Stage 2 of the 2022 Tour de France Femmes looks like a nailed-on sprint stage but that profile hides a tough finish. The run-in to the finish line has some double-digit gradients that will test the likes of Lorena Wiebes and maybe push the stage victory into puncheur territory.
Provins has never seen a Tour de France stage start nor finish in the men’s or women’s races, so it’s hard to look for inspiration of how the finish will play out. Provins itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of its medieval architecture and 12th Century city walls.
There is a long drag of 1.3km up to the finish line that averages out at 4% which may test some of the sprinters. It’s not quite steep enough for puncheur territory but at the same time, the length will test the sprinters too. After a long effort like that, it will impact riders differently, with some having a reduced kick from the effort to stay near the front of the race. The uphill chug of the lead-out trains will cause riders to drop off the back but GC riders shouldn’t have an issue.
The intermediate sprint comes with 20km left to race so riders going for the green jersey will need to ensure they don’t go too hard for the sprint points and leave themselves unable to contest the finish.
The Côte de Tigeaux will give someone a chance to earn a QoM point and potentially take the jersey if the rider who took the point from the Champs Élysées doesn’t double up.
Tour de France Femmes 2022 Stage 2 Profile
Tour de France Femmes 2022 Stage 2 Favourites
Lorena Wiebes
Elisa Balsamo
Lotte Kopecky
Emma Norsgaard
Ally Wollaston
Rachele Barbieri
Maria Giulia Confalonieri
Letizia Borghesi
India Grangier
Simone Boilard
Femke Markus
Marjolein van ‘t Geloof
