STAGE 18 July 23 Annemasse – Lons-le-Saunier (103.152mi/166km)
- By VeloNews.com
- Published Jul. 23, 2004
COURSE: This stage has five climbs but none are particularly steep;the Col de la Faucille, which overlooks Lake Geneva, is the longest, butcomes before halfway.
The small Nogna hill and fast descent to the finish offer some chances for a late break.
FAVORITES: The sprinters that have survived three difficult daysin the Alps will covet this stage.
If someone like Bettini fails in a latemove, the field sprint will favor the talents of a Cooke or Zabel.
HISTORY: Two stages have finished at Lons-le-Saunier.
In 1937, the fifth stage was held in three parts: a 175km road race from Belfort to Lons-le-Saunier – won by Frenchman Henri Puppo (right) in a two-manbreak – followed by a 34km team time trial and a 93km road race. In 1963,Belgian Frans Brands won in a solo break, three minutes ahead of the pack.
ANNEMASSE:
Starts: 0
Finishes: 0
LONS-LE-SAUNIER:
Starts: 0
Finishes: 2 (1937-63)
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