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Geraint Thomas is expecting the worst but hopes for the best in the last mountain stage of the 2018 Tour de France, which should also be one of the most grueling of the race this year. Stage 19, from Lourdes to Laruns, is the fourth longest of the 2018 Tour and has six categorized climbs en route.
The last leg of the last 80 kilometers is where the Welshman's Tour is likely to be won or lost. The climbing starts seriously at the foot of the Aspin Pass but when the peloton turns to the slopes of the Col du Tourmalet, at 2,115 meters, one of the most venerated and hated climbs of the French Pyrenees his take on the yellow jersey will surely be tested
The long descent of the Tourmalet leads to a succession of climbs, starting with the Col des Borderes, which leads to the steep Soulor Pass, which in turn climbs to the last super-category climb of the Col d'Aubisque. The descent too, a descent of 20 km until arrival at Laruns, can be crucial.
"We expect the worst and hope for the best," said Thomas when asked about the special. "We expect a lot of attacks, maybe even on the Tourmalet and certainly on the last climb."
"It's the last mountain stage and the guys will try to seize every possible opportunity."
However, he also anticipated the potential of his rivals to outdo themselves. "They can take a big step and easily lose some of the time in the time trial."
Thomas, however, admitted that he was focusing on the last hours of climbing. "I hope we will not have to use Froomey," said Welsh title champion, and Sky teammate Chris Froome, "and we will have strength in numbers, but put it to my disposition is phenomenal. "
"I hope that it will not have to do much, it will be a big test, and a test for the team to control, but obviously the last climb will be on the legs. "
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