Critérium du Dauphiné 2014 Stage 8: Megève - Courchevel

Sunday, June 15th – The closing stage is as short as it is tough. Over 130.5 kilometres of racing, the riders crest three category 1 climbs and one category 2. This route from Megève to Courchevel has the potential to turn the GC upside-down at the eleventh hour. (Slideshow route/profile)

Critérium du Dauphiné 2014 stage 8 Megève - Courchevel

Yesterday’s ride may have been tougher, but that doesn’t necessarily mean today will be any less spectacular. The shortness of the closing stage can instigate some explosive racing as riders may risk attacking early on.

Riders click into their pedals at an altitude of 1,000 metres for a 14 kilometre descent and then the route goes up for a short, steep category 2 climb up Côte de Domancy. We pass through departure town Megève again and for 10 kilometres it’s mainly false flat (up), followed by the Col des Saisies – 13.4 kilometres at 5.2%. With 47 kilometres ridden, this col is crested and groups may already be up the road.

Next comes Vincenzo Nibali’s terrain. Interspersed by some minor climbing, the following 30 kilometres is mainly descding. The downhill wizard from Sicily can cause some serious damage here if on form.

A flat section, also 30 kilometres long, takes the riders to the foot of Côte de Montagny, an 8 kilometre climb at 6.5%, taking the riders back to the altitude they began at - a little over 1,000 metres.

With only 16 kilometres remaining in the Critérium du Dauphiné 2014, the final 5.9 kilometres are reserved for Montée de Courchevel Le Praz, a category-1 climb at 6.2%. An interesting way to finish the race with the GC up for grabs right until the last moment.