This will be a day of contrasts. The initial stretch of this stage will be contested on the flat, where riders will need to pace themselves. This will be a determining factor in the final to be fought out on the formidable slopes of Mont Ventoux. The 14th July ? an auspicious date on which the climb up Mont Chauve could provoke yet another revolution ? this time, in the general classification of the Tour.
The towns / A sporting view
Givors
The affections of Givors locals are certainly divided during the regular football derbies between Lyon and Saint-Etienne – their town lies halfway between the clubs’ home grounds. They are no less enthralled by the exploits of the Norwegian riders whose names have been linked with the town during stages of the Critérium du Dauphiné. Thor Hushovd rode to victory here in 2005. And, in June of last year, the stage which left from Givors ended in a victory at La Clayette for his young fellow-countryman, Edvald Boasson Hagen.
Web sites
Stage profile
Mountain passes & hills
- Km 242 - Mont Ventoux20,8 kilometre-long climb at 7,5 %
Mont Ventoux
Featuring in the programme of the 1951 Tour, the Géant de Provence (Provence giant) was chosen for the first time as a stage finish in 1958, during which the time trial contributed to Charly Gaul’s success in the Tour. On the first normal stage, it was Raymond Poulidor who triumphed in 1965, although he was unable to snatch the Yellow Jersey from Felice Gimondi. Neither have we forgotten the most formidable and popular success of the Tour here in 2009, during a stage in which Juan Manuel Garate finished first.
Web sites
Jersey wearers after the stage 20
- yellow jerseyWIGGINS B.SKY
- polka-dot jerseyVOECKLER T.EUC
- white jerseyVAN GARDEREN T.BMC
- the day's winnerCAVENDISH M.SKY
- teamRADIOSHACK-.RNT
- super-combativeSORENSEN C.STB
Sporting stakes
Yellow Jersey 
Green Jersey 
Red Polka Dot Jersey 
White Jersey 
Most aggressive rider 
Team classification Subscribe
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