Tour de France 2024: Preview on Stage 11
The second-longest stage of this Tour de France is a real challenge. Stage 11 from Évaux-les-Bains to Le Lorian spans 211 kilometers and includes 4,350 meters of climbing through the Massif Central, ending with a rollercoaster finale. The last 50 kilometers feature four climbs and no flat sections. This stage offers breakaway riders a great chance to aim for the win, but GC contenders must stay vigilant, as the terrain is ripe for attacks.
Stage 11 | 10 July | Évaux-les-Bains to Le Lorian | 211 km | 4,350 m elevation gain
Only three stages in this Tour de France have more elevation gain than Stage 11. Only the second Pyrenean stage and the final two Alpine stages are tougher. This route from Évaux-les-Bains to Le Lorian features just one first-category climb, with the rest ranging from second to fourth category. There are five climbs in total, with the majority and the toughest ones concentrated in the final 50 kilometers.
Starting in a southerly direction, the riders face the first change in topography after the sprint in Bourg-Lastic at kilometer 65. The Côte de Mouilloux (4th category) and Côte de Larodde (3rd category) climbs follow almost immediately. However, the real challenge begins 50 kilometers later.
50 Kilometers of Tough Climbing over Five Ascents in the Massif Central
By the time the peloton reaches Le Falgoux, the GC teams will be ready, as the climb to the Col de Néronne begins. This second-category climb is the first of a series of climbs and descents over the final 50 kilometers to the finish. The Col de Néronne is short at 3.8 kilometers but steep, with an average gradient of 9.1 percent. There is no real descent after this climb, as the route heads another five kilometers up to the Puy Mary Pas de Peyrol. Like the Col de Néronne, the Puy Mary Pas de Peyrol is steep despite its short length. The stats for the only first-category climb of the day are: 5.4 kilometers at 8.1 percent.
The tough racing continues over the Col de Perthus (4.4 kilometers at 7.9 percent), where bonus seconds can be earned. The final major climb is the Col de Font de Cère (3.3 kilometers at 5.8 percent), starting about nine kilometers from the finish. After this second-category climb, there is a short run-in before the final kilometer, which has a moderate gradient of just under four percent leading to the finish in Le Lorian.
Favorites Check: Stage Win and Yellow Jersey
Will Stage 11 feature two races in one? It’s very likely, with a breakaway group expected to form due to the stage’s length and challenging terrain. Sprinter teams will likely take it easy, while GC teams will control the pace at the start. The race will be fast initially until the breakaway is established.
The battle for the overall lead might come down to the final 50 kilometers, depending on how aggressive the main contenders are. The climbs, though short, are steep, giving GC leaders experienced in classics a perfect opportunity to attack.
If Remco Evenepoel shows the same aggression as he did on the gravel stage, we can expect fireworks. It will certainly be thrilling all the way to the finish!
Classifications for Stage 11
Sprint Classifications
- Bourg-Lastic | Race kilometer 65
Mountain Classifications
- Côte de Mouilloux | Category 4 | Race kilometer 79.8
- Côte de Larodde | Category 3 | Race kilometer 89.7
- Col de Néronne (1,242 m) | Category 2 | Race kilometer 168.7
- Puy Mary Pas de Peyrol (1,589 m) | Category 1 | Race kilometer 180
- Col de Perthus (1,309 m) | Category 2 | Race kilometer 196.4
- Col de Font de Cère | Category 3 | Race kilometer 208.2
Bonus Seconds
- Col de Perthus (1,309 m) | Race kilometer 196.4