Looks like another one for the sprinters here, unfortunately there is only one left, and it will be tough for anyone to outsprint the fast Frenchman (pictured above). The profile is slightly misleading, as the finale actually looks quite tough, and could allow a setting for some attackers to surprise the peleton.
The Course
Nothing too challenging here until the final 14 kms or so, the Col de Lescon (3.9 kms, 4.7%) and the Col de Pre-Guittard come just after the midpoint of the stage, and aren't going to be decisive in the outcome of the stage. Where things might get interesting is in the run-in to the finish, where the riders will attempt the Cote de la Marquisse (1.3 kms, 6.7%) followed by a descent, an uncategorised climb, another descent before the road becomes more chase-friendly for the peleton. This should provide a decent opportunity for attackers to get away, but staying away may be a tougher prospect.
Nothing too challenging here until the final 14 kms or so, the Col de Lescon (3.9 kms, 4.7%) and the Col de Pre-Guittard come just after the midpoint of the stage, and aren't going to be decisive in the outcome of the stage. Where things might get interesting is in the run-in to the finish, where the riders will attempt the Cote de la Marquisse (1.3 kms, 6.7%) followed by a descent, an uncategorised climb, another descent before the road becomes more chase-friendly for the peleton. This should provide a decent opportunity for attackers to get away, but staying away may be a tougher prospect.
The Tactics
This stage is going to be a lot of work for Cofidis, who also probably can't call upon help from the other teams too much, BMC will probably ride tempo to keep their leader's jersey, AG2R and MTN-Qhubeka may provide a rider or two, but they will be pretty keen for Cofidis to weaken themselves chasing the break. As noted above the end of the stage offers plenty of opportunities for the attackers, and this is the point where Cofidis will really need help, as they don't have a leadout/chasing team that is strong in this terrain, and Bouhanni will definitely be pretty isolated in the finale. The good news for Bouhanni is that the other teams who want to attack will try to keep the guys who have gone up the road pretty close, so they can bridge riders up to them. The really dangerous move is one that has 5-6 riders, all from different teams, so that there are less teams chasing behind.
This stage is going to be a lot of work for Cofidis, who also probably can't call upon help from the other teams too much, BMC will probably ride tempo to keep their leader's jersey, AG2R and MTN-Qhubeka may provide a rider or two, but they will be pretty keen for Cofidis to weaken themselves chasing the break. As noted above the end of the stage offers plenty of opportunities for the attackers, and this is the point where Cofidis will really need help, as they don't have a leadout/chasing team that is strong in this terrain, and Bouhanni will definitely be pretty isolated in the finale. The good news for Bouhanni is that the other teams who want to attack will try to keep the guys who have gone up the road pretty close, so they can bridge riders up to them. The really dangerous move is one that has 5-6 riders, all from different teams, so that there are less teams chasing behind.