Tour de France Stage 13 Preview

Edited by Jaime Naragon

An even 200 kms greet the riders in this medium mountain stage from Vittel to Colmar.  Vittel is a two-time stage town with a rather small population of just 6200.  Known as the training town for the French team in the Munich Olympics, Vittel has been interested in sports ever since.  The Tour is a big treat for this athletic city!

Colmar is no stranger to the Tour.  Having been a 6-time stage town, this Alsatian wine capital is a welcome-stop to those cyclists seeking a sip of the local economy!  Colmar is also known to Americans as the birthplace of Auguste Bartholdi, creator of New York’s Statue of Liberty.

There are three intermediate sprints, but they are nestled around small climbs.  The four climbs on the stage are:
•    Km 46.0 – Côte de Xertigny – 2.0 km climb to 5.3 % – Category 3
•    Km 105.0 – Col de la Schlucht – 8.9 km climb to 4.2 % – Category 2
•    Km 138.5 – Col du Platzerwasel – 8.7 km climb to 7.6 % – Category 1
•    Km 165.5 – Col du Bannstein – 2.1 km climb to 5.1 % – Category 3

Who to Watch:
This is a tricky stage.  A small group, particularly of climbers, could easily sneak away.  Then again, a solo escape-artist with decent climbing and descending skills could steal the glory as well. After Nicki’s successful break yesterday, it will be interesting to see which approach is taken.

Chaos Preview:
Time for the GC men to at least show some form.  Says Agent 86:  Yes! The first real test. We know Astana will be lying low because they don’t want to attack anyone but the rest will go for it! Or so I’m hoping!

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