TDF 2022:- Stage 14: Saint-Étienne - Mende, 192.5km ***Spoilers***
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Stage 14: Saint-Étienne - Mende, 192.5km
Start Time 12-15CET.
Mende. Croix Neuve or Montée Jalabert, a climb that became mythical in 1995 when the Jaja put Banesto and Miguel Indurain in troubles after a crazy long range team attack from ONCE.
Race leader Miguel Induráin had a 2:27 lead over second-place Alex Zülle, with top Frenchman Laurent Jalabert in sixth overall, more than nine minutes back. This year’s stage route is not the same as then, being 30 kilometers shorter, but it’s just as difficult, with 3,400 meters (over 11,000 feet) of vertical gain. The opening section has some long hills ideal for attacks where 27 years ago Jalabert began a dangerous breakaway that grew to six-strong, two of them his ONCE teammates.
They gained 10 minutes, putting Jalabert in the virtual yellow jersey, as the stage passed through Le Puy-en-Velay and Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas.
Jalabert eventually won the stage, consolidated his green jersey, finished almost six minutes ahead of the GC leaders and moved into third overall.
Usually, when Le Tour finishes in Saint-Étienne the town also hosts the stage start on the following day. Three years ago the race travelled on lumpy terrain to Romain Bardet’s birthplace, Brioude, where Daryl Impey outgunned Tiesj Benoot in a two-up sprint.
The route never climbs very high, but the physical demands on the riders will be almost unceasing as they race from Saint-Étienne to Mende. This trek through the departments of Loire, Haute-Loire and Lozère will push the most robust riders into action. Then, on the Jalabert Montée de la Croix Neuve leading up to the airfield above Mende.
The Climbs.
Final Kms.
The riders plunge down a 20 kilometres descent and then it’s time for the Côte de la Croix Neuve.
The middle section of 2 km at 12,8% is simply terrible, so there will be time gaps among the GC riders.. The climb will be topped with only 1,4 km to go, where the road sweeps down to reach the airport above the city.
What to Expect.
The route descends from the gun, but only short, and then the Côte de Saint-Juste Malmont is sure to inspire a flurry of attacks. Following a rolling section, with two short downhills, the next climb appears after 36 kilometres. So the breakaway should form during this opening and is likely to succeed.
Behind, the GC riders will firstly be looking to surviveand limit time gaps, but those with the best legs may force the issue.
Saint-Étienne
Population: 174,000
Specialities: Pilat wines (Côte-Rotie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Château-Grillet), bugnes, sarasson.
SAINT-ÉTIENNE AND CYCLING
Shunned by the Tour before the war because of its central position in France, Saint-Étienne has since redeemed itself and has hosted the Grande Boucle on 25 occasions since 1950, often for memorable finishes. The names of the winners in town (Geminiani, Bobet, Hinault, Herrera or Zoetemelk) speak for themselves. One of the most memorable episodes of the Tour's passages in the Forez was undoubtedly the end of the “friendly” rivalry between Bernard Hinault and Greg LeMond in the 1986 edition. The individual time trial around Saint-Étienne was the Badger's last stand, his 28th and final stage victory. His victory over his team-mate and rival was however too narrow (25") to allow him to threaten the American and claim a sixth Tour title two days later in Paris. The passing of the baton, as we know, was not easy, and LeMond’s crash in this time trial led him to accuse his team-mates of sabotage in favour of Hinault. The Breton swore that he had made a pact to ensure LeMond's victory and that he stuck to it.
For the last visit of the race in town, Thomas De Gendt strengthened his reputation as the eternal long-distance escapee. The Belgian rider won after a 200-km solo attack.
Côte-Rotie
Km 68.3
ROSIERES (Pop: 1,570)
In the commune is the remarkable natural site of the Corboeuf Ravines, a fragile canyon of multicoloured clays. Sometimes called the Colorado of the Auvergne, the site can be discovered on foot from Rosières by following the Galoche path.
Km 86.2
CHADRAC (Pop: 2,500)
Château de Polignac
The owners of the castle since the 11th century, the hereditary viscounts of Velay took the name and made it their residence until the beginning of the 17th century. The fortress, which occupied a strategic location commanding the roads to the west and north of Le Puy, could house 800 soldiers in addition to the family and its servants. Well protected in their fortress, the lords of Polignac were able to become the masters of the country.
Mende
Population: 13,100
Specialities: herb sausages, croquants de Mende, aligot, cheese (Pélardon), honey
MENDE AND CYCLING
Laurent Jalabert was the first to win at the top of the côte de la Croix Neuve in 1995. Ten years later, the peloton made its return to the Gévaudan, led by an inspired escapee, Marcos Serrano. Then, in 2010, Joaquim Rodriguez, took off in turn in view of the aerodrome that served as a setting for the final scene of Gérard Oury's film Don't Look Now... We're Being Shot At. He won ahead of compatriot Alberto Contador, who had already triumphed on this climb twice in Paris-Nice (2007 and 2010).
