Profile, timetables, a new chance for backpackers? The 15th stage in questions

The 15th stage of the big loop will take place on Sunday, between Muret and Carcassonne, and should be one of the last chances for the backpackers to win.

No mountain planned for the 15th stage. Before the second day of rest in Montpellier, the runners of the peloton will set off on Sunday, July 20, from Muret (Haute-Garonne) and travel 169.3 km from an injured course with three difficulties to Carcassonne. In the aftermath of the magnificent solo victory by Thymen Arenseman (ineos grenadiers), the layout of the day could be favorable to the adventurers of the peloton, who have rarely had the opportunity to express himself so far.

What is the profile?

An a priori calm step after the final in Luchon-Superbagnères from the day before. The peloton will actually take a break in the mountainous stages since the organization of the Tour has decided to place a rugged course for this 15th stage. Only three 2nd and 3rd category difficulties will be on the program.

This should be an opportunity for several runners to build up a breakaway before the intermediate sprint, located upstream of the three coasts – from Saint -Ferréol (1.7 km at 7%), Sorèze (6.2 km to 5.5%) and Sant Pas (2.9 km to 10.2%) – which should reduce the number of victory contenders. Especially since the final towards Carcassonne, a city-stage city for the 13th time, will be carried out downhill and should benefit a member of the breakaway to imitate Thymen Arensman, therefore, but also Ben Healy (EF Education-Easypost) and Simon Yates (Visma-lease a Bike), the only three winners escaped in this edition.

Who are the favorites?

Favorites, backpacking? The leader Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates XRG) and Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) should not play victory in this stage, which could see the breakaway go to the end. Conversely, the adventurers of the peloton are the big favorites of this rugged step, whose profile promotes an attack race.

Thus Wout Van Aert (Visma -Lease A Bike) and Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin -Deceuninck) – who has already won two stages this year – could be among the race head, just like Ben Healy, carrying the yellow jersey for two days. Alexey Lutsenko (Israel-Prime Tech), Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Pro Cycling) or Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ) could have ants in the legs.

What are the hours?

Start of retransmission: 1:10 p.m. on france.tv et 12h56 on France 3
Fictive departure: 1:20 p.m.
Real departure: 1:30 p.m.
Provisional arrival: 5:08 p.m.