The 16th stage of the 2017 Tour de France runs 165kms from Le Puy-en-Velay to Romans-sur-Isere. There are two categorized climbs prior to the intermediate sprint which occurs as 121.5kms in Chantermerle-Les-Bles. The stats on the two climbs are:
• Km 20.5 – Côte de Boussoulet (4.5kms; 6.3%) – category 3
• Km 65.0 – Col du Rouvey (2.8kms; 5.6%) – category 4
This transition stage is another tricky stage to predict. For one, the day after the second rest day often results to how the riders spent the rest day. Additionally, breakaway riders could see this as a chance to yield a major result for themselves and their team, but most finishes in the Rhone Valley have historically ended in bunch sprints. And, as if that’s not enough, this region is also known for its winds!