2024 Tour de France Femmes Stage 8 Preview

 Queen stage

Stage 8 profile from procyclingstats.com

 

Of a different kind than the previous few stages; only the pure climbers will survive 'til the finish line in the lead group. Plus the Glandon is actually the harder climb, but it is less mythic. I don't think any big moves will be made on the GC before the final climb, given how close the gaps are. But there be a decent break since Ghekiere will surely be looking to sew up the mountains jersey by going over the Glandon first.

Profile of the finishing climb

The finale is 14 km @ 8%, it will really hurt. There were no big GC moves today due to how selective Alpe d'Huez will be; in a stage like this, it's possible to go out the back with 6 km to go and lose 4+ minutes.

Contenders

DEMI VOLLERING -- Looks recovered given she was able to drop Niewiadoma to take the last of the bonifications on the line. Right now, barring disaster, I don't see a reason why she shouldn't win this stage and take the leader's jersey.

KASIA NIEWIADOMA -- Looks the best of the rest, though maybe not by much. Will be super motivated to keep the lead, but I don't think 75 seconds is enough given that she lost ~2 minutes on the Tourmalet last year. But, barring disaster, a top three on the stage and overall I think is a given.

PUCK PIETERSE -- Will this stage finally be a bridge too far? It seems like it should be, but I'm not so sure anymore! Holding on to the podium will be a challenge, but I don't think too much time will be shipped.

CÉDRINE KERBAOL -- Dropped in the finale today, that probably won't change on stage 8, unfortunately. Another who I expect to cede the podium position, but not lose too much time.

PAULIENA ROOIJAKKERS -- Animated the final climb today, probably won't have the opportunity to do so on Alpe d'Huez, but is consistent enough to challenge for a top 5 on the stage and the overall podium.

ÉVITA MUZIC -- See above...best of the rest today, should be challenging for the podium

JULIETTE LABOUS -- Didn't ride quite as well as here compatriot above, but should still be challenging for the overall podium

LIDL-TREK -- Neither Realini nor van Anrooij will get any freedom, and I don't see them animating the final climb

Prediction

Demi Vollering with the win on the stage and in the overall classification. Rooijakkers and Muzic to complete the podium.

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