The Tour de France is set for a climactic 14th stage, spanning 151.9 kilometers from Pau to Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d’Adet.
This pivotal mountain stage includes the first summit finish of this year’s edition and promises to reshape the race’s overall standings, especially with a high-altitude finale looming on Sunday at Plateau de Beille.
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The route: A cyclist’s gauntlet
The stage sets off from Pau, fresh off a victory by Jasper Philipsen in a chaotic sprint the previous day. The riders will traverse entirely within the Hautes-Pyrénées department, making this stage a grueling test amidst the stunning Pyrenean landscape.
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Key climbs of the day
The day is marked by three significant climbs, challenging the peloton with both endurance and strategy. The legendary Col du Tourmalet stretches 19 kilometers with an average gradient of 7.4%, serving as the appetizer. Following the descent, riders will tackle the Hourquette d’Ancizan, a relatively shorter climb of 8.2 kilometers at 5.1% gradient, setting the stage for the final ascent to Pla d’Adet, which spans 10.6 kilometers at a demanding 7.9% incline.
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— Lukáš Ronald Lukács (@lucasaganronald) June 28, 2024
Contenders for the crown
The favorites for this stage are likely to be among the usual suspects if their teams decide to push the pace. Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, both two-time winners of the Tour, are prime candidates for victory. However, the absence of Primoz Roglic opens opportunities for other strong climbers like Jai Hindley, Richard Carapaz, and Simon Yates, who might find themselves in a breakaway or making pivotal moves on the final climb.
Dark horses and strategy plays
While the heavyweights of the peloton are expected to dominate, there is always room for surprises. Riders like Romain Bardet, Warren Barguil, and David Gaudu possess the climbing prowess and tactical acumen to make significant impacts, particularly if they join an early breakaway or capitalize on any tactical hesitations from the leading teams.
Watch It unfold
With comprehensive coverage on France 2, France 3, Eurosport 1, and streaming options on RMC Sport, fans won’t miss a beat of this high-stakes stage. Radio listeners can also tune into RMC for live updates throughout the race.
Timings of the stage
The real race action kicks off at 13:20 after a brief ceremonial start, with the riders expected to cross the finish line between 17:17 and 17:50, depending on the day’s dynamics.
Tour de France 2024: Roglic’s experience and Team Visma’s tactics thwart rivals
This article explores the thrilling 14th stage of the 2024 Tour de France, from the strategic route design to the riders poised to shine. With challenging climbs and potential for dramatic shifts in the general classification, this stage is a pivotal moment in this year’s race, blending physical rigor with high-altitude drama.
