The Tour de France is a spectacle of human endurance and strategic racing, and the upcoming stage 8 promises to be a thrilling spectacle. With a challenging route across the Alps, the race is set to test the mettle of the riders and provide an exciting spectacle for viewers. The stage is a 120km trek with a staggering 3,860m of vertical gain, starting with the scenic yet demanding Col du Pré climb. This climb is a true test of strength and endurance, with a gentle start that soon turns into steep ramps between hairpins in the second half. The descent is more regular, but the overall challenge is undeniable.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this stage is the Bisanne climb, a backroad version of the Col des Saisies. This climb is a small, irregular road that adds an extra layer of difficulty to the race. The Aravis climb, on the other hand, is a long and steep ascent that would feature in most other races. The top offers an Alpine-style descent, which then eases as it heads through a long valley or gorge section all the way to the Faucigny area and the Arve valley floor. This is a tactical point where cards can be played, and the race could take an interesting turn here.
The finish is a 11.2km stretch at 9.2%, with a flat section midway that doesn't show on the profile. It's got lots of 10-12% slopes and is up there with the likes of the Mortirolo, but needs more visits to make it infamous. The contenders are Isaac del Toro, who won yesterday and has every chance of repeating, and Juan Ayuso, who rode like an idiot yesterday but could be more measured today. Tobias Halland Johannessen is having a great race but getting ahead for the win is going to be hard.
Paul Seixas, on the other hand, is a wildcard. He will be sore and probably lacking sleep after a hard ride chasing back from his crash, but if he's able to be in contention by the final climb, he showed on Friday that he was climbing the fastest. The breakaway has a chance because UAE just need to make life hard for Tuckwell. Valentin Paret-Peintre is looking better each day and gets to race on a climb he can reach from his home.
The weather is sunny and 27°C, and the TV coverage is set to start at 1.30pm with the finish forecast for 5.00pm. During the week, we've got the last 90 minutes live, but here the final two hours, so tune in around 3.00pm and see the action as the race starts the Col des Aravis. The stage promises to be a thrilling spectacle, and with so much at stake, the riders will be giving it their all. From my perspective, this stage is a true test of character and strategy, and I can't wait to see how it unfolds.
