road.cc Fantasy Cycling: Tour de France stage 19 preview

The shortest road stage of this year’s Tour, but any stage that finishes on the Alpe d’Huez is going to provide something special, with the Telegraphe also featuring early on ahead of the second ascent of the Galibier this year. The Alpe d’Huez seldom disappoints, and of course the winner has the added bonus of achieving immortality by seeing their name given to one of the fabled climb’s hairpin bends. The short parcours could see some of those in the autobus struggle to make the time limit.

Thought for the Day

With an individual time trial looming tomorrow, the identity of the GC riders who look to attack today to gain time, or who are content to defend their positions, may well depend on their confidence in their abilities in that discipline.

GT’s tips

The fans will be looking forward to this stage, but not all the riders will especially with the time limit, it will be a tough day, particularly with it being so short. But at the front, it will all come down to the Alpe d'Huez, and it's quite a long descent from the Galibier down to the bottom of it. It's like the cup final, especially with it being the last Friday before the finish, it's the last chance for the pure climbers to get any advantage, or for the better time triallers like Cadel Evans to get something ahead of tomorrow. I'm sure it will be fireworks up there.

To find out more about Geraint Thomas visit www.geraintthomas.com