Mistral could rub salt in the wounds of pure sprinters

The start of the final week stands in stark contrast to the stages that will follow later in the week. The grueling closing week of the Tour de France begins with a flat stage from Gruissan to Nîmes in stage sixteen. Over 187 kilometers, riders will traverse from the Pyrenees to the Alps without encountering the mountain ranges. The remaining sprinters must seize their very last chance here, as this year there will be no sprint on the final day in Paris.

On day sixteen, the riders depart from the Aude department. It marks the first inclusion of the coastal town Gruissan in the Tour de France route. Gruissan is renowned for its salt production and the nearby Étang de Gruissan, a saltwater lagoon. Salt has been harvested from these salt marshes for centuries, and it also serves as a habitat for a colony of flamingos.

The arrival in Nîmes marks the twentieth visit of the Tour to the city. Nîmes boasts a rich Roman history, evident today in its still-used amphitheater. Where gladiators once entertained the masses with life-and-death battles, today Nîmes sees battles fought by masses of sprinting cyclists. Alexander Kristoff ('14) and Caleb Ewan ('19) have both claimed sprint victories here.

However, it's not a given that the sprinters will have their final chance here. While they will undoubtedly be motivated to vie for victory, one must also consider the Mistral. This natural phenomenon in Occitania involves a cold, accelerated wind blowing from the northwest and is more common in winter months. However, it can flare up in summer as well. Known as "magistralis" by the Romans, it can create significant crosswinds.

We saw its impact in the 2017 Vuelta a España, when this stage was ridden in the opposite direction. In a stage from Nîmes to Gruissan, Yves Lampaert took advantage of this powerful wind and resulting echelons, securing the red leader's jersey. So, the sprinters must be wary.

Regarding the route, the entire stage is flat to rolling, with the only obstacle midway through the course being the Côte de Mas Cordon. This 7-kilometer climb at 3.4% gradient is the toughest ascent of the day. A sprint finish appears to be the most likely scenario in Nîmes, but one can never discount the plans that the Mistral might have in store.

Date	16 July 2024
Start	Gruissan
Finish	Nîmes
Distance	188.6 km
Type	Individual Road Race
Average Speed	45.00 km/h
Overall Profile	Flat
Finish Profile	Flat

Tour de France

Men Elite - 2.UWT