The final run-in
The final run-in
The lumpy course may include ten categorised climbs but there are also a number of uncategorised rises to conquer.
Most famous, of course, is the uphill finish in to Ans where the final showdown is held – Simon Gerrans winning a bunch kick last year, and Dan Martin taking a two-up sprint against Joaquim Rodriguez the year before.
Though it’s not a categorised ascent, this is a definite sting in the tail at the end of a 253km race and enough to kill any late breakaway if the gap isn’t big enough. The nature of the slope – steep and straight – means any chasing riders can see their target, ready to reel them in.
And it’s not just the ramp that can cost a rider their chance of winning, Dan Martin discovered last year when he slid out on the final bend.
It’s never over until it’s over.