The first stage in the Alps will be a great showcase of riders' fitness. While the Plateau des Glières climb (HC) with it's unpaved section might be the highlight of the stage visually, the final two climbs up the Col de Romme and la Colombière could be the decisive section of the race. Froome has shown in the past how small attacks and gaps at the top of a final climb or even the penultimate climb can lead to large time advantages on a downhill finish, especially if a rider takes risks on the descent. With so many climbers and GC riders eying Stage 12 a surprise push in an early stage could catch some contenders sleeping. While the final descent is 15 km long a rider who can stay aerodynamic, push power at the right spots, and take some risks could easily put significant time into more timid chasers. To put it in perspective an athlete in a super tuck position with a drag of around .18 would be over a minute faster than a more traditional position where drag is close to .27 for the same power. This top time difference would be negated by having to produce power at key times but as we have seen in the past with Froome still pedaling and maintaining some power output while staying in the aero tucked position. Get additional Data-Driven Coverage of the Tour on TrainingPeaks.

Stage Analysis

We modeled the peloton as a single rider using the typical pulling power exhibited by riders at the front of the main group. Try using the Time Analysis Tool to find sections on each course where different types of riders may have an advantage. For example a lighter rider with slightly less power will show gains on the climbs.