12 Chauvigny Sarran Corrèze
218km Thursday, 10 September Start 11:00 Finish 16:11
The longest stage of the race and the only one over 200km. It could well deliver some fireworks as it undulates almost continually during its second half through challenging terrain in the Haute Vienne and Corrèze.
■ Terrain
The rollercoaster ride begins to the north of Limoges as the route enters the rugged countryside of the Limousin. Soon after it passes through Saint-léonard-de-noblat, the home village of Tour legend Raymond Poulidor. The hills get steadily bigger as the route continues south-east into the Corrèze, the biggest of them the 10km ascent of the Suc au May, which comes with 20km remaining. The finish is in Sarran, its population less than 300, making it the smallest stage town on the race.
■ Gameplan
Expect a grand battle early on in the stage between prospective escapees. Once the break does go, the team defending the yellow jersey will probably take on the job of keeping its advantage to respectable levels. It’s unlikely that any other team will be minded to assist them. If any of the sprinters fancy their chances, they’ll have to engage in the early skirmishing and hope they manage to infiltrate the break.
■ Players
Thomas De Gendt is an obvious pick for the break, as is Alessandro De Marchi. The Italian’s CCC team-mate and reigning Olympic champion Van Avermaet is another rider to watch.
■ Tour Fact
The Tour has raced into Sarran once before, Jens Voigt the breakaway winner in 2001.