Tour De France Stage 17 predictions, betting tips, odds and free bets (July 20, 2016)

Tuesday, 19 July 2016 21:26
Written by David Bet

After the rest day, mountains feature prominently in the Tour De France as the riders enter the Alps on Wednesday. Stage 17 is a 184.5 journey from Berne (Switzerland) to a summit finish on top of the Finhaut-Emosson and it is the first of four mountainous Alps stages that will decide the Tour de France. Check out here our Tour De France STAGE 17 betting preview, with free picks, best odds, predictions on Winner and Head to Head, bookie promotions & no deposit free bets on the Tour De France 2016!

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TOUR DE FRANCE STAGE 17 BETTING PREVIEW

There are two category 3 climbs in the first 100kms of the stage and we expect KOTM contenders to escape very early. The final 35 kms of the stage is a severe test for the riders as the stage finishes with the Category One Col de la Forclaz (13 km at 7.9%), before dipping down again to begin the Col de la Gueulaz, up to the beautiful lake and dam at Finhaut-Emosson (10.4 km at 8.4%).

Chris Froome takes a near 3 minute lead over his main rival Nairo Quintana into the Alps, and given the form of the two main contenders, the Brit ix expected to increase the gap over the Colombian.

Thus far in the race when Froome has properly attacked in the mountains only Bauke Mollema and Richie Porte have been able to follow. They will be hoping to hang onto the leaders but it is difficult to see them winning this stage. The Dutch has looked strong but he has always faded in the third week of his previous Grand Tours. Furthermore, he won’t get any freedom.

Richie Porte was going well up Mont Ventoux, and it's conceivable that Froome would gift him a stage victory if the two of them found themselves clear. He has been the second best climber in the race and has avoided his usual bad day so far.

Team Astana will determine if there are time gaps - They have strong climbers and put the GC guys under pressure in stage 15. Fabio Aru will look to climb the GC and he was the only rider attempting to attack the Yellow Jersey with Alejandro Valverde few days ago. It as a clear indication that he is feeling good and he should find the very steep final climb to his liking.

Dan Martin will enjoy the steep climb to the finish and he is another that could try to make gains as well as Adam Yates. Both of them are not expected to win the stage as they will not have so much space to attack.

Romain Bardet sits 5th in the GC and will be looking to attack the climb with typical flair if he manages to escape the Sky train. He is known for his aggressive riding style and he is not too far off the level of the very best.

The stage could also favour a breakaway, the GC teams allowing for a large break to go away without much concern

Rafal Majka will spend another day chasing the points he need to clinch the KOTM jersey and he could find himself in good position to win the stage too.

Another rider desperate for a stage win is Julian Alaphilippe. He has been on the attack the last two stages. he probably would have won stage 15 if not for a crash when leading.

Vincenzo Nibali has tried to escape on multiple occasions but his form is very poor and there are a lot of riders that will climb bettere than the last Giro D'Italia hero.

Dani Navarro and Thomas De Gendt will most likely be out once again. Others such as Pierre Rolland will be looking to snatch glory as none has welcomed them thus far.

Dark horses?

Joachim Rodriguez, Sebastien Reichenbach, Ilnur Zakarin, Serge Pauwels, Alexis Vuillermoz and Alberto Rui Costa are our picks if you are looking for long shots.

Tour De France 2016 - Stage 17