17-07-2022, 01:20
Not a lot to add to themaclad's posts, except to say I'm getting some of the names right, but not necessarily in the right order. Now where have I heard that before? 
Anyway, bring me sunshine tomorrow as the heatwave builds up over here. Over there the predicted Carcassonne temperature at the finish is 37C. Setting off in Rodez, it is to be a mere 32C and we can look forward to a mid-30's duel in the sun. The route generally follows a lumpy course in a southerly direction for 202kms. The last 48kms after the second of 2 Category 3 climbs might be the most interesting part of the stage, which is mostly downhill at the start and finishes with a fairly flat stretch of 13kms, heaven-sent for the sprint teams. Due to it's benign nature, I'd say just about any top rider has a chance of winning the stage, but I'd go for one of Jasper Philipsen, Dylan Groenwegen, Mads Pedersen and possibly Jasper Stuyven. I've discounted Wout van Aert and Fillippe Ganna because they will probably be on domestique duties.
The route passes through the village of Lautrec (see previous years' threads for Toulouse Lautrec jokes) and the Aude area and you might get pretty pictures of the Canal du Midi, which I can recommend.
Monday is a rest day for the riders in Carcassonne and Tuesday will be too much of a scorcher for my delicate complexion, so I'll be indoors watching all of the stage from Carcassonne to Foix.
Anyway, bring me sunshine tomorrow as the heatwave builds up over here. Over there the predicted Carcassonne temperature at the finish is 37C. Setting off in Rodez, it is to be a mere 32C and we can look forward to a mid-30's duel in the sun. The route generally follows a lumpy course in a southerly direction for 202kms. The last 48kms after the second of 2 Category 3 climbs might be the most interesting part of the stage, which is mostly downhill at the start and finishes with a fairly flat stretch of 13kms, heaven-sent for the sprint teams. Due to it's benign nature, I'd say just about any top rider has a chance of winning the stage, but I'd go for one of Jasper Philipsen, Dylan Groenwegen, Mads Pedersen and possibly Jasper Stuyven. I've discounted Wout van Aert and Fillippe Ganna because they will probably be on domestique duties.
The route passes through the village of Lautrec (see previous years' threads for Toulouse Lautrec jokes) and the Aude area and you might get pretty pictures of the Canal du Midi, which I can recommend.
Monday is a rest day for the riders in Carcassonne and Tuesday will be too much of a scorcher for my delicate complexion, so I'll be indoors watching all of the stage from Carcassonne to Foix.
Cabbage is still good for you