Before a dantesque alpine triptych, it is not a rest day that awaits the peloton, Thursday July 13, for this twelfth stage of the Tour de France 2023. Between Roanne (Loire) and Belleville-en-Beaujolais (Rhône), it will have 169 kilometers to cover in “the vineyards of the crus” of the region, explains Christian Prudhomme.
“This hilly stage will be marked by the decisive issue of the formation of the breakaway”, continues the race director. With five climbs listed and a difficult profile, the day will logically be targeted by many adventurers looking for success in this 110th edition of the Grande Boucle.
The first two difficulties occur in the first 38 kilometers with the coast of Thizy-les-Bourgs (4.3 km at 5.6%, 3rd category) and Col des Ecorbans (2.1 km at 6.9%, 3rd category ). The end of the day will not be easier. If, at first, it will be necessary to climb the Col de la Croix-Montmain (5.5 km at 6.1%, 2nd category), the race could settle in the Col de la Croix-Rosier (5.3 km at 7.6%, 2nd category). The first three runners at its summit, located 29 kilometers from the line, will be credited with 8, 5 and 2 bonus seconds in the general classification.
“The uphill finish would make a quality scene for a very small group sprint”, concludes Christian Prudhomme. After the red flame, the terrain rises somewhat with, above all, a dangerous bend, at a right angle, less than 400 meters from the finish.