Stage 15 | Bourg-en-Bresse to Culoz | Tour de France 2016
In this episode of The Telegraph Cycling Podcast, Richard Moore and Lionel Birnie are joined by Ciro Scognamiglio to discuss the 15th stage of the race, a short but intense 160-kilometre leg with six climbs in the Jura.
The race for the stage win was unpredictable and dramatic with the stunning Lacets du Grand Colombier providing the springboard for the final moves, which featured Polish champion Rafal Majka and eventual stage winner Jarlinson Pantano of IAM Cycling.
Behind them, there was relatively little challenge to Chris Froome’s position in the yellow jersey as Team Sky neutralised all attempts to break away on the final climb.
In the podcast, Richard, Lionel and Ciro discuss Sky’s strength and whether anything can be done to combat them. They also assess Astana’s tactics and Fabio Aru’s short-lived move on the Lacets du Grand Colombier.
And they weigh up the finish between Majka and Pantano. The Pole looked to have it in the bag when he manoeuvred his Colombian opponent to the front in the finishing straight but Pantano had enough strength to bag the biggest win of his career and, potentially, a fine sign-off for the IAM Cycling team, which is disbanding at the end of the season.
We also hear from Haimar Zubeldia, the veteran Basque rider who will be a key helper for his Trek-Segafredo team-mate Bauke Mollema, who lies second overall, in the final week.
There’s the daily award of the Pédaleur de Charme prize and another edition of The Friebos File.
The Telegraph Cycling Podcast is supported by Rapha and Eurosport.