In 2015, the French pair of Thibaut Pinot and Romain Bardet, too busy watching each other, were countered and outwitted in the last kilometre by the Britain’s Stephen Cummings. In 2018, the victory went to Spaniard Omar Fraile, who had to part with his breakaway companions Julian Alaphilippe and Jasper Stuyven in the final kilometer to win ahead of them.
Christophe Laurent, who took part in the Tour in 2004 and 2006, was born and still lives in Mende. The town is also the home of the Tour du Gévaudan.
Croquants de Mende
Herb sausages, aligot
Start Time 12-15CET.
Mende. Croix Neuve or Montée Jalabert, a climb that became mythical in 1995 when the Jaja put Banesto and Miguel Indurain in troubles after a crazy long range team attack from ONCE.
Race leader Miguel Induráin had a 2:27 lead over second-place Alex Zülle, with top Frenchman Laurent Jalabert in sixth overall, more than nine minutes back. This year’s stage route is not the same as then, being 30 kilometers shorter, but it’s just as difficult, with 3,400 meters (over 11,000 feet) of vertical gain. The opening section has some long hills ideal for attacks where 27 years ago Jalabert began a dangerous breakaway that grew to six-strong, two of them his ONCE teammates.
They gained 10 minutes, putting Jalabert in the virtual yellow jersey, as the stage passed through Le Puy-en-Velay and Le Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas.
Jalabert eventually won the stage, consolidated his green jersey, finished almost six minutes ahead of the GC leaders and moved into third overall.
Usually, when Le Tour finishes in Saint-Étienne the town also hosts the stage start on the following day. Three years ago the race travelled on lumpy terrain to Romain Bardet’s birthplace, Brioude, where Daryl Impey outgunned Tiesj Benoot in a two-up sprint.
The route never climbs very high, but the physical demands on the riders will be almost unceasing as they race from Saint-Étienne to Mende. This trek through the departments of Loire, Haute-Loire and Lozère will push the most robust riders into action. Then, on the Jalabert Montée de la Croix Neuve leading up to the airfield above Mende.
The Climbs.
Final Kms.
The riders plunge down a 20 kilometres descent and then it’s time for the Côte de la Croix Neuve.
The middle section of 2 km at 12,8% is simply terrible, so there will be time gaps among the GC riders.. The climb will be topped with only 1,4 km to go, where the road sweeps down to reach the airport above the city.
What to Expect.
The route descends from the gun, but only short, and then the Côte de Saint-Juste Malmont is sure to inspire a flurry of attacks. Following a rolling section, with two short downhills, the next climb appears after 36 kilometres. So the breakaway should form during this opening and is likely to succeed.
Behind, the GC riders will firstly be looking to surviveand limit time gaps, but those with the best legs may force the issue.
Saint-Étienne
Population: 174,000
Specialities: Pilat wines (Côte-Rotie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Château-Grillet), bugnes, sarasson.
SAINT-ÉTIENNE AND CYCLING
Shunned by the Tour before the war because of its central position in France, Saint-Étienne has since redeemed itself and has hosted the Grande Boucle on 25 occasions since 1950, often for memorable finishes. The names of the winners in town (Geminiani, Bobet, Hinault, Herrera or Zoetemelk) speak for themselves. One of the most memorable episodes of the Tour's passages in the Forez was undoubtedly the end of the “friendly” rivalry between Bernard Hinault and Greg LeMond in the 1986 edition. The individual time trial around Saint-Étienne was the Badger's last stand, his 28th and final stage victory. His victory over his team-mate and rival was however too narrow (25") to allow him to threaten the American and claim a sixth Tour title two days later in Paris. The passing of the baton, as we know, was not easy, and LeMond’s crash in this time trial led him to accuse his team-mates of sabotage in favour of Hinault. The Breton swore that he had made a pact to ensure LeMond's victory and that he stuck to it.
For the last visit of the race in town, Thomas De Gendt strengthened his reputation as the eternal long-distance escapee. The Belgian rider won after a 200-km solo attack.
Côte-Rotie
Km 68.3
ROSIERES (Pop: 1,570)
In the commune is the remarkable natural site of the Corboeuf Ravines, a fragile canyon of multicoloured clays. Sometimes called the Colorado of the Auvergne, the site can be discovered on foot from Rosières by following the Galoche path.
Km 86.2
CHADRAC (Pop: 2,500)
Château de Polignac
The owners of the castle since the 11th century, the hereditary viscounts of Velay took the name and made it their residence until the beginning of the 17th century. The fortress, which occupied a strategic location commanding the roads to the west and north of Le Puy, could house 800 soldiers in addition to the family and its servants. Well protected in their fortress, the lords of Polignac were able to become the masters of the country.
Mende
Population: 13,100
Specialities: herb sausages, croquants de Mende, aligot, cheese (Pélardon), honey
MENDE AND CYCLING
Laurent Jalabert was the first to win at the top of the côte de la Croix Neuve in 1995. Ten years later, the peloton made its return to the Gévaudan, led by an inspired escapee, Marcos Serrano. Then, in 2010, Joaquim Rodriguez, took off in turn in view of the aerodrome that served as a setting for the final scene of Gérard Oury's film Don't Look Now... We're Being Shot At. He won ahead of compatriot Alberto Contador, who had already triumphed on this climb twice in Paris-Nice (2007 and 2010).
