Tour, eighth stage: first day of the Pyrenees with Balès and Peyresourde

Two certainties: it will be hot (25 degrees) and there will be a battle. The first Pyrenean stage promises sparks, after the battle of the fans. It starts in Cazères-Sur-Garonne and reaches Loudenvielle after 141 km. Short fraction, another stumbling block. Between three climbs, two to scream. The Port de Balés where in 2017 the race exploded with attacks and repetitions, until the yellow jersey was given to Fabio Aru. But this climb is also that of Andy Schleck’s famous chain jump in the yellow jersey and Alberto Contador’s attack. Further on, and therefore decisive for the fate of the ranking, is the Col du Peyresourde, one of the historic peaks of the Pyrenees. It evokes sweet memories for the Italians: it was on these ramps that Marco Pantani’s yellow comeback began in 1998. At the finish in Luchon (a success for Rodolfo Massi), the Pirata took 23 seconds away from German Ullrich. It seemed like nothing, but then Galibier’s magical day came and the story changed. Today Pogacar will try to make up for the time lost yesterday, but we also expect a lunge from Roglic. It will be up to Bernal, the reigning king, to prove that he is up to the task. Tomorrow, then, second lap arriving at Laruns and another three tough climbs.

1. Adam YATES, (Gb, Mitchelton-Scott) 30,36’00;
2. Primoz Roglic (Slo, Jumbo-Visma) at 3 ”; 3. Guillaume Martin, (Fra, Cofidis) at 9 ”; 4. Bernal (Col) at 13 ”; 5. Dumoulin (hello); 6. Quintana (Col); 7. Bardet, (Fra); 8. López (Col); 9. Pinot, (Fra); 10. Uranus (Col); 11. Alaphilippe (Fra) at 15 “; 14. Valverde (Spa); 15. Higuita (Col) at 41 “; 16. Pogacar (Slo) at 1’28 ”; 17. Chaves (Col) at 1’34 “; 18 Mollema (hello); 19. Landa (Spa); 20. Porte (Aus); 21. Carapaz (Ecu) at 2’02 “; 22. Caruso; 28. Aru at 5’06 ”; 37. Formolo at 10’42 ”; 45. Pozzovivo at 17’14 ”; 68 ‘Cataldo at 38’05’ ‘; 69. Bettiol at 38’26 ”.

The shirts: Green (dots): Sagan. Mountain (Pois): Cosnefroy. Young (white): Bernal.