The unusual geographic configuration of the Provence giant often places it as the only difficulty of the day according to Christian Prudhomme. After crossing the Hérault, the Gard and the Vaucluse, there will remain only one road for an explanation which can turn to the demonstration. Between the village of Bédoin and the observatory which overlooks the finish line, there are 15.7 km to climb to 8.7% average slope … and options to attack on all floors.
The cyclists are in Montpellier (a city step for the 33rd time) this Monday, July 21, to rest. Generally designated since 1930 to punctuate a transitional stage between the Alps and the Pyrenees, Montpellier has most often made the pleasure of sprinterssacred runners like André Darrigade, Olaf Ludwig, Robbie McEwen, Mark Cavendish or in 2013 André Greipel. It is however not inevitable, especially when the wind or the heat gets involved. In 1951, a similar step between Carcassonne and Montpellier had seen Fausto Coppi undergoing a heavy failure under the heat wave. Sick, livid, the sampleflanked by six team members, had reached the Hérault prefecture 33 minutes behind the winner of the day, Hugo Koblet.
The fictitious departure is at 12h10real departure to 12h40. The arrival is planned between 4:44 p.m. and 5:12 p.m.
Profile of the 16th stage of the Tour de France
Credit: Tour de France