Stage 20, 2016 Tour de France
On Saturday, the riders traverse their final day in the mountains of this year’s Tour, going from Megève to Morzine-Avoriaz. The 146.5km (91mi) stage 19 tackles the hors categorie Col du Joux Plane before a fast descent to the finish.
Date: Saturday, July 23
Start: Megève
Finish: Morzine-Avoriaz
Distance: 146.5km (91mi)
Elevation Gain: 3710m (12171ft)
Weather forecast: Rain
GC standings (click yellow):
Comment from race director, Christian Prudhomme: “The grand finale for the climbers and maybe for the yellow jersey will once again be played in the Alps on a short and intense stage for which one will have to keep energy… and cold blood. Indeed, after the climbs to the Col de la Ramaz, and then Joux Plane, the Tour could well be decided on a long 12-kilometre downhill portion. A first!”
Chris Froome, Team Sky: “”Tomorrow is going to be really hard. I’m sure I’m going to be a bit sore and stiff after today. But hopefully I can rely on my teammates for one last push to get through the stage.”
Romain Bardet, Ag2r La Mondiale: “It’s better to be sixteen seconds ahead of Nairo Quintana than sixteen seconds behind. Everything can happen in Joux-Plane tomorrow. I’ll try to save a place on the podium in Paris. That would be fabulous.”
Alejandro Valverde, Movistar: “Tomorrow’s stage might be one for alliances between squads.”
Yvon Ledanois, BMC Racing Sports Director: “Tomorrow is another day and as we saw today, anything can happen out there. Rain is forecast again which means it will be another hectic stage. We are ready for one last fight to get Richie on the podium.”
