izoard and Galibier.
Col d’ Isoard:
Col du Galibier:
Due to the length of the stage and the fact, that after the top of the Galibier there are still 19 km to go, the day is rather for breakaway riders. After his failure on the Tourmalet-stage, Romain Bardet (AG2R) has a new purpose: the KOM-jersey. He has already collected some points on Sunday and will continue it today. Vincezo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida) wants to win at least a stage at this Tour de France, this one is an another chance for him. Warren Barguil (Arkea-Samsic), the French national champion is in good form too. And wouldn’t be a big surprise, if one of the EF riders would earn a victory today, bur rather Michael Woods, than Rigoberto Uran.
When it comes to the battle for the GC, the biggest question is, could Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick Step) keep the yellow? He will arrive at the foot of the Galibier most likely without any helper (Enric Mas doesn’t seem to be in good shape). If he is able to keep up with the GC-bunch, he can preserve his position for one day more. He will lose the jersey probably on Friday.
I don’t think it’s a day for Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ) due to the long descent at the end of the stage. Neither Geraint Thomas or Egan Bernal. In the GC-competition it could be more a day for Steven Kruisjwijk and his Jumbo-Visma team. They’re going to set the pace on the last climb trying to drop as more rivals as possible and Kruijswijk has only to finish the teamwork.
At last but not at least, the Movistar team is still able to play the role of the game changer either by setting the pace in the main bunch before the Galibier, or with a powerful breakaway of 3 or 4 of their men.
A bit more about what to expect on the next three days, I posted a long-long article (2 part in the comments) on my Instagram account:
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