The 222km stage 15 from from Tallard to Nimes was chosen by the organisers on the back of the drama Mother Nature brought into the race in stage 13 of last year’s edition, when the crosswinds caught-out Alejandro Valverde, for instance.
Unfortunately, there is unlikely to be much excitement of this type this time, since there are no winds forecast of enough significance to split the peloton in such a brutal way.
In 2012, there was a somewhat similar stage in this neck-of-the-woods, although the profile for that stage 13 made the finish slightly more difficult to that of this stage, on account of a cat.3 climb some 23kms from the line, which caused a selection and some sprinters missed out on the action. Nevertheless, 43 riders were involved in a fast splintering bunch for the sprint in the finale, with the Gorilla Greipel winning narrowly over Sagan and EBH.
With this being a rare stage for the sprinters, I would expect the long-range breakaway to gain a big gap early in the day, even upwards of 6mins, before the sprinters teams becoming involved in earnest on the front to bring them back and secure a bunch sprint finish for the sprinters.
Kittel has opened-up as the super short-priced favourite, ahead of a group of good sprinters. No bets for me at ante-post.
bunch sprint for me. Giant and Lotto will probably have the break away under control in this long stage.
I will try Trentin @140 because he's Omega only sprinter and we never know how sprinter's legs are haver 2 mountain stages. Look for more live.
Good luck all
bunch sprint for me. Giant and Lotto will probably have the break away under control in this long stage.I will try Trentin @140 because he's Omega only sprinter and we never know how sprinter's legs are haver 2 mountain stages. Look for more live.Goo