TDF 2024:- Stage 12: Aurillac – Villeneuve-sur-Lot, 203.6km ***Spoilers***

Stage 12: Aurillac – Villeneuve-sur-Lot, 203.6km

July 11th

Start Time: 11-35BST.

Although classified flat there are plenty of hills in the first half of the route, including the Côte de Rocamadour. That characteristic of the parcours should give a breakaway a chance. The total climbing on the stage is 2,200m. The sprinters' teams will be looking to catch the breakaway riders in the flatter second half of the stage, to set up a bunch sprint in Villeneuve-sur-Lot.

The riders clip into their pedals in Aurillac. The small town on the River Jordanne was included fourteen times in the Tour de france. The last visis dates from 2011, when the 10th stage went Aurillac to Jussac, where André Greipel took the spoils.

Erik Dekker is the most recent Tour de France stage winner in Villeneuve-sur-Lot. In 2000, the Dutchman arrived solo to win the first of his four stages in Le Tour.

Profile.

Map.

The Climbs.

Côte d'Autoire

Côte de Rocamadour

Côte de Montcléra

Final Kilometres.

At 11 kilometres from the finish, there’s a 2.6 kilometres climb at 2.7%. Then it’s downhill to the flat final 5 kilometres.

What to Expect.

Sprinters are expected to suffer in the first 135 kilometres of the race, as there are several climbs to conquer. The route remains undulating thereafter, but the toughest uphill sections are over. So, it’s likely that teams with strong sprinters will take charge and set a pace their fast men can just about handle. However, on two previous and similar stages into Villeneuve-sur-Lot, the breakaway managed to hold off its pursuers.

Aurillac

Stage town for the 9th time

Prefecture of Cantal (15)

Population: 26,000

AURILLAC AND CYCLING

Aurillac has hosted the Tour de France on eight occasions, six of them finishes, the last in 2008, when Luis Leon Sanchez broke clear in the final toe claim the first of his four victories in the event in twelve appearances. The last two winners in town have also been Spanish, with Eduardo Chozas clinching victory in 1985. For the Tour's last visit to the Cantal prefecture in 2011, the race took the route to Carmaux, where André Greipel won in a bunch sprint.

Specialities: cantal, Auvergne cheeses, Couderc gentian liqueur, charcuterie, pounti, potée auvergnate, Salers meat.

Pounti

This speciality from Auvergne is the epitome of the complete one-dish meal, containing meat, vegetables and fruit and a discreet mix of salt and sugar. It's also an economical dish, making good use of leftovers and, as such, was best served with the evening meal. It is a pâté (baked in a terrine or casserole) made from wheat (or rye) flour mixed with eggs and milk, chard leaves, bacon and prunes. It is usually eaten cold or lightly fried in slices, accompanied by a salad. It can also be used to accompany poultry. It can also be pan-fried in the form of small patties, similar to farçous.

Villeneuve-sur-Lot

Stage town for the third time.

Sub-prefecture of Lot-et-Garonne. 

Population: 21,800

VILLENEUVE-SUR-LOT AND CYCLING

Villeneuve-sur-Lot has twice been visited by the Tour de France, in 1996 and 2000. In the latter year, it was Erik Dekker who raised his arms, and the least that can be said is that he deserved it, having already spent 427 km in breakaways since the start of the Tour. He went on to win two more stages in this edition. In 1996, victory went to veteran Italian Massimo Podenzana, 35, twice Italian champion, but taking part in only his second Tour de France.

Specialities: cèpe du Périgord (mushroom), tourtière (cake), chasselas of Moissac (grape), Agen prunes, white garlic from Lomagne.

• Local producers' market

In summer, Villeneuve-sur-Lot's evening gourmet events take advantage of the shady setting of the Place de l'Amiral Courbet. From one stand to the next, you can put together your own gourmet plate. A host of local producers will be on hand to offer their meats, fruit and vegetables, a variety of desserts, wines and beers... All in a festive atmosphere, with live music every time.