Tour de France: Plateau de Solaison awaits on challenging 15th stage
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The 15th stage of the Tour de France features a challenging mountain climb to the Plateau de Solaison, an unprecedented finish in the race's history.
- Tadej Pogacar has dominated the mountain stages with four victories, but his previous performance suggests he might not increase his win count further.
- The stage is expected to establish a clear hierarchy among the best climbers, with the final ascent posing a significant test.
The Tour de France's 15th stage presents a formidable challenge with its final ascent to the Plateau de Solaison, a climb making its debut in the race. This demanding 11.3-kilometer climb at a 9% gradient is poised to be the decisive factor in determining the top climbers.
Tadej Pogacar has showcased remarkable dominance, securing four stage victories in the mountains. However, historical precedent offers a glimmer of hope for his rivals. Last year, Pogacar also had four wins before the final week but did not add to his tally by the time the race concluded in Paris. This pattern suggests that while he may contest the stage, his focus might shift from outright victory to maintaining his overall lead.
The stage begins in Champagnole and promises an exciting spectacle for cycling enthusiasts. The inclusion of the Plateau de Solaison as a new, challenging finish line is set to test the endurance and climbing prowess of the riders, potentially reshaping the general classification.
Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.