Stage 19

At 220 kilometres, stage 19 is the longest stage in the 2017 Tour de France. The route, travelling from Embrun to Salon de Provence, seems to be tailor made for fast men.

The first part of the race is hilly, which will no doubt inspire a bunch of escapees to give it a go. In fact, stage 19 might be the last chance in the Tour de France of 2017 to form an early break. However, it will be hard to stay ahead of the peloton as the sprinter’s teams will do everything to bring them back since the arrival in Salon de Provence is perfect for a bunch sprint.

The race leaves from Embrun, in the 2013 Tour de France host to a climbing time trial that was won by Chris Froome. In this stage the riders descent from an elevation of 881 metres at the start to 78 metres in to the finish in Salon de Provence.

The old town of Salon de Provence is located on a hill with a castle: Château de l’Emperi. Nostradamus lived in the town before he died in 1566. He is widely known for his predictive powers. 

The first three riders on the line take time bonuses at 10, 6 and 4 seconds.