Get ready for an exhilarating finale as we preview the eighth stage of the Aura Tour, a thrilling dash across the majestic Alps. This decisive stage promises an intense battle for the General Classification (GC) title.
The Route: A Scenic Alpine Adventure
The 120-kilometer journey, featuring 3,860 meters of vertical gain, begins with the Col du Pré, a visually stunning and challenging climb. The initial gentle ascent quickly transforms into steep ramps, testing the riders' endurance. The descent, though more gradual, leads to the next challenge: the backroad version of the Col des Saisies, known as the Bisanne climb.
Climbing to the Aravis: A Tactical Decision
The Aravis climb is a beast in itself, with a lengthy and steep approach that would be a highlight in any other race. The descent offers a mix of Alpine-style twists and a relaxing valley section, creating a strategic point where riders can make their moves.
The Finish: A Selective Climb to Glory
The final 11.2-kilometer climb averages 9.2%, featuring slopes of 10-12% and a flat section that disguises its true difficulty. With a similar profile to the renowned Mortirolo, this climb could become infamous with more visits.
Contenders for Glory
Isaac del Toro (UAE) is the man to beat after his stage win yesterday. With Luke Tuckwell's yellow jersey within reach, del Toro has the motivation to repeat his success. Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) will aim to be more calculated today, while Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X) continues his impressive performance.
Paul Seixas (Decathlon-CMA CGM) is a wildcard. If he starts, his recent crash and lack of sleep could impact his performance, but his climbing prowess on Friday suggests he could be a contender.
Breakaway Opportunities
The breakaway riders have a chance to shine, especially with UAE's strategy to make life difficult for Tuckwell. Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal-Quickstep) is improving daily and will be motivated by racing on a climb near his home.
Weather and TV Coverage
Sunny skies and warm temperatures of 27°C are expected. Tune in to KM0 at 1:30 pm and catch the finish around 5:00 pm. This stage promises an exciting battle, so make sure to catch the action!
A Postcard from the Signal de Bisanne
The Signal de Bisanne, with its unique name, offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by riders and their support teams during race reconnaissance. In June 2016, the road was being resurfaced, creating an unexpected obstacle for riders and workers alike. The narrow parapet provided a risky passage, and a slip could have been disastrous.
As the race passes through today, one can't help but wonder if the imprints of cleats and shoes, akin to the handprints on Hollywood Boulevard, will be visible, leaving a lasting mark on this scenic climb.
