The eighth stage of the Tour de France spans 183 kilometers, concluding in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises. What can we expect from this Saturday’s ride?

After two flat stages and a time trial, Saturday brings a hilly challenge to the forefront. The peloton sets off at 1:05 PM from Semur-en-Auxois, navigating a rolling terrain. While the climbs along the route aren’t excessively steep, their frequency poses a significant challenge.

The pivotal question surrounds whether Stage 8 will culminate in a sprint finish or if a breakaway will steal the show. Sprinters will be encouraged by the fact that the final categorized climb sits 61 kilometers from the finish line. Riders adept in undulating terrain, such as Jasper Philipsen and Mads Pedersen, could capitalize on their strengths.

However, the accumulation of climbs might favor the adventurous breakaway groups. It remains plausible that a robust breakaway could outmaneuver the sprinter teams. It’s anticipated that Mathieu van der Poel may not push too hard in Stage 8, reserving energy for opportunities in Sunday’s unique gravel stage, the only one of its kind in this Tour.

The stage promises to be a test of endurance and strategy, where the tactical decisions of teams and the individual brilliance of riders will shape the outcome. As the Tour progresses through its varied stages, each day brings new challenges and opportunities for the cyclists aiming to make their mark on this prestigious race.