The first of two individual time trials of this Tour de France, with that of the last stage in Nice. A real test for the leaders, who will be able to test themselves on this completely flat course starting from Nuits-Saint-Georges if they have not yet made too much difference in the mountains.
Of an average distance, this first time trial will also be a dress rehearsal for the specialists of the event before the Olympic Games, which will take place three weeks later in the Paris region.
While freshness is always an important parameter in this type of exercise, the bodies should not be too worn out after only one week of racing, and the differences will normally not be prohibitive. Especially on such flat terrain, even if the unlisted Curtil-Vergy hill (1.6 km at 6.1%), could make the thighs burn a little.
Nuits-Saint-Georges > Gevrey-Chambertin, 25.3 km, time trial
The course
⏱ Stage 7 means ITT! A decisive day in the stunning scenery of the Burgundy vineyards. 🍇
⏱ Stage 7 means time trial! A crucial day in the splendid setting of the Burgundy vineyards. 🍇#TDF2024 pic.twitter.com/xbAGXeCVjF
— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) February 29, 2024
The profile
The eye of Thierry Gouvenou, race director:
“We’ll have 25.3 fairly rolling kilometers. It’s relatively flat and sheltered from the wind. There will just be one bump, at Curley, to break the rhythm a little. Behind, we’ve added a slightly technical descent. But it’s really a course for rollers. We have the ideal terrain for guys capable of rolling up a big gear.
There are a lot of things that can be played out there for the best in the ranking. This course reminds me of the timed stage near Laval (Editor’s note: June 30, 2021). It was Tadej Pogacar who won that day. On the other side, we still want to see what a Remco Evenepoel will do. And for the followers, don’t hesitate to taste the local wines, in moderation (smiles).
