A sporting perspective -- Armstrong could suffer
This is a long stage, measuring more than 200 kilometres. In this region, it is often hot and the day finishes with the Laurent Jalabert climb in Mende, which is no easy task. Some sections even include 10% slopes. This climb (formerly the Côte de la Croix Neuve) requires a sudden boost and could hurt riders who build-up into ascents like Armstrong. In comparison to Contador, who has more punch, he could lose around thirty seconds. There will be a struggle between ten riders, including those who will be on the podium on the Champs-Élysées.
The destination town today : Mende
• Twice a stage town
• Population: 13,400
• Prefecture of Lozère (48)
Tour supporters will always associate Mende with Laurent Jalabert’s Bastille Day win on the 14th of July 1995. Out of all “Jaja’s” many victories - including four Tour stage wins – this was certainly his finest. His performance in the Causse hill climb earned him his best ever classification in the Tour (4th). Ten years later, the race returned to the Lozère county town for a stage that was won by the Spanish rider Marcos Serrano.
In the heart of the Lozère area, at the gateway to the Gorges of the Tarn, the Causses, the Aubrac and the Cevennes, Mende boasts a privileged position and a superb quality of life. Originally named Mimata probably in reference to the mountains that surround it, Mende has maintained a rich heritage from its history, in particular its 14th century gothic cathedral, Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Privat, surrounded by a charming medieval district with narrow streets or the 13th century Notre-Dame Bridge. Indeed, along with 21 other municipalities forming the Mende and Lot in Gévaudan area, it has been awarded the Land of Art and History label. Looking toward the future with a preserved environment, Mende is a dynamic town that is currently creating a business park for the arrival of new companies. Twice elected the “most sporting town in France”, Mende and its 80 sports clubs boast a wide range of facilities and the town is even home to the Lozère Multi-sports Centre, which enables young pretenders to high level sporting competition to combine their passion with schooling.
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