First taste of the Pyrenees

Following Caleb Ewan’s maiden victory in the Tour de France in Toulouse, a different kind of race begins in the mountains. Stage 12 is an appetizer of the Pyrenees before the gruelling hilltop finish at the Tourmalet on Saturday. Best young rider Egan Bernal foresees a breakaway from far out and no fight between the GC favourites ahead of the individual time trial in Pau on the occasion of the birthday of the yellow jersey (100 years). But race leader Julian Alaphilippe is prepared for any kind of offensive on his position. Two first category climbs are on the menu with col de Peyresourde and La Hourquette d’Ancizan. The latter features a sprint bonus with 30km to go to Bagnères-de-Bigorre. The fight for the morning breakaway might be the most competitive of the 106th Tour de France up to date.