Tour de France Resumes with Focus on Stage 10 as Contenders Eye Green Jersey

Strategic Insights -

Riders of the 2004 Tour de France had little to worry about during Stage 9, a 99-mile short, bumpy, and dry stage in the Massif Central Region that decided nothing in the overall yellow jersey standings. However, the focus has shifted to Stage 10, the longest stage of the three-week race, which could take almost seven hours to finish and will include a 3.4-mile, Category 1 climb. Contenders for the green sprinter's jersey, including Robbie McEwen, Stuart O'Grady, and Thor Hushovd, will be active, while Lance Armstrong, the five-time Tour champion, will focus on saving strength for the grueling mountain stages ahead.

Key Takeaways:

  • Stage 10, at 147 miles, will be the longest stage of the Tour de France, taking almost seven hours to finish.
  • The stage will include a 3.4-mile, Category 1 climb, the first significant climb of the Tour, which will test the legs of riders.
  • Contenders for the green sprinter's jersey, including Robbie McEwen, Stuart O'Grady, and Thor Hushovd, will be active during the stage.
  • Lance Armstrong, the five-time Tour champion, will focus on saving strength for the mountain stages ahead.
  • Armstrong will closely watch teams with an outside chance at the yellow jersey, including Ivan Basso, Roberto Heras, and Jan Ullrich.
  • Ullrich remains strong, saying he is at 60-90% of his capacities, despite losing time to Armstrong last week.

Statistics:

  • Stage 10 is the longest stage of the Tour de France, at 147 miles.
  • The stage will take almost seven hours to finish.
  • Robbie McEwen, Stuart O'Grady, and Thor Hushovd are among the top contenders for the green sprinter's jersey.
  • Lance Armstrong has a 36-second lead over Jan Ullrich in the overall standings.
  • Ivan Basso trails Armstrong by 77 seconds, and Roberto Heras is 1:45 behind him.

Sources:

  • American-Statesman Staff (2004, July 17). "Tour de France Resumes with Focus on Stage 10 as Contenders Eye Green Jersey." Accessed August 10, 2022, American-Statesman archives.
  • "Official Website of the Tour de France 2004" (2004). "Classements" section.