Bastille Day, on 14 July, is naturally associated with fireworks. And there’ll probably be more than one along the 166.6-kilometre stage 10 between Aurillac and Le Lioran, where riders will have to tackle 3,800 metres of elevation gain on the slopes of the Massif Central. Climb, descent, climb, descent: the peloton will be at it all day long, with no fewer than six classified climbs – including two category 1 ascents – and a final summit situated 2.7 kilometres from the finish.
Far from the peaks of the Alps or the Pyrenees, the route does not reach an altitude of 1,500 metres (the Col de la Griffoul is the highest point, at 1,336 metres), but the terrain is nonetheless ideal for a major showdown involving both puncheurs and climbers. It was here, at Le Lioran, that Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) defeated Tadej Pogacar (UAE Emirates XRG) in 2024. At the time, the route was longer but less gruelling. The succession of challenges should inspire the Slovenian, who is always a force to be reckoned with when he has a score to settle.
The battle for the podium will also be fierce, as seven riders are bunched within one minute and 30 seconds of each other from third to ninth place: Isaac del Toro (UAE Emirates XRG), Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek), Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM), Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Lenny Martinez (Bahrain Victorious) and Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek).
The usual contenders for mountain breakaways also have an opportunity to make their mark, particularly the French riders who will be keen to shine on their national holiday. With his sights set on the polka-dot jersey, Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal Quick-Step) could be one of them, as could Martinez if the general classification contenders give him space.
Having been on the attack in Corrèze, Tom Pidcock (Pinarello-Q36.5) confirmed his determination to go for stage wins after losing time in the general classification. The Briton will be able to play this card in the Massif Central, as will the Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost).
