Another big climbing stage before the race hits the Alps, stage 16 is as back-ended as it gets, with a flat run-in to the 15.7km final climb to the summit finish on the legendary Mont Ventoux.
A brutal climb, it's an opportunity for the GC stars to shine and put further daylight between race leader Tadej Pogačar and his rivals.
Stage 16: Montpellier > Mont Ventoux
- Date: 22 July
- Distance: 171.5km
- Elevation gain: 2,950m
- Stage type: Mountain
Route profile
Route map
It’s hard to believe it’s been 12 years since the Tour de France last finished a stage at the summit of Mont Ventoux.
Yet that’s perhaps part of the climb’s allure – that the relatively sparse number of finishes since its 1958 debut has managed to preserve its mystique.
That 2013 stage saw Chris Froome vapourise the competition in a frantic whirl of pedal strokes, on his way to both stage and race win.
In 2016, the planned summit finish was brought lower due to high winds, and saw the bizarre spectacle of Froome on foot, running after his rivals, after his bike was wrecked when he was caught up in a crash behind a motorbike as it struggled through huge crowds compacted by the change in finish.
Today’s stage takes us right back to the top again, following a benign run-in to the foot of the climb.
“The unusual geographical configuration of the ‘Giant of Provence’ often makes it the only difficulty of the day,” says race director Christian Prudhomme.
“The route is quite straightforward to begin with, crossing the departments of Hérault, Gard and Vaucluse.
“Here, the riders will reach the road where the contest between the favourites could become a demonstration.
“Between the village of Bédoin and the observatory overlooking the finish line, there are 15.7km of ascent, averaging 8.7%… and chances to attack at every point.”
What's on today's stage?
Today's stage is all about the final – and only – climb, a Tour legend. Mont Ventoux stands alone overlooking the Rhône valley, hence its prominence and the 1,800m-plus, 15.7km ascent. Not only is it long, it's often hot and frequently windy at its higher elevations.
It's the natural home of the big mountain climbers, but the most unlikely figure to crest the Ventoux at the front was Eros Poli.
At 85kg and 1.94m tall, his main job was as lead-out man to sprint king Mario Cipollini. But on Stage 15 of the 1994 Tour, he escaped from the peloton and hit the base of Mont Ventoux with a lead of around 20 minutes, staying away to finish first in Carpentras.
One to watch: Tadej Pogačar
This looks like another chance for Pogačar to stamp his authority on the race. A big win here could consolidate his lead.
