The Tour de France has started its third and final week and of course that includes daily previews. In the Leader’s jersey takes you through this article to everything you need to know about the course for the next day and further down the Tour!
A different time, but little new for the loyal Tour viewer. The Tour de France still consists of three weeks of racing. The start will take place in Nice this year, before traditionally finishing on the last day on the Champs-Élysées. Go through the trail, put the days in your agenda and enjoy with us!
Stage 18, Thursday 17 September 2020: Méribel – La Roche-sur-Foron (168 km)
Not three, not four, as many as five, and actually six, climbs are waiting for the riders on Thursday 17 September. With twice the first category and one outside category, this stage can perhaps be seen as the Queen stage of this Tour de France. The position so late in the game also contributes to that image. It is probably the last place where differences will fall until Saturday’s time trial.
The Montée du plateau des Gliéres will terrify many cyclists. It is not so much the length, at six kilometers it does not fall in the ‘long’ category, but rather the gradient that will cause painful legs. With just over eleven percent, the strongest climbers will soon appear at the front here. The last climb is 10 kilometers from the line, but it has not been categorized. The finish is descending.
Climbs
46.0 km: Cormet de Roselend (18.6 km at 6.1%)
67.5 km: Coast of the Route des Villes (3.2 km aan 6.6%)
91.0 km: Col des Saisses (14.6 km to 6.4%)
117.5 km: Col des Aravis (6.7 km aan 75)
143.5 km: Ascent of the Gliéres plateau (6.0 km at 11.2%)
Favorites
Will the classification riders go full or will they compete for the day victory over the stage hijackers? If everything is done one more time, the first scenario will seem logical. Primoz Roglic will be present, just like a major competitor Tadej Pogacar. Or has Miguel Angel Lopez still left after the Col de la Loze? Furthermore, the stage also offers the opportunity for Nairo Quintana to save his Tour with a stage win.
Times
Start: 12.30 pm
Finish: Around 5.28 pm
TV and streams
NOS: From 12.40 pm
Sporza: From 1.30 pm
Eurosport: From 12 noon
In the Leader’s jersey: Liveblog
Stage 19, Friday September 18, 2020: Bourg-en-Bresse – Champagnole (160 km)
Calm before the storm. Friday, September 18, a hilly stage is scheduled that will undoubtedly be contested by the riders from a leading group. The hills are not very difficult, because the Tour organization has decided to categorize only one. It is more the succession of small hills that will make it difficult for the riders here, especially with almost three weeks of racing in the legs.
With the next day’s time trial in mind, the chances of the GC riders throwing their strength into this stage don’t seem very high. Perhaps men who have had to drive a Tour for a long time can try it again for themselves here.
Climbs
82.0 km: Côte de Château-Chalon (4.3 km aan 4.7%)
Favorites
The course is crying out for the man in shape Wout van Aert. The question is, however, whether he is really allowed from his team. The Belgians have anyway with Jasper Stuyven at least one other candidate to keep an eye on. Must go further Matteo Trentin can also get far on this course, both from a sprint and from the attack.
Times
Start: 1.45 pm
Finish: Around 5.37 pm
TV and streams
NOS: From 2.45 pm
Sporza: From 2.45 pm
Eurosport: Not yet known
In the Leader’s jersey: Liveblog
Etappe 20, zaterdag September 19, 2020: Lure – La Planche des Belles Filles (36 km)
Many riders and fans will have been looking forward to this stage. A time trial on the flanks of La Planche des Belles Filles. It is only the first race against time in this Tour de France, so it remains to be seen who has improved themselves greatly in the time trial. It will be interesting: on which bike (s) will the riders start? Road or time trial bike or will they change before the final climb starts?
With 36 kilometers, the time trial is not on the super long side, but the differences will be large. The race includes three points for time indication, including the finish. In addition, points can be awarded for the polka dot jersey at the top of the Planche.
Climbs
36.2 km: La Planche des Belles Filles (5.9 km at 8.5%)
Favorites
Climbing and time trial: Primoz Roglic can do both and that makes him the top favorite for this stage. Egan Bernal is a gifted climber, but will probably have to give in quite some time to his Slovenian competitor on the flat part. They also have access to it within the Jumbo-Visma team Tom Dumoulin. The Dutchman seems to be back in shape and can show off his two greatest talents here.
Times
Start: 1:00 pm
Finish: Around 6:09 pm
TV and streams
NOS: From 1 p.m.
Sporza: From 2 pm
Eurosport: Not yet known
In the Leader’s jersey: Liveblog
Etappe 21, zondag 20 september 2020: Mantes-la-Jolie – Paris Champs-Élysées (122 km)
Oooh, Champs Élysées! Iconic, recognizable and the dream of every sprinter: a Tour de France is not complete without a bunch sprint on the most famous street in Paris. The slightly sloping road surface, the clattering stones and the apotheosis of three weeks of racing make this one of the most legendary finishes in the cycling world. Everyone will look forward to this moment after a long time of suffering.
Traditionally, we don’t have to expect much spectacle from this stage. The initial phase of the competition will be used to celebrate, let the photographers enjoy taking some nice pictures and drinking champagne. If you turn up the Champs Élysées as a yellow jersey, nothing can go wrong. He can crown himself the most recent winner of the Tour de France.
Climbs
13.5 km: Côte de Beulle (2.3 km aan 3.6 procent)
Favorites
The Champs Élysées is a reward for every sprinter after a tough Tour de France. However, you should be able to do it: still full of sprint after three weeks of mountains. Sam Bennett in Caleb Ewan must have ever dreamed of triumphing in Paris and also Elia Viviani will hope to give his French team a wonderful present here.
Times
Start: 4 p.m.
Finish: Around 6:58 pm
TV and streams
NOS: From 4.45 pm
Eurosport: Not yet known
In the Leader’s jersey: Liveblog
