Profile, timetables, hungry sprinters … The 8th stage between Saint-Méen-le-Grand and Laval in questions

After three rugged stages and a time trial, it is the turn of the sprinters to have their say on the big loop on Saturday.

After the Putnanchers' Day and the harsh battle of the backpackers, return to calm on the Tour de France. The 8th stage offers a flat route, ideal for a massive sprint, Saturday July 12, in Laval. The fight for the green jersey will host this racing day which should allow Tadej Pogacar, winner a second time on Friday, and the favorites to take breathing.

What is the profile?

The peloton rushes for a pure stage of plain 171.4 km long. From Brittany, he will join Mayenne on roads largely protected from the wind. The risk of borders is low and the conditions are ideal for the sprinters teams to control the race. The only ascent listed is not insurmountable (900 meters at 3.8%) for large thighs of the peloton. At the Mayenne of Laval, a massive sprint is expected even if the last hectometers are in a standby flat.

What favorites?

Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) won the first massive sprint but he is now off the race. Tim Merlier (Sudal Quick -Step) won the second in Dunkirk, but Jonathan Milan (Lidl -Trek) will wear the green jersey – by default, Pogacar being at the top of the point classification but also yellow jersey – and is dominant in all intermediate sprints. The two men will be the favorites for victory on Saturday, but beware of the last meters slightly. These conditions particularly appeal to the outgoing green jersey, Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty).

The breakaway, if she manages to train, has only tiny chances of going to the end. Given the battle that the sprinters engage in and the fact that the intermediate sprint is placed in mid-race, after 85.5 km of racing, it is a safe bet that the adventurers pass their turn while waiting for the stage on Monday.

What are the hours?

12:56 p.m.: Start of broadcast on France 2 and france.tv(New window)(New window)(New window)(New window)(New window).
1:10 p.m.: Fictitious departure
1:25 p.m.: Real departure
5:13 p.m.: Average forecast arrival