LIVE - Tour de France: a start in the downpour before the expected fireworks at Markstein, follow stage 14

The 14th stage of the Tour de France kicked off under a deluge in Mulhouse, setting a dramatic tone for a day expected to feature significant action in the Vosges mountains. Cyclists faced immediate challenges as they embarked on the 155.3-kilometer route towards the finish at Markstein.

Early in the stage, the peloton navigated the first of four categorized climbs, the Grand Ballon, a 21.6 km ascent with an average gradient of 4.7%. The day's route is packed with opportunities for climbers, featuring three Category 1 climbs, Grand Ballon, Ballon d’Alsace, and Col du Haag, along with one Category 2 climb, the Col du Page. A total of 35 points for the King of the Mountains classification are available.

Jasper Philipsen of Alpecin-Deceuninck emerged victorious in the intermediate sprint at Wattwiller, securing 25 points. This win significantly narrowed the gap in the green jersey standings, bringing him within 36 points of the current leader, Mads Pedersen. Pedersen himself finished second in the sprint, earning 20 points, followed by Max Kanter and Biniam Girmay.

The stage has already seen its share of attrition. Belgian rider Ramses Debruyne of Alpecin-Deceuninck was forced to abandon the race due to a sore throat and fever. Debruyne, who had been sitting 18th overall, was the latest casualty in a race that has tested the endurance of the peloton.