This Tuesday, July 2, the 2024 Tour de France will confront its first Alpine summits during its fourth stage, linking Pinerolo in Italy to Valloire in France. 139.6 kilometers long, this stage marks a decisive turning point in the race, with four passes to climb, including the imposing Sestriere (2,035 m) and Galibier (2,642 m).
After three days in Italy, where Eritrean sprinter Biniam Girmay triumphed yesterday in the grueling 230-kilometre flat stage, the peloton returns to French territory today. From the first kilometres, the riders will leave Pinerolo to begin a gradual climb, before crossing the border at the Col de Montgenèvre, the second difficulty of the day. This climb will prelude the test of truth: the formidable Col du Galibier, 23 kilometres of climbing at an average of 5.1%, which promises to be the scene of fierce battles.
READ ALSO. Tour de France. “It’s for all of Africa”, the emotion of Biniam Girmay, winner of the 3rd stage
The big favourites of this Grande Boucle, including the yellow jersey Richard Carapaz, the former leader Tadej Pogacar, the prodigy Remco Evenepoel and the double defending champion Jonas Vingegaard, are ready to do battle. This stage could well reshuffle the cards of the general classification, promising a new top 10 at the end of this day.
