Tour de France 2015 Favourites stage 10: Pinot in the Pyrenees

The first stage in Pyrenees offers a lot of hills, but it is in the finale when the climbing party really kicks in with a 16 kilometres drag up to La Pierre Saint Martin. Today is July 14, the French holiday. Any Frenchman who feels like partying? (Slideshow route/profile)

In 2014 it was Vincenzo Nibali spoiling the French party and in 2013 Chris Froome made it all turn sour. So that was twice a July 14th for the eventual overall winner. We have to travel ten years back in time to find the last French stage victory on July 14. Back then, David Moncoutié won the mountain stage to Digne-les-Bains.

Given the route, one could argue it will be up to the adventurers. If so, Cristophe Riblon, Warren Barguil and Tony Gallopin are likely candidates to set the French on fire. Other adventurers with killer talent are Ryder Hesjedal, Daniel Martin and Tim Wellens, while Thibaut Pinot lost a lot of time already and when opportunity arrises he will probably get some space from the big men. Prior to the Tour-start the young Frenchman showed good form, winning the Queen Stage in both the Tour de Romandie andTour de Suisse.

If the recent July 14th routine is followed the overall contenders will battle it out on the closing climb. Form of the day will decide on whether it will be Vincenzo Nibali, Alberto Contador, Chris Froome or Nairo Quintana.

*** Ryder Hesjedal, Tim Wellens, Thibaut Pinot
** Vincenzo Nibali, Alberto Contador, Chris Froome, Nairo Quintana
* Cristophe Riblon, Tony Gallopin, Warren Barguil