Tour de France 2015 Favourites stage 18 - Mountain stage looking for classics specialist

Stage 18 is marked by lots of climbs with the Glandon the literal peak. The col is crested with 30 kilometres left and a long drop welcomes the riders. At 10 kilometres from the finish line the short and steep Lacets de Montvernier lays waiting. All in all this is a mountain stage with a finale that's tailor made for hilly classic specialists. (Slideshow route/profile)

Vincenzo Nibali and Alberto Contador are the best descenders of the GC contenders, so they will be eyeing up their chances. Alejandro Valverde is a brilliant descender also and a steep climb like Lacets de Montverniers should fancy him.

Of course, it could be up to the escapees, and names like Andrew Talansky, Rigoberto Uran, Joaquim Rodríguez, Steven Kruijswijk, Wilco Kelderman and Daniel Martin spring to mind

*** Alejandro Valverde, Joaquim Rodríguez, Andrew Talansky
** Vincenzo Nibali, Alberto Contador, Rigoberto Uran
* Steven Kruijswijk, Daniel Martin, Wilco Kelderman

Tour de France 2015 stage 18: Route maps, height profiles, and more

Click on the images to zoom


Watch the highlights of recent races here:
Related articles
Riders and teams - Tour de France 2015 GC Favourites - Tour de France 2015 Withdrawals - Tour de France 2015 Favourites - Tour de France 2015
More articles
Like our Facebook page and stay on top of all pro-race information!