Tour De France Stage 16 betting tips, predictions, odds and free bets (July 20, 2015)

Monday, 20 July 2015 15:26
Written by David Bet

Stage 16 from Bourg-de-Péage to Gap will be one of the few remaining breakaway opportunities. Included in the 200 kilometres are two category climbs, with one of them being the Col De Manse, the scene of some fabulous racing. Don't miss our Tour De France STAGE 16 betting preview including predictions and best odds, free betting tips on Stage Winner and Head to Head, bookie promotions and no deposit bonuses!

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TOUR DE FRANCE STAGE 16 BETTING PREVIEW

It’s a transition stage, with the route taking the riders right into the foothills of the Alps in preparation for several tough days in the high mountains. The first half of the stage is flat and in the 2nd half there are two climbs of the 2nd category - Col de Cabre (9.1 km at 4.6%) and Col de Manse (8.9km at 5.6%). The top of the last climb is 12km from the finish line.

The fast descent from Col de Manse to the finish line would be perfect for Vincenzo Nibali's skills. If the Italian decides to attack, Chris Froome will not risk to ruin his Tour as Nibali is 8 minutes behind him in the GC.

Who could follow Nibali on his favourite terrain? Alejandro Valverde is a good descender and is stronger than Nibali at the moment when the road goes uphill.

Alberto Contador is another brilliant descender. On 2013, when Rui Costa won his 2nd Tour De France stage, the Spaniard desperately attacked Chris Froome on the descent and ended up almost bringing both of the main favourites down.

Tony Gallopin should have no trouble climbing with the favorites on the Col de Manse, and he’s a good bet to launch an attack on the treacherous finish.

Anyway, this Stage should suit breakaway riders racther than GC conteders. Today's stage winner is likely to be a strong climber who is still fresh and has the strength to escape on the flats.

Jan Bakelants flashed excellent form on Stage 13, outclimbing nearly everyone on the steep uphill finale and is a good descender too.

Another strong candidate is Wilco Kelderman. He is still not at 100% but LottoNL-Jumbo have made it clear that he is now in a position to go for stage wins.

Michael Matthews pointed to this stage as a good day for him to try his luck. If he’s in the front group starting on this climb, he will be very difficult to beat.

Michael Rogers is an excellent descender and won a similar stage from the back in last year’s Tour de France while Peter Sagan is anorther rider that could win this kind of stage.

Joaquim Rodriguez, Fuglsang, Boasson Hagen, Dan Martin, Talansky, Hesjedal, Kelderman, Jungels, Van Avermaet, Samuel Sanchez, Chavanel, Kwiatkowski, Stybar and Majka are the good names in case of early breakaway.

If the early break is caught, Alejandro Valverde and Vincenzo Nibali will be the favourites.