Oyonnax is situated in the foothills of the Jura mountains. Seven years ago the Tour de France was here for the first and last time when Tony Gallopin soloed to victory, although the peloton came very close – 10 metres, to be precise.
The first 100 kilometres are fairly straightforward. Not flat, not too demanding either. Two uphill sections stand out: the Côte de Copponex (6.5 kilometres at 4.4%) and Côte de Menthonnex-en-Bornes (2.7 kilometres at 4.9%)
Things start to look different when the riders tackle the Côte de Mont-Saxonnex shortly after Bonneville. The 5.7 kilometres ascent averages 8.3%.
Almost immediately after the descent the big test of the day appears. Or should we say, two tests? Between the summit of the Col de Romme and the base Col de la Colombière is a downhill section of 5.5 kilometres, so one could argue it’s one huge climb.
The Romme amounts to 8.8 kilometres at 8.9%, while the Colombière is 7.5 kilometres long and averages 8.5%. The climb gets steeper near the summit, where the first three riders gain time bonuses of 8, 5 and 2 seconds.
The last part of the race – including the Col de Romme/Col de la Colombière combo – was included in the 2018 stage to Le-Grand-Bornand. That day, Julian Alaphilippe launched one of his raids. He crested both peaks to win the race 1.34 minutes ahead of the first chaser, Ion Izagirre.
The first three riders on the line gain time bonuses of 10, 6 and 4 seconds. Furthermore – as said -, 8, 5 and 2 seconds are available at the Col de la Colombière.
Another interesting read: results 8th stage 2021 Tour de France.
Tour de France 2021 stage 8: routes, profiles, more
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