Odds are that a fast finisher with climber’s legs will take the win in the shadow of the huge Albi Cathedral. Someone like Marianne Vos or Lotte Kopecky. The route is lumpy for most of the day, but the finale is flat. Obviously, attackers are also eyeing up their chances.
Four climbs stand out in the hilly journey through the south of France, Côte des Combalous (800 metres at 8.1%), Côte de Najac (2.1 kilometres at 7.4%), Côte de Laguépie (1.5 kilometres at 9%), and Côte de Monestiés (1.6 kilometres at 6.4%). These are the classified climbs, but dozens of non-KOMs are also included in the route, which adds up to 1,800 metres of climbing.
After the Monestiés the riders are not treated with a downhill. Instead they stay at altitude for 17 kilometres before a 2 kilometres drop takes them to the last 6 kilometres on the flat.
Ride the route yourself? Download GPX stage 5 2023 Tour de France Femmes.
Another interesting read: results 5th stage 2023 Tour de France Femmes.
Tour de France Femmes 2023 stage 5: route & profile
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