Stage 8 could be another day for the sprinters with no major climbs in the second half of the stage. But with 2,400 metres of elevation coming from constant short climbs and descents over 183.4km route from Semur-en-Auxois to Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, nothing is guaranteed.
The first two-thirds of stage 8 will feature five categorised climbs, Côte de Vitteaux (category 3), Côte de Villy-en-Auxois (cat. 4), Côte de Verrey-sous-Salmaise (cat. 3), Côte de Santenoge and Côte de Giey-sur-Aujon, both category 4.
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.
Race leader Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) called the stage and the following day's gravel adventure 'boring' and said he expected it to be stressful. After pouring all of their physical efforts into the first individual time trial on stage 7, won by Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quickstep), stage 8 will be an exercise in concentration.
There are pitfalls galore that could take a Tour de France GC favourite out of contention. The forecast calls for rain in the morning, with road spray making it harder to see obstacles and making turns slippery. There is also a possibility for crosswinds along the south-north route so teams will have to keep their leaders in a good position.
One moment's inattention can make even the dullest stage more exciting than anyone wants. Find out how to watch stage 8 of the Tour de France.
Stage 8 Sprints
- Intermediate sprint, km 59
Stage 8 Mountains
- Côte de Vitteaux (24.1km at 7.3%), cat. 3, km 24.1
- Côte de Villy-en-Auxois (2.4km at 5.5%), cat. 4, km 32.5
- Côte de Verrey-sous-Salmaise (2.9km at 6%), cat. 3, km 38.8
- Côte de Santenoge (1.1km at 8.1%), cat. 4, km 96.7
- Côte de Giey-sur-Aujon (1.2km at 8.4%), cat. 4, km 122.4
