cycling: Tour de France Stage #14 Prognosis: The best comes at the end

Cycling: Tomorrow the 14th stage of the Tour de France is on the agenda. The section is classified as a flat stage, but the last meters lead steeply uphill. Marcel Kittel (Quick-Step Floors) will therefore probably have no chances. But which type of driver suits this finish?

The increasingly wavy profile is something for the puncheur

After two tough mountain stages, the Tour de France will calm down a bit tomorrow. The section, which is classified as a flat stage, takes the riders over 181,5 kilometers from Blagnac in a north-easterly direction to Rodez. While the first part of the stage is almost as flat as a plate, the profile becomes more and more wavy towards the end. The two mountain classifications in the third category are also in the last third. The Côte du viaduc du Viaur (2,3 km at 7,0%) and the Côte de Centrès (2,3 km at 7,7%) are crossed 50,5 and 36,5 kilometers before the finish, respectively. Then it's wavy, until finally there is a showdown on the Côte de Saint-Pierre (570 m at 9,6%). These 570 meters are not only very steep, but also the last meters of the stage. Because of this ramp, the classic sprinters will have no chance at all tomorrow. So do the breakaways hold good cards, or will the puncheur teams in the field ensure the big showdown at the end?

How hard are the last 500 meters really?

After Disqualification of Peter Sagan (Bora-hansgrohe) the search for the favorite for this stage starts all over again. This finish would have suited the world champion. Michael Matthews (Sunweb) could now slip into the role of favourite, which is now up for grabs. The Australian has proven over the past few days that as a fast-paced man he can handle such dangerous climbs extremely well. Similar to Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) and John Degenkolb (Trek-Segafredo). But even the typical puncheur will want to have a say here. Above all, Philippe Gilbert (Quick-Step Floors), Diego Ulissi (UAE) and Tim Wellens (Lotto Soudal). As underdogs we shouldn't ignore Ben Swift (UAE), Michael Albasini (Orica-Scott), Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain Merida) Fabio Felline (Trek Segafredo) and Edvald Boasson Hagen (Dimension Data).

Our tip: Daniel Martin sprints uphill to win the stage

The last 500 meters are on average about 10 percent uphill. We therefore assume that the classification drivers will also have to be on their guard tomorrow. Especially Daniel Martin (Quick-Step Floors) likes this final climb. The Irishman likes toxic, short and hard climbs because he is very explosive and almost impossible to conquer in the uphill sprint. Fabio Aru (Astana), Romain Bardet (Ag2r) and Rigoberto Uran (Cannondale-Drapac) should also be happy. In a direct duel with Chris Froome (Sky), they should also have small advantages here. So tomorrow some riders will be able to compete for the stage win. Depending on how hard you drive, the names of the favorites change. We're betting on Daniel Martin as the Irishman has been very strong in recent days and we think he will try something here alongside Philippe Gilbert.

***Daniel Martin
** Philippe Gilbert, Diego Ulissi
* Michael Albasini, Greg Van Avermaet, Michael Matthews

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The current overall ranking of the 2017 Tour de France after 13 of 21 stages