Stage 4: Sisteron to Orcières-Merlette
The GC battle heats up with the first summit finish of this year’s Tour on the grueling climb to the Orcières-Merlette ski resort in the Hautes-Alpes. Expect fireworks on the 7.1km climb, which averages 6.7%.
Start: 7:30 am EST
Est. Finish: 11:30 am EST
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Stage 4 preview
Course: More than 3,000 meters of climbing (9,800 feet) are on tap as the route takes in the limestone massif Dévoluy Mountains, a range in the scenic Hautes-Alpes. The GC battle heats up again with a short and punishing route that includes the first summit finish of this year’s Tour. Similar to stage 2, this day won’t crown the overall champion, however it could thin the herd of GC favorites.
Favorites: Julian Alaphilippe, Primož Roglič, Egan Bernal, Nairo Quintana
Jens Voigt’s take: Already in the Alps and already the first mountain-top finish! They don’t mess around this year, right?! Only 150km, this stage will be short and painful. And with a finish climb of seven kilometers up to 1,800 meters, this is not a route where you can play a bluff. The GC riders need to have it and show it. This evening I will be able to name a few riders who will NOT win this tour. It’s high noon between Jumbo-Visma and Team Ineos.