Tour de France: Riders face mountain stage and extreme heat on Bastille Day

The Tour de France's 10th stage, a demanding 165.5 km route from Aurillac to Le Lioran, presents a significant challenge for cyclists on July 14th. The course is punctuated by eight climbs, with four particularly steep ascents packed into the final kilometers, promising a spectacular and grueling finish.

The riders are battling not only the challenging terrain but also extreme heat, with temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius. This oppressive weather adds another layer of difficulty to an already demanding stage, testing the endurance of both the athletes and the support staff.

Early in the stage, Australian climber Ben O'Connor of Team Jayco Alula briefly broke away and led the race. However, his solo effort was eventually reeled in by the peloton. The race also saw a brief mechanical issue for Tim Wellens and a change of bike for green jersey contender Mads Pedersen, highlighting the constant challenges faced by riders.

French riders like Paul Seixas and Lenny Martinez are among those hoping to make an impact on Bastille Day, though the dominant UAE team, led by yellow jersey wearer Tadej Pogacar, is expected to control the race. Other French hopefuls in the breakaway include Kévin Vauquelin, Alex Baudin, and Valentin Paret-Peintre. The stage marks the second abandonment of the Tour, with Matteo Trentin of Tudor Pro Cycling Team withdrawing due to fever.