In Joux-Plane everything can happen, they say…
In recent years, the Tour de France has had a grand finale like at L’Alpe d’Huez last year on the eve of the Parisian parade. The novelty of 2016 is a downhill grand finale! Joux-Plane isn’t just another climb. It’s one of the Alpine passes the riders fear the most. Even Lance Armstrong was afraid of that one… It’s the last of four climbs featured in a relatively short stage (146.5km). Everything can happen, say Romain Bardet and Chris Froome, among others. They know the history and the characteristics of both uphill and downhill. Nairo Quintana know it well too. In the 2012 Critérium du Dauphiné, the Colombian claimed his first victory at WorldTour level as he descended at perfection after he rode away up to Joux-Plane. Since the Tour de France launch in October last year, he awaits this moment. However he would have enjoyed a better form but he’s still up there, third on GC and likely to move up one spot… or two if anything can happen. Bardet, Quintana, Adam Yates, Richie Porte, Fabio Aru and Alejandro Valverde are within 2.09. It ain’t over til it’s over, the proverb says.