A largely flat run from Nevers to Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne should favour the fast men, but with the mountains looming, teams know opportunities like this are running out.<\/p>\n
The Tour de France\u2019s sprinters may not get a better opportunity than Thursday. In fact, it may very well be their last, despite there being another nine stages. The rest of the Tour features mountainous days, lumpy terrain and a time trial. It\u2019s been a tough Tour from Day 1, so if one of the fastmen wants to grab a stage, today is the day.<\/p>\n
Stage 12 of the Tour de France<\/p>\n
Stage 12 covers 179.1 km from Nevers to Chalon-sur-Sa\u00f4ne and, on paper, is one of the least demanding routes remaining. With the Vosges and a string of climbing-heavy stages waiting just around the corner, sprint teams will be determined to seize what could be their last straightforward chance to fight for victory.<\/p>\n
The route heads east from the former Formula 1 circuit at Nevers Magny-Cours before winding through central France. Three Category 4 climbs, C\u00f4te de Lanty, C\u00f4te de Cuzy and C\u00f4te de Montagny-l\u00e8s-Buxy, should pose no problem for the pure sprinters, leaving their teams well positioned to bring back any breakaway before the finish.<\/p>\n
The favourites<\/p>\n
That makes another bunch sprint the overwhelming favourite.<\/p>\n
Tim Merlier remains the rider to beat despite missing out on Wednesday\u2019s finale. The Belgian has already collected two stage wins and continues to look like the quickest finisher in the race when his lead-out delivers him to the final 200 metres.<\/p>\n
Olav Kooij will be one of his biggest challengers. Already a stage winner earlier in the Tour, the Dutch sprinter has consistently shown he has the speed to match Merlier and was again among the fastest riders in the previous sprint finish.<\/p>\n