Tour de France 2018 - Stages 15-17

Introduction
It's two more sprint stages followed by the first foray into the Pyrenees. We have two of the longest stages and then the shortest road stage in Tour memory but all three will be testing for the peloton. Due to the way the race has been structured, we have four sprint stages in a row which is unusual for this late in the race but it should ensure that we keep hold of the high class sprinters this late on. Added to this is that the race hugs the Pyrenean foothills without venturing into them for the first two days, they act as a constant reminder of the hell that awaits them in the final few days.

Stage 15 - Perpignan - Pamiers - 183.6km

This is a long stage compared to what we've seen before and, although the final 80km's are very flat the first 100km a hilly. The total stage has more than 1,800m of ascent which is going to be really difficult this far into a Grand Tour. Despite the rolling nature of the stage it should still end in a bunch sprint, having come this far the sprinters and sprint teams won't want to waste an opportunity to win this stage. It's not a simple finish though, it's a very narrow run into Pamiers and there's a 90 degree turn with under 500m to go. Expect to see a big fight for position on the run into the town, including the overall contenders who won't want to lose any time. There's a lot of potential for drama on this stage.

Stage 16 - Toulouse - Pau - 199.7km

It's the longest stage of the race and it's only 300m shorter than breaking the 200km barrier. It's not a very difficult stage at all though, it has fewer meters gained than the previous stage and it's all downhill for the final 20km. We're flirting with the Pyrenees though and the riders will be very aware what will happen when they do head further south in the next few days. After this stage the green jersey will be put to bed for three days until we hit the streets of Paris so expect to see all the sprinter's teams massing at the head of the peloton.

Stage 17 - Biarritz - Aia - 97.5km
This might just be the best stage of the entire Tour and it won't even last 3 hours. The stage starts in the French Basque country and heads into the Spanish Basque country after 26km. Amazingly, we don't really begin climbing for another 7km's which means that in the final 64km more than 2,000m of vertical height is gained. That is spread over 4 categorised climbs and numerous unclassified rises, if you've just looked at the distance and assumed this stage will be easy then you will be in for a sickening surprise. Riders who have ridden the Tour of the Basque Country will have an advantage here as the last 15km are a replica of the stage to Aia this year. The finish is unspeakably steep and it's the kind of non-sensical situation where actually riding the bike is the slowest way to the top. Teams won't have seen a stage like this ever before and it will be interesting to see how they ride it, one thing is certain; the ambush potential is incredibly high and the race leader will be watching his back all day.

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