Stages:
The race will be a little bit shorter this year with 3329 km. But it will include lots of mountains (16404′ of climbing), an Alpe d’Huez finish after climbing Col de la Madeleine, Lacets de Montvernier and Col de la Croix de Fer.
Stage 5: Bourg St Maurice – Alpe d’Huez
The Plateau des Glieres will race over some dirt after a brutal climb at 11% on Stage 10.
Col de Portet is only 65k but at least half of it uphill and challenging at 7270′. Word is that this could be very challenging for Chris Froome and Team Sky and could be suited to Dumouin.
Stage 17: Bagneres de Luchon to Col de Portet:
The race will go over the Mur de Bretagne twice on stage 10.
Teams will be composed of 8 riders in 2018 as opposed to the traditional 9-man teams.
Stage 20:
A time trial with lots of ups and downs.
Prudhomme said they’re expecting “…a spicy finish in Espelette, the world capital of chili peppers.”
There are just 8 flat stages but wind could be a factor.
ASO is trying to challenge and inspire.
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Additional stage profiles:
Stage 10: Annecy-Grand Bornand
Stage 11: Albertville-La Rosiere
Stage 14: Mende
Stage 15: Pic de Nore
Stage 16: Carcassonne to Bagneres de Luchon
Stage 19: Lourdes-Laruns
