STAGE 12 OF 21Thursday 16 July

Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours → Chalon-sur-Saône

Flat179.1 KMSPRINT FINISH LIKELY

A start on the Magny-Cours motor-racing circuit and a flat run to Chalon-sur-Saône. The last realistic bunch sprint before the Jura and Vosges reshape the race.

KEY CLIMBS

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Côte de Montagny-lès-Buxy

2.6 km · 3.9% avg

THE TACTICAL READ

WHO IT SUITS

The pure sprinters — realistically their last clean chance before the Jura and Vosges take over the race.

WHAT TO WATCH

Desperation in the lead-outs, knowing the chances are running out, and any crosswind that could split the bunch late.

ROADMAN PREDICTION

A bunch sprint with everything on it for the fast men. Expect the strongest lead-out train of the race to deliver its sprinter and close the door on the flatland chapter.

THE ROADMAN TAKE

WHAT THIS STAGE DEMANDS

The peloton averages over 45km/h on a day like this for one reason: drafting. Riding in the wheels costs up to 30% less power. For the amateur, that is the single biggest free speed gain there is — learn to sit in, share the work, and you ride faster for less.

WHAT DAN BIGHAM WOULD PUSH

An aerodynamics obsessive, his point is that on flat ground air resistance is almost the entire battle — position and shelter matter more than raw fitness when the road is flat and fast.

TRAIN FOR IT

The Roadman content that builds what Stage 12 asks for.

Group ride etiquette→Race Predictor→Tyre Pressure Calculator→

← STAGE 11

Vichy → Nevers

STAGE 13 →

Dole → Belfort

← ALL 21 STAGES