Tdf2019 Stage13 Blog 1200×675

Tour de France 2019: Stage 13 Preview

BY Lydia Tanner

Stage 13's rolling Individual Time Trial is sandwiched between two tough days of climbing—will riders conserve their legs or leave it all on the course?

  • Pau > Pau
  • Date: 7/19/2019
  • Distance: 272 km
  • Type: Individual time-trial

With only one individual time trial on the docket for this year’s Tour, this is sure to be a standout stage. The ITT often plays a pivotal role in deciding who wears yellow in Paris—and if nothing else the “race of truth” makes for great spectating.

The stage 13 ITT is just 27km long, and marked by several climbs. The incline to the village of Mazères-Lezons (at 6.5km) and the punchy Côte d’Esquillot (at 16km) in particular will reward the time trialists who can also tackle the mountains. With no team tactics available and nowhere to hide on this short but challenging course, the win will go to a true all-arounder; perhaps one deserving of the yellow jersey.

It is interesting that this stage occurs somewhat in the middle of the Tour. With a punishing first day in the Pyrenees directly beforehand and the spectacular col du Tourmalet coming next, watch for riders who appear to be conserving energy—and for those who can leave it all out there. These two days will bring the GC in Paris into focus.

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About Lydia Tanner

Lydia Tanner is the athlete content editor at TrainingPeaks. She was formerly an editor at Bicycling Magazine and contributor to Bike Magazine, Mountain Flyer, and RedBull. She is a two-time collegiate national champion in XC MTB, and raced the World Championships as a U23. She is perpetually curious about physiology and human performance.

#cycling#tour-de-france