Preview: 2014 Tour de France — Stage 8

Tomblaine to Gérardmer La Mauselaine (161km)

Saturday, July 12th 7:40 a.m. – 11:19 a.m. EDT

There are three unusual days of racing in the Vosges region, comprising three short, but different stages that may force the riders to vary their tactics. There will be action right from the start of this stage, as the rouleurs attempt to take advantage of the initial 130 kilometers on the flat. After that, the climbers will take over. There are three tests on the menu: the Croix des Moinats, the Col de Grosse Pierre, which is back on the route with its sections of more than 15 percent, and then the final climb of La Mauselaine at Gérardmer (1.8km at 10.3 percent). There is no doubt the favorites are going to have to show themselves. However, a long-range attack could still prevent them from contesting for the stage win.