Tour de France 2015 Favourites stage 19 - Explosive climbers alarm!

Frankly, the only obvious outcome of stage 19 is... spectacle. Albeit short, the stage features four tough climbs. A dream parcours for both attackers and overall contenders who are racing for their last chances. (Slideshow route/profile)

In recent years, it has become something of a tradition to insert a short mountain stage in the last week of the Tour de France. Brilliant thinking by the organization, as compelling racing is the result. Looking at the results in recent years it is clear what type of riders fancy these explosive races. Alejandro Valverde won the short mountain stage in 2012, Nairo Quintana was the party boy in 2013 and last year the final week offered two short mountain stages with Vincenzo Nibali and Rafal Majka taking the flowers. Nibali did so in the yellow jersey.

Alberto Contador is an explosive climber also and the same goes for Joaquim Rodriguez. The Catalan is wearing the polka dot jersey and wants to take the jersey to Paris.

Nairo Quintana sais he will goe on the attacks today. Let’s hope so, bu we have to wait and see if he is strong enough to threaten Froome. Could very well be the Biton will counter him and take the win himself.

If an early break holds till the end riders such as Thibaut Pinot, Andrew Talansky, Serge Pauwels and Steven Kruijswijk are serious contenders.

*** Nairo Quintana, Alberto Contador, Thibaut Pinot
** Alejandro Valverde, Joaquim Rodriguez, Vincenzo Nibali
* Rafal Majka, Steven Kruijswijk, Serge Pauwels, Andrew Talansky