Tour De France Stage 12 predictions, betting tips, odds and free bets (July 14, 2016)

Thursday, 14 July 2016 00:32
Written by David Bet

It's Bastille Day in France and this year the riders were set to cover 184km from Montpellier to the top of the mythical Mont Ventoux. This article contains Tour De France STAGE 12 betting preview, with free picks, highest odds, expert predictions on Winner and Head to Head, betting promotions & no deposit bonuses on today's stage!

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TOUR DE FRANCE STAGE 12 BETTING PREVIEW

Stage 12 features a double climb of the category 4 Cote de Gordes (3.3km, 4.8%) and category 3 Col des Trois Termes (2.5km, 7.5%) as a warm-up for the big finale. The Stage has unfortunately been shortened due to 100km/h winds near the exposed summit of Mont Ventoux and while the race will still finish on the climb it will do so at the end of the protected forested section and the climb will now be 10km at around 9%. The GC men should battle this out and Chris Froome looks a worthy favourite.

Actually, this stage has a similar parcour to that of the last time the riders completed the climb of Ventoux at the Tour, back in 2013, where the British rider rode away from Nairo Quintana in the final few kilometres to solidify his GC lead.

Nairo Quintana has not attacked yet as his plan has always been to ride defensively in the first part and make the difference in the final part. Anyway, for the Colombian attacking the yellow jersey is crucial no matter the result. Even if he proves unable to drop the yellow jersey, forcing him to respond to a series of accelerations on the final climb could weaken him ahead of Friday’s individual time trial.

The likes of Adam Yates and Daniel Martin will hope to follow the two main favourites and out-sprint them near the top. But it will be an almost impossible missionm for both riders.

Other riders to look out for include Alejandro Valverde, Joaquim Rodriguez, Fabio Aru, Roman Kreuziger, Romain Bardet, Bauke Mollema, Richie Porte and Tejay Van Garderen. They all need to play their cards before Froome and Quintana begin their fight on the final climb.

There are possibilities to have a breakaway and if we do get it then look to the French riders since it is Bastille Day. Thibaut Pinot, Thomas Voeckler, Alexis Vuillermoz, Tony Gallopin and Julian Alaphilippe are all names that spring to mind.

Rafal Majka could be a wise choice should a breakaway be given the opportunity by Team Sky to win the stage.

Another scenario could see Team Sky to send Sergio Henao up the road on a solo breakaway, to force other teams to chase. If they choose not to, but instead focus on the team leader, the Colombian could win the stage.

Dark horses?

Louis Meintjes lost time in the crosswinds today so he will be eager to strike back. Vincenzo Nibali could have the license to run for the stage win rather than support his captain Fabio Aru. Other breakaway jokers could be Jan Bakelants, Rui Costa, Thomas De Gendt and Daniel Navarro.