Stage 16 of the 2008 Tour de France is STILL ON
The show must go on.
The show must go on indeed for the 2008 Tour de France amidst all these doping scandals we have on the Tour this year. For those of you keeping score, we already have three. Amazing huh?
Despite that, organizers will still go ahead with Stage 16 of the 2008 Tour de France on Monday as it will be an epic in terms of length, altitude, and exposure. Not that this thing needs more exposure after all these doping issues surrounding it.
After a short stint in Italy, the Tour heads back to France on this 97-mile route crossing over the Col de Lombarda, a first-time ‘beyond classification’ climb, and the Col de la Bonette-Restefond, the highest paved pass in Europe.
Maxing out at 9,193 feet, the Bonette-Restefond climb is the highest point of the Tour, the race has only traveled south-to-north over the summit once before. With the exception of the summit approach to the Bonette, both of Stage 16’s climbs are well-suited to rhythm climbers. Attacks may begin near the crest of each pass but will likely be reeled in on the long descents 13 miles and 13.7 miles, respectively.
The possibility of poor weather will make this already trying stage even more miserable for Tour riders. Just a month before the Tour’s start, both of these roads were still closed due to snow pack, mud slides, and downed trees.
Given the precarious weather condition on these mountains, it’s the descents that may prove to be the deciding factor on this stage. Daredevil descenders in the lead group will vie for the stage win on the Bonette descent by taking major risks.
Likewise, title contenders like Cadel Evans of Australia, who defended his overall lead as of press time, will be forced to manage time gaps on the descents. Cyclists known for their uphill prowess will show up, that’s a certainty, but only a few of them are world-class descenders.
The rest may find the way down harder than the way up.
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2008 Tour de France Cadel Evans
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