Already a day to upset the general? The second stage in questions

Serious things start on Women’s Tour de France. The second stage between Clermont-Ferrand and Mauriac (151.7 km), on Monday 24 July, with six difficulties scheduled, could allow the favorites to find suitable terrain to explain themselves in view of the yellow jersey, which is on the shoulders of Lotte Kopecky.

What is the profile?

The road climbs decisively in this second stage. Six climbs, short but relatively dry, and already an opportunity to widen the gaps. The skimming should be done gradually and with wear, while the day will see very little flat between Clermont-Ferrand and Mauriac, towns that the peloton will pass through for the first time before completing a lap to end the day there.

If the first 30 kilometers to connect the Col de Guéry are not indicated as a difficulty, they will have enough to warm up the legs of the riders who will immediately continue with the fourth category Col du Mont-Dore (1.3km at 6.6%), followed by the Côte de la Stèle (1.8km at 5.1%, fourth category). After a long downhill phase, the bulk of the work remains to be done with four climbs in the last 50 kilometres.

On the menu, the Côte des Plaines (4.5km at 5.5%, second category), the Côte des Boissières (1.2km at 7.2%, fourth category) then the Côte de Merlhac (1.9km at 5.5%, fourth category). Finally, the riders will finish with the climb to Mauriac, which will have to be reached via the Trébiac coast (3.4km at 5.8%, third category). Note the intermediate sprint, placed on the first pass on the line in Mauriac.

Who are the favourites?

On Monday we will have to count on all the favourites. The occasion is too tempting to win a prestigious victory but above all to gain time on potential competitors. Annemiek van Vleuten (Movistar team) e Demi Vollering (SD Worx Team – Protime) they could engage in their first big duel, while behind, the list of contenders is long. It will therefore be necessary to closely monitor the performance of Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl Trek)Cecilia Uttrup Ludwig (FDJ-Suez) or even Silvia Persico (UAE Team ADQ).

In the French clan, Juliette Labous (DSM-Firmenich team) e Avoided music (FDJ-Suez) will have quite a role to play, on a course that suits them much more than during the first stage.

What are the hours?

1.05pm: fictitious departure from Clermont-Ferrand
1.25pm: real start
15:05: start of broadcast on France 2 and france.tv
17:18: Expected arrival (at an average of 39 km/h) in Mauriac