Tour de France 2023 Favourites stage 5: Attackers in first mountain race

foto: Cor VosTwo big climbs and two smaller ones are on the menu, while the finish is situated 19 kilometres after the last summit. On paper a perfect chance for attackers, although it would be great if the GC riders go for it as well. (Slideshow route/profile)

The standings will play an important role in how the race unfolds. For instance, is the race leader ready to give the yellow jersey away to save energy, or is it someone who relishes in leading the most important cycling race on the planet? In the first case an obvious scenario would be for the breakaway to give such a long leash that the stage winner is sure to be at the front. And maybe the new race leader as well.

Shortly after the start the riders tackle the Côte de Haut de Bach – 2.1 kilometres long and a perfect launch base for the breakaway Although it also could last until the first classified climb for the break to escape. Certainly when the attackers are likely to succeed.

The first classified climb appears more than 70 kilometres into the race. It’s the Col de Soudet, 15.2 kilometres long and averaging 7.2%. The riders descend onto a flat phase of some 15 kilometres and tackle the Col d’Ichère. The 4.2 kilmetres climb at 7% is the penultimate climb of the day.

The Col de Marie Blanque is the pièce de résistance on the fifth day of Le Tour. The 7.7 kilometres ascent is averaging 8.6%. Which is not for the faint of heart, especially since the second half goes up at 11.5% – on average!

The riders do not plunge down after the KOM sprint (and bonus seconds), but continue on the flat for 2 kilometres. Then it’s time for the downhill.

After reaching the valley in Bielle, the final 7 kilometres are as good ad flat.

Favourites 5th stage 2023 Tour de France

*** Neilson Powless, Julian Alaphilippe, Magnus Cort, Felix Gall
** Daniel Felipe Martínez, Warren Barguil, Esteban Chaves, Matteo Jorgenson
* Matej Mohoric, Rigoberto Uran, Michal Kwiatkowski, Rui Costa, Lawson Craddock

Another interesting read: route 5th stage 2023 Tour de France.