Tour de France 2024 – stage 8 anticipated to be a aggravating day within the saddle for Tadej Pogačar

Stage 8 may very well be one other day for the sprinters with no main climbs within the second half of the stage. But with 2,400 metres of elevation coming from fixed quick climbs and descents over 183.4km route from Semur-en-Auxois to Colombey-les-Deux-Églises, nothing is assured.

The first two-thirds of stage 8 will function 5 categorised climbs, Côte de Vitteaux (class 3), Côte de Villy-en-Auxois (cat. 4), Côte de Verrey-sous-Salmaise (cat. 3), Côte de Santenoge and Côte de Giey-sur-Aujon, each class 4.

The relentless ups and downs might put a pressure on the legs on the level when the sprinters’ teammates are beginning to consider organising a bunch end. But the final three kilometres of the ultimate straight, which rise barely however steadily, may very well be the best place to deliver the peloton again collectively.

Race chief Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) referred to as the stage and the next day’s gravel journey ‘boring’ and mentioned he anticipated it to be aggravating. After pouring all of their bodily efforts into the primary particular person time trial on stage 7, gained by Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quickstep), stage 8 will likely be an train in focus.

There are pitfalls galore that might take a Tour de France GC favorite out of competition. The forecast requires rain within the morning, with street spray making it tougher to see obstacles and making turns slippery. There can also be a risk for crosswinds alongside the south-north route so groups should hold their leaders in a great place.

One second’s inattention could make even the dullest stage extra thrilling than anybody desires. Find out methods to watch stage 8 of the Tour de France.

Stage 8 Sprints

• Intermediate dash, km 59

Stage 8 Mountains

• Côte de Vitteaux (24.1km at 7.3%), cat. 3, km 24.1
• Côte de Villy-en-Auxois (2.4km at 5.5%), cat. 4, km 32.5
• Côte de Verrey-sous-Salmaise (2.9km at 6%), cat. 3, km 38.8
• Côte de Santenoge (1.1km at 8.1%), cat. 4, km 96.7
• Côte de Giey-sur-Aujon (1.2km at 8.4%), cat. 4, km 122.4