Brioude (France) (AFP)
Escape or sprint? Both scenarios are conceivable in the 10th stage of the Tour de France which crosses Monday Cantal, Aveyron and Tarn to reach Albi, on the eve of the first day of rest.
The course in the three departments, conducive to green tourism, comprises 217.5 kilometers from Saint-Flour. But without significant obstacles likely to discourage sprinters although the roads are boring on the Aubrac, the Lot Valley and Ségala before the final flatter.
The finish is judged at the end of a long straight 900 meters, near the cathedral Sainte-Cécile, a gothic wonder (the largest brick cathedral in the world) adorned with many frescoes and inscribed since 2010 World Heritage of Unesco.
City-stage for the 13th time, Albi has dedicated Peter Sagan, the Slovak green jersey holder, during the last visit of the Tour in 2013. But the final stage, part of Montpellier, took another course.
Departure from Saint-Flour at 12:10, launched at 12:25, arrival at Albi around 17:43 (average calculated at 41 km / h).
© 2019 AFP