Event of the Day: Stage 11 of the 2018 Tour de France

Our event of the day is Stage 11 of the Tour de France, the first summit finish of this year’s tour. Riders will climb through the French Alps in the second of three mountain stages in successive days. Measuring 108.5 kilometres from Albertville to La Rosière Espace San Bernardo, this is the shortest of the three mountain stages. However, with nearly half of those 108.5 kilometres being uphill, this will be equally as punishing. All eyes are on the dynamic of Team Sky’s Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas. Four-time winner Froome went into the tour as Sky’s team leader. However, Thomas, who is a double Olympic champion in the team pursuit, has been given the freedom to race for himself during the first part of the tour. The Welshman is currently in second place, 2 minutes and 22 seconds behind leader Greg Van Avermaet. The Belgian rode an impressive race during Stage 10 to hold onto the yellow jersey. However, he is not a specialist climber so will be expected to surrender his lead over the coming days.

The potential leadership battle between Team Sky’s top two riders could come to the boil should Thomas maintain his lead over Froome for much longer. Reigning champion Froome is 59 seconds behind his teammate. Having played second fiddle to Bradley Wiggins during the British riders 2012 yellow jersey triumph, Froome is no stranger to being a supporting rider. However, he will be desperate to defend his title and make it four Tour wins in four years. Events over the next two days will go a long way to determining which rider will end up with the yellow and polka dot jerseys. Potential Tour defining moments are in store!