TDF 2024:- Stage 8: Semur-En-Auxois – Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, 183.4km ***Spoilers***

Stage 8: Semur-En-Auxois – Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, 183.4km

July 6th

Start Time: 12-05BST.

Stage 8 will be another day for the sprinters if they can survive the 2,400 metres of elevation gain in the 183.4km route from Semur-en-Auxois to Colombey-les-Deux-Églises. Although no altitude records will be broken, the first two-thirds of stage 8 will feature five categorised climbs. The climbs are neither long nor steep, but the endless succession will add to the fatigue. The last KOM climb is crested with 61 kilometers remaining. The bad news, however, is that it’s not entirely flat after that..

It’s a first for Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, while starting venue Semur-en-Auxois featured once before on Le Tour.

Profile.

Map.

The Climbs.

Côte de Vitteaux (Cat. 3)

Côte de Villy-en-Auxois (Cat. 4)

Côte de Verrey-sous-Salmaise (Cat. 3)

Côte de Santenoge (Cat. 4)

Côte de Giey-sur-Aujon (Cat. 4)

Final Kilometres.

The relentless ups and downs may put a strain on the legs at the point when the sprinters’ teammates are starting to think about setting up a bunch finish. But the last three kilometres of the final straight, which rise slightly but steadily, could be the ideal place to bring the peloton back together.

What to Expect.

Something similar to what we saw from Alpecin during the Giro? There’s a good chance that teams of power sprinters will keep the pace high throughout the day to exhaust and neutralise the pure sprinters. Having said that, the possibility of a successful breakaway cannot be ruled out.

Semur-en-Auxois

Stage town for the second time

Canton chef-lieu in Côte-d'Or (21)

Population: 4,200

SEMUR-EN-AUXOIS AND CYCLING

In 2007, Semur-en-Auxois served as the launch pad for a stage won in Bourg-en-Bresse by Tom Boonen ahead of Oscar Freire and Erik Zabel. That day, Bradley Wiggins launched a 191-km breakaway, but was reined in with 7km to go. In 2008, Semur-en-Auxois hosted the French road championships, won by Nicolas Vogondy.

Specialities: Burgundy snails, parsley ham, Burgundy truffles, beef bourguignon, gougères, oeufs en meurette (eggs in wine sauce). Burgundy wines. Epoisses.

Epoisses:

Epoisses is a soft, washed-rind cheese produced in the village of Epoisses, 13 km from Semur-en-Auxois. It generally weighs 250 grams but can be found in larger sizes. This cheese, which contains 24 pc fat, is matured by being rubbed with marc de Bourgogne. Its ivory-orange to brick-red colour is due to surface bacteria. It has had an AOC since 1991 and an AOP since 1996. Its origins date back to the 16th century.

Colombey-les-deux-Églises

Stage town for the first time.

Town in Haute-Marne (52)

Population: 750

Specialities: champagne, andouilles, Haute-Marne specialities, Langres cheese. Champagne fondue. Caisses de Wassy (meringues).

Champagne

Colombey-les-deux-Églises is close to the champagne-growing area and there are a number of specialist winegrowers in the vicinity, including Champagne A. Viot et Fils, which is 10 km from the village, and Champagne de Barfontarc, which is 15 km away.

Andouille

Andouillette is a French specialty sausage made with pork meat and intestines, onions, wine, pepper, and other seasonings. The sausage contains parts of pig's colon, which is the reason why it is considered to be an acquired taste, as it has an intense, unusual smell which is described by some people as reminiscent of urine. (yum yum)

The sausage can be served hot or cold, and it can be barbecued, boiled, or pan-fried. It is traditionally accompanied by vegetables in red wine sauce or roasted potatoes with a fresh salad on the side.