The Schleck brothers have fond memories of departure place Pinerolo. In the 2011 Tour de France stage 18 left here to finish at the Galibier. Andy won with Fränk second.
En route to Risoul the Col Agnel lays waiting, or, as the Italians call the pass Colle dell’Agnello. After the Col de l’Iseran and Stelvio this is the third highest pass in Europe, peaking at an elevation of 2,744 metres. In the 2013 Giro the stage with the Stelvio was cancelled at the eleventh hour due to heavy snowfall, let’s hope the weather is good this time.
Starting at kilometre 38 the road rises without delay until the Agnel is crested with 106.4 kilometres done. That’s 2,404 vertical metres in 67.5 kilometres, averaging a 3.6% grade. The first 35 kilometres are easy at 1.8%, while it gets nasty nearing the top. In the final 10 kilometre the average gradient is 9.5% and simulaneously the air gets thinner with every metre. This is mountain goat territory. Steepest stretches, at 15%, are 8.3 kilometres and 3,3 kilometer under the top.
The closing climb up to Risoul is a steady effort in 12.85 kilometres with a constant grade at around 7%. The 3 final kilometres are steepest with an average gradient at 8.2%.
In the 2014 Tour de France Rafal Majka won the stage to Risoul, while the 2013 Criterium du Dauphiné saw Chris Froome climbing to the overall victory at the flanks to the French ski resort. The stage itself was won by Alessandro De Marchi.
At the line, time bonuses at 10, 6 and 4 seconds lay waiting, while intermediate sprints come with 3, 2 and 1 seconds each.
Race results/race report stage 19, 2016 Giro d’Italia.
Giro 2016 Stage 19: Route maps, height profiles, etc.
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