Two days after the explosive day in Issoire, the peloton took off Thursday at 1:26 p.m. for the start of the 12th stage of the Tour de France in Roanne, for a full-bodied course again promised to backpackers between the Beaujolais vineyards. The actual start of the stage was a few minutes late to allow two riders to join the peloton. The stage will link Roanne to Belleville-en-Beaujolais on a 168.8 km route comprising five listed climbs, including the Col de la Croix Rosier (5.3 km at 7.6% all the same), 28 km of arrival. Between vineyards and hillsides, the leaders could save themselves for the arrival at the top of the Grand Colombier, Friday July 14, before attacking the Alps the next day.
But the Issoire stage showed that even Jonas Vingegaard, who still holds the yellow jersey, and his rival Tadej Pogacar, still 17 seconds behind the Dane, are likely to lay mines on all terrains. And you will have to be strong to tame the 3,088 m drop as well as the final uphill which could be decided on a sprint in a small committee. In the heart of Beaujolais, Belleville has never hosted the Tour de France before, but several stages of the Critérium du Dauphiné and Paris-Nice. The arrival is scheduled for 5:33 p.m., time calculated on an average race of 40 km/h.
The 12th stage of the Tour: shock day in the vineyards
Two days after the explosive day in Issoire, the 12th stage of the Tour de France still promises sparks Thursday in the vineyards of Beaujolais with a particularly selective route where adventurers could shine. The stage will link Roanne to Belleville-en-Beaujolais on a 168.8 km route comprising five listed climbs, including the Col de la Croix Rosier (5.3 km at 7.6% all the same), 28 km of arrival.
Beginning of the Alps on July 15
“It’s spinning in the Beaujolais vineyards. And it’s a bit in the same style as the Issoire stage. It’s reserved for attackers, adventurers, those who are resistant and climb well because we have beautiful little passes”, underlines the plotter of the Grande Boucle, Thierry Gouvenou, with AFP. “It’s a beautiful terrain for the offensive. Not for the general riders who will wait for the Alps instead, because now is not the time to waste strength. But it can be a good stage”, adds- he.
The leaders could save themselves for the arrival at the top of the Grand Colombier on Saturday July 14, before attacking the Alps the next day. But the Issoire stage showed that even Jonas Vingegaard, who still holds the yellow jersey, and his rival Tadej Pogacar, still 17 seconds behind the Dane, are likely to lay mines on all terrains. And you will have to be strong to tame the 3,088 m drop as well as the final uphill which could be decided on a sprint in a small committee.
In the heart of Beaujolais, Belleville has never hosted the Tour de France before, but several stages of the Critérium du Dauphiné and Paris-Nice. Departure from Roanne at 1.05 p.m. (launched at 1.20 p.m.), arrival in Belleville-en-Beaujolais at 5.33 p.m. (timetable calculated on an average of 40 km/h).