Stage 12: Toulouse -> Bagnères-de-Bigorre (209.5, mountain)
Stage 12 is a good introduction into the mountainous stages, while still not being too hard. Although, a 200+ kilometer stage with two category 1 climbs is still difficult, it’s not anywhere near how hard the coming mountain stages will be. The day’s start elevation is just above 150 meters above sea level, and the end is just above 550 meters, so overall, the trend doesn’t show too much climbing. However, this doesn’t mean too much, as the three climbs crested on the day are all descended before the finish line. The three categorized climbs on the day are:
Côte de Montoulieu-Saint-Bernard (cat. 4): 62.5 kilometers in; 1.7 kilometers long, 5.2% average, 8.1% max
Col de Peyresourde (cat. 1): 146 kilometers in; 13.2 kilometers long, 7% average, 13.5% max
Hourquette d’Ancizan (cat. 1): 179 kilometers in; 9.9 kilometers, 7.5% average, 13.1% max
After the first climb, the intermediate sprint comes along, with the normal amount of points available. Depending on how big the break is, their might still be points available for the group. Also a point to take into consideration is the fact that some sprinters like Peter Sagan might see this stage as an opportunity to go in the break and get extra green jersey points, as this stage doesn’t suit the sprinters in any way.
Bagnères-de-Luchon sprint: 130.5 kilometers in
Directly after the sprint is when the stage becomes difficult, and when we’ll be able to see who is feeling strong after the rest stage. It is a rather tough climb, lasting for a good 13 kilometers, and averaging 7%. With the top of the climb coming with 63.5 kilometers to go, it’s a bit far out for anyone to attack, and the break may not be caught by here either. For the record, and depending on who gets into the break, the peloton might just let it go and win the stage. However, for the third and last climb of the day, the top comes with 30.5 kilometers to go, and the rest is all downhill with the exception of a small little hill. This is where we can expect to see people attack, and if people are on good form, we can expect to see them chase anyone who attacks. Overall, the stage marks the first...