Bicycling

With eight mountain stages and two hill stages, this Tour has been dubbed the one for the climbers, but the stages are laid out so that the sprinters could still be in with a chance to make a difference if they use the sprint sections available on most of the stages.

The yellow jersey will be hotly contested and the battle for king of the mountains and points classification may go down to the wire, meaning this could be the most intense Tour in recent history.

The only time trial this year is an individual one, which will take place on stage 19, meaning that if the yellow jersey is not secured after the mountain stages, it could be decided then.

All in all it makes for a great Tour with stage routes that will try to cater for all: big climbs to separate the men from the boys, long sprints to give the quick a chance to shine, and long downhills to get those heart rates pumping for both riders and viewers.

Enjoy.