The last time Bagnères-de-Bigorre was included as a stage finish on the Tour de France was in 2013. The race led over the Col de Portet-d’Aspet, Col de Menté, Col de Peyresourde, Col de Val Louron-Azet and La Hourquette d’Ancizan before ending with a descent of 30 kilometres. Daniel Martin bested Jakob Fuglsang in a two-up sprint, while the GC-contenders finished 29 seconds behind.
The 12th stage of the 2019 Tour de France is not as tough as that race. Following the start in Toulouse the route travels on flat to rolling roads for more than 120 kilometres before the first mountain appears. The Col de Peyresourde (13.2 kilometres at 7%) is crested at kilometre 138 and the riders plunge down to the valley. Up next is La Hourquette d’Ancizan, which is a 9.9 kilometres climb at 7.5%. The first three riders at its crest earn bonus seconds (8, 5 and 2) before the race ends with the same 30 kilometres downhill as five years ago.
The 2008 Tour de France also saw a stage from Toulouse to Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Featuring the Col de Peyresourde and the Col d’Aspin, the race ended with a descent to the finish. It was a dark period for cycling and Riccardo Riccò soloed to the win. When it appeared the Italian was fueled by dope, and was subsequently banned, runner-up Vladimir Efimkin became the winner.
Time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds are awarded to the first three riders on the line. Moreover, as said, the first three riders over La Hourquette d’Ancizan gain 8, 5 and 2 seconds.
The race is expected to finish around 17.10 local time.
Another interesting read: results/race report 12th stage 2019 Tour de France.
Tour de France 2019 stage 12: route, profiles, more
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