Take It From Carol: Tour de France Stage 10

Of Sprinters or breakaway specialists....

Another day of undulating, hilly terrain. The climbs are easier. The finish offers an opportunity for a bunch sprint. So, perhaps, the peloton and sprinters’ teams will be motivated to keep the breakaway in check? We can hope.

Teams with purpose today:

Deceuninck–Quick Step: Elia Viviani
Lotto–Soudal: Caleb Ewan
Jumbo–Visma: Dylan Groenewegen

However, if these three pure sprinters are unable to stay with the leading peloton on the undulating roads into Albi or their legs too weary from climbing, riders like Peter Sagan, Michael Matthews, and Greg Van Avermaet will take the opportunity to win the day.

A bit in Matthews:

Matthews (Sunweb) has been frustrated this Tour (really frustrated because he’s been vocal about it). With his teammate Dumoulin unable to participate this year, Matthews felt unprepared for his new role. He did not train to take Stage wins and battle for the green jersey. Rather, his preparation was solely focused on supporting Dumoulin. Unprepared, he is now faltering on routes that are typically well-suited to his abilities. Sunweb is properly motivated to salvage something from these first 10 days. All that remains to be seen: is Matthews and his team capable to control things today and keep opportunity open?