In 2015, the French pair of Thibaut Pinot and Romain Bardet, too busy watching each other, were countered and outwitted in the last kilometre by the Britain’s Stephen Cummings. In 2018, the victory went to Spaniard Omar Fraile, who had to part with his breakaway companions Julian Alaphilippe and Jasper Stuyven in the final kilometer to win ahead of them.
Christophe Laurent, who took part in the Tour in 2004 and 2006, was born and still lives in Mende. The town is also the home of the Tour du Gévaudan.
Croquants de Mende
Herb sausages, aligot
"Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.
2
Comments
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Cummings to inspire one of the IGD riders to follow in his footsteps?0
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Anyone but a Dane*. Please, my nerves and liver can't take much more.
Or some whippersnapper mtb riderWarning No formatter is installed for the format0 -
Shiiiiiiiiit. Tom Pidcock has just spotted that bangers and mash is a local specialityNo_Ta_Doctor said:Anyone but a Dane*. Please, my nerves and liver can't take much more.
Or some whippersnapper mtb riderWarning No formatter is installed for the format0 -
I really liked the John "gladiators ready" Anderson tribute kit.blazing_saddles said:
And that win was very funny.1 -
DK TV just did a section on that Cummings mugging, Inc an interview with him today. I loved that win!Warning No formatter is installed for the format0
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This has to be a break day. Jumbo won't want to leave bonus seconds up for grabs on that finish, where Pogacar will definitely attack, and UAE have no chance of controlling the break on that parcoursWarning No formatter is installed for the format0
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Certainly looking warm near the finish... Police car on fire
Warning No formatter is installed for the format0 -
No idea how but Pog managed to get in a split and Jonas had to make a big effort on his own to close.0
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Pogacar attack!
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Blimey, Jumbo Visma caught napping there 😱
Pogacar got away in a group which included van Aert and Vingegaard had to chase alone
Pog is bloody going for itWarning No formatter is installed for the format0 -
Only 182km to stay away.0
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WvA was marking him but rest of Jumbo were missing. Pog tries again!0
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The race is in bits as usual.
Pogacar attacking Vingegaard already!"Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.0 -
No sign of Thomas anywhere near the front0
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Ewan is in for a long day0
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Just in. What's happening....pog attacking?"If I was a 38 year old man, I definitely wouldn't be riding a bright yellow bike with Hello Kitty disc wheels, put it that way. What we're witnessing here is the world's most high profile mid-life crisis" Afx237vi Mon Jul 20, 2009 2:43 pm0
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Chr15t the peloton is in bits!"If I was a 38 year old man, I definitely wouldn't be riding a bright yellow bike with Hello Kitty disc wheels, put it that way. What we're witnessing here is the world's most high profile mid-life crisis" Afx237vi Mon Jul 20, 2009 2:43 pm0
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Surprise, surprise, Kirby hasn't got a clue what has happened or why.mididoctors said:Just in. What's happening....pog attacking?
In fairness, neither does Kelly or Dan Lloyd."Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.0 -
Where's jumbo?"If I was a 38 year old man, I definitely wouldn't be riding a bright yellow bike with Hello Kitty disc wheels, put it that way. What we're witnessing here is the world's most high profile mid-life crisis" Afx237vi Mon Jul 20, 2009 2:43 pm0
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Looks like Caleb Ewan will be climbing off imminently0
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G is with Pog and Jonas. Early break reabsorbed. Powless & Juul-Jensen off the front1
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Roglic dropped from whatever the peloton isWarning No formatter is installed for the format0
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Have the legs fallen off jumbo?"If I was a 38 year old man, I definitely wouldn't be riding a bright yellow bike with Hello Kitty disc wheels, put it that way. What we're witnessing here is the world's most high profile mid-life crisis" Afx237vi Mon Jul 20, 2009 2:43 pm0
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Only WvA !????"If I was a 38 year old man, I definitely wouldn't be riding a bright yellow bike with Hello Kitty disc wheels, put it that way. What we're witnessing here is the world's most high profile mid-life crisis" Afx237vi Mon Jul 20, 2009 2:43 pm0
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Not sure about Jumbo’s tactics.
They seem intent on shutting things down at the expense of Roglic who has been left to fend for himself."Science is a tool for cheaters". An anonymous French PE teacher.0 -
They should let vlasov go"If I was a 38 year old man, I definitely wouldn't be riding a bright yellow bike with Hello Kitty disc wheels, put it that way. What we're witnessing here is the world's most high profile mid-life crisis" Afx237vi Mon Jul 20, 2009 2:43 pm0
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The police have blamed Liverpool fansNo_Ta_Doctor said:Certainly looking warm near the finish... Police car on fire
Twitter: @RichN953 -
Thanks.thejimmymethod said:G is with Pog and Jonas. Early break reabsorbed. Powless & Juul-Jensen off the front
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PCS showing a virtual classification with Thomas losing time.0
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Roglic isn’t a concern for them anymoreblazing_saddles said:Not sure about Jumbo’s tactics.
They seem intent on shutting things down at the expense of Roglic who has been left to fend for himself.Twitter: @RichN950
