This is probably the day we can stop pretending that the yellow jersey is still up for grabs at the 2016 Tour de France. Stage 18 is an uphill time trial that seems perfectly suited for exactly one person: Chris Froome, who took second on the last time trial, is one of the Tour's best climbers and, oh yeah, has already worn a groove into the maillot jaune.
Stage 18 will run 17 kilometers from Sallanches to Megève. The Tour returns to France after a sojourn in Switzerland. The stage will begin at 4:45 a.m. ET. NBCSN will broadcast the stage beginning at 7:30 a.m. Streaming will begin at 8:10 a.m. on NBC Sports Gold for those who have a subscription.
The route is steep. It runs through the village of Domancy on a road that Bernard Hinault famously rode in 1980 on his way to winning a world championship. The road has been renamed the Route Bernard Hinault in the Badger's honor. The fine people at Podium Cafe made a video preview of the route. The course is lovely! And very difficult.
While Froome is likely to consolidate his lead atop the general classification Thursday, he isn't a shoo-in to win. Tom Dumoulin isn't a pure climber, but he did win the first time trial by a healthy minute-plus. Froome's former Sky teammate Richie Porte appears to be in fine form as well, finishing alongside the yellow jersey at Finhaut-Emosson on Wednesday and having proven his time trialing chops in the past.
One person who likely isn't going to win is Nairo Quintana, who lost nearly 30 seconds Wednesday and looked extinguished after entering the Tour as the biggest threat to Froome. A de-fanged Quintana means the best battle left is for the final two podium spots and, if you care, the polka dot jersey. Good or bad, this is cycling world order, something Froome will be eager to demonstrate Thursday.
Stage route
Profile
Map and profile courtesy of the Tour's official site.
Tour de France coverage for Stage 18 on Thursday
Start time: 4:45 a.m. ET (approx.)
Route: 17 kilometers from Sallanches to Megève
TV: NBCSN, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Streaming: NBC Sports Gold (subscription required), beginning at 8:10 a.m.
Classifications, results and complete schedule for the 2016 Tour de France