Tour de France in numbers
Stage 16 could be another day for the Tour de France general classification challengers to try – and likely fail – to dislodge race leader Tadej Pogacar from their wheel. Rigoberto Uran, Jonas Vingegaard, Richard Carapaz, Ben O’Connor and Wilco Kelderman are all still battling it out for a podium place, so that will be something to keep an eye on over the 169km route.
The stage contains four categorised climbs, the last two of which come inside the final 33km and average more than seven per cent. So it is a tough afternoon in the saddle for all involved, even if they promise to be well rested heading into the final six days of the Tour.
(letour)
The most logical conclusion to draw from today’s stage profile is that a breakaway will likely make it to the finish. With a huge GC day expected to take place on Tuesday, Pogacar and the rest of those contesting the podium will almost certainly wait for stage 17. Follow all the latest updates below.
Tour de France: stage 16 latest
125km to go: More than half an hour into today’s stage and Kasper Asgreen has averaged a ridiculous 60km/h. Yes, he has had a fair bit of downhill, but that’s still ridiculous.
Meanwhile, the bunch hasn’t really settled down yet even though Asgreen looks to be establishing a healthy lead.
With just five stages remaining after today, this is one of the final chances for a host of teams to grab a win. If Asgreen gets away on his own, you have to question what many teams are playing at.
Dylan Terry13 July 2021 13:20
Tour de France: stage 16 latest
128km to go: The face of a man determined to win today. Kasper Asgreen still has more than a minute back to Stuyven and Pedersen, with the gap to the peloton threatening to reach two minutes.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Dylan Terry13 July 2021 13:15
Tour de France: stage 16 latest
132km to go: Just beginning to climb over a little uncategorised climb now.
Casper Pedersen and Jasper Stuyven have launched a counter attack but they are just 30 seconds in front of the peloton and a good 1:15 behind Asgreen. The Dane is building a healthy lead.
Dylan Terry13 July 2021 13:10
Tour de France: stage 16 latest
141km to go: Here come the counter attacks then as DSM look to try and launch a couple of riders up the road. Nope, that hasn’t worked. Asgreen’s solo move has gone out to 1:15. Could it be a one-man break for the whole of today?
Dylan Terry13 July 2021 13:00
Tour de France: stage 16 latest
146km to go: Asgreen with more than a minute over the rest of the peloton now. EF Education seem to be wanting to pull him back and form their own break but they will need to work hard if they want to bring back the Dane.
Dylan Terry13 July 2021 12:55
Tour de France: stage 16 latest
152km to go: Great to see Kasper Asgreen on the attack today. He has been a superb domestique for Cavendish so far but now he finally gets his chance.
Remember, he won Tour of Flanders earlier this year, defeating Mathieu van der Poel in the sprint. Asgreen is a special talent.
Dylan Terry13 July 2021 12:50
Tour de France: stage 16 latest
The riders stopped just before the official start today to change into dry gear.
Dylan Terry13 July 2021 12:45
Tour de France: stage 16 latest
161km to go: A reminder that the first 40km of today’s stage is all downhill so it will be a very fast opening hour. Kasper Asgreen has already opened up a 30 second gap to the peloton as Deceuninck-Quick Step let him off the leash.
He is definitely strong enough to ride away on his own. Superb rider.
Dylan Terry13 July 2021 12:40
Tour de France: stage 16 latest
169km to go: We’re underway! Attacks aplenty straight from the off. Fresh legs from the rest day could mean this is a frantic first hour or so.
Dylan Terry13 July 2021 12:40