Tour de France 2016 Favourites stage 16: A Saganesque Finish

Stage 16 in the 2016 Tour de France leads over roads that go up and down and up and down. It's one out of four stage at over 200 kilometres. Perfect for sprinters who won't shy away from a occasional hill, especially since the finale is marked by short climbs. (Slideshow route/profile)

Côte de Mühleberg is a 1.2 kilometres climb at 4.8%, yet this hill is crested with 25.5 kilometres remaining, so it will not have an influence on the results. That’s a different story in the final five kilometers, especially the last 2.5 kilometers are perfect to detonate the fireworks. First, a 250 metres climb at 7%, and shortly afterwards the asphalt comes with a 6.5% grade for 600 metres. The likes of Van Avermaet, Sagan and Matthews will be smiling in advance.

Probably the World Champion will be flashing the broadest smile. In stage 2 Sagan powered to the win on a short and steep closing climb, outsprinting Alaphilippe and Valverde on the line.

Favourites 16th stage Tour de France 2016:

*** Peter Sagan, Grag Van Avermaet, Michael Matthews
** Alexander Kristoff, Julian Alaphilippe, John Degenkolb, Sep Vanmarcke
* Petr Vakoc, André Greipel, Mark Cavendish, Edvald Boasson Hagen