The Tour de France 2022's Stage 18 Lourdes to Hautacam was always going to be a huge one. The best climbers among the general classification riders will be getting one more opportunity to compete for the yellow jersey on the penultimate day in the Pyrenees. Though it may be a little flatter than expected for a mountain stage when the yellow jersey is now the best GC climber, don't let that deter you from what is likely to be an exciting ride. The 143.2 Km ride is expected to keep the viewer interested throughout as the Portugal cyclists look to target their last chance of securing a win.
Look Out for the Competition Between Vingegaard, Pogocar, and Other Riders
After Wednesday's spectacular finale on Peyragudes, Vingegaard was able to maintain a comfortable lead in the general classification standings, but he is aware that Pogacar will once more give it his all to win the yellow jacket. The Danish rider will be familiar with the fact that if he maintains his lead into Hautacam, he will be nearly likely to be declared the Tour de France champion on Sunday under the Champs Elysees. One-half of the Pyrenees challenge has already been completed by Vingegaard. Despite winning stage 17 on the Peyragudes airfield, Pogacar, 25, only lost four seconds and kept his two minutes, 18-second lead in the ranking's summary.
Rafal Majka is the most recent competitor to withdraw from the race, leaving only four members of Pogacar's Team UAE standing. Mikkel Bjerg and Brandon McNulty set a fierce pace throughout and will need to muster that same stamina for another crucial day.
About the Track
Sprinters will once again have something to work on in pursuit of the 143.2km stage, if not a stage victory. The first 58 kilometers after leaving Lourdes are comparatively flat with a small ascent up the points line. The Col d'Aubisque at 1709m is the next challenging HC climb. The cyclists' first descent drops them to 566 meters above sea level and ends at the base of the 1378-meter-high category one Col de Spandelles. The last HC hill up to the finish in Hautacam is then 477 meters.
Riders to consider betting on
The real competition to witness will be between Tadej Pogocar and Jonas Vingegaard. With both riders playing for the title wins and the yellow jersey, we can expect a thriller of a performance. Other cyclists might also chip in during the ride, and we might witness a young cyclist dominating the race.
Tadej Pogacar Wins - Yes for 6.0 -bet365
Jonas Vingegaard Wins - Yes for 1.165 -22bet
Jonas Vingegaard - Winner Of The Mountains Classification - Yes for 3.5 -1xbet
