The finale is pepped up by the fact that it is played out on narrow roads, so bike handling will be crucial. In a way, the route is similar to last year’s 12th stage, when Marc Hirschi attacked on the last climb to solo to victory.
That race unfolded not as expected though. While the breakaway was predicted to survive, the attackers were not allowed much leeway before being caught with 50 kilometers remaining. A similar scenario could unfold in the race to Quillan, although a successful breakway is just as likely.
The first half of the 184 kilometres long race from Carcassonne to Quillan is predominantly flat. Virtually all climbing is packed together inside the second part. The riders tackle the Col de Montségur (4.2 kilometres at 8.6%), Col de la Croix des Morts (6.8 kilometres at 5.8%), Côte de Galinagues (1.5 kilometres at 7%), Col du Campérie (3.3 kilometres at 4%) and Col de Saint Louis (4.7 kilometres at 7.4%) before flying down into Quillan.
Favourites stage 14 Tour de France 2021
*** Wout van Aert, Matej Mohoric, Julian Alaphilippe
** Michael Matthews, Jakob Fuglsang, Stefan Bissegger, Wout Poels
* Nils Eekhoff, Kasper Asgreen, Sonny Colbrelli, Ruben Guerreiro
Another interesting read: route 14th stage 2021 Tour de France.
Tour de France 2021 stage 14: profiles & finish
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