Cycling: Already on the fourth stage of the Tour de France, the first mountain finish awaits the pros. So tomorrow we will see a first showdown of the class riders. Our Velomotion prognosis: Sergio Higuita pulls off a little surprise!
No preliminary decision will be made yet
The surprise was great when it was announced that the Tour de France 2020 already on the fourth stage the first mountain climb has to be mastered. In contrast to most of the previous events, the climbers and classification riders have to be at the top level right from the start of the tour. Starting in Sisteron, tomorrow's section leads over 160,5 kilometers to Orcières-Merlette. This final ascent belongs to the 1st category and has an average gradient of 7,1 percent over a length of 6,7 kilometers. It is certainly not one of the greatest challenges of this Tour de France. Nevertheless, the classification drivers have to be vigilant. The four mountain classifications before the final ascent will only be of interest to the escapees. Attacks by co-favorites on the yellow jersey will not happen there.
Highlights of Stage 4 of the 2020 Tour de France
- 13:25 Neutral start at Sisteron
- 13:30 Sharp start in Sisteron
- 109,0 km to go: intermediate sprint in Veynes
- 93,0 km before the finish: mountain classification category 3, Col du Festre (7,6 km at 5,3%)
- 63,0 km before the finish: mountain classification cat. 4, Côte de Corps (2,2 km at 6,3%)
- 35,0 km before the finish: mountain classification category 3, Côte de l'Aullagnier (3,0 km at 6,4%)
- 19,0 km before the finish: mountain classification category 3, Côte de Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes (2,8 km at 6,8%)
- Mountain finish and category 1 mountain classification after 160,5 kilometers in Orcières-Merlette (7,1 km at 6,7%)
The favorites will only invest a little
Much ado about nothing? Even though it's nice that we can follow the first mountain finish tomorrow, we shouldn't expect too much from this stage. The approach to the final ascent is much too easy for the strong climbers, so that it only really gets down to business at the end. And even in the last 7,1 kilometers it's unclear whether the favorites will be great at all. The final ascent is very even, not particularly long and not really steep. It is rather unlikely that the top climbers will even attack each other here. It is much more likely that various teams - for example Deceuninck - Quick-Step, Jumbo - Visma and Ineos - will keep the pace high and ultimately a relatively large group will arrive at the top. If at all, there are only seconds intervals. It's just not worth the effort of a big attack. It is also possible that even the escapees have a chance of winning the stage.
Velomotion prognosis: Sergio Higuita surprises
However, we bet on a win by Sergio Higuita (EF). The Colombian is good on an uphill finish and could cause an upset. The right rear wheel for the last kilometer is definitely part of the vehicle Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck - Quick Step). The man in yellow wants to defend his yellow jersey with all his might. In addition, such a not-so-long final climb suits him perfectly. The German fans can be hopeful Maximilian schachmann (Bora – hansgrohe) look.
☆☆☆ Sergio Higuita
* * Julian Alaphilippe, Primoz Roglic
* Maximilian Schachmann, Tadej Pogacar, Adam Yates
Leave a Comment