Stage 4 of the Ain Bugey Valromey Tour 2019

The final fireworks display, 106.5 km long, is the queen stage of the Valromey, held every other year in Hauteville.
And only the least tired will come out on top. And yesterday's yellow jersey is likely to have heavy legs as he climbs the three first-category cols. And, as in the past, an outsider could well put everyone in agreement. On the Valromey, nothing is decided until the last stage, except in 2013 with the exception of VAN DER POEL ( 4 days in yellow ). But this exception (Mathieu, a professional since then, has been cyclo-cross world champion several times) is unlikely to happen again, and as we explained in our commentary on stage 2, it won't be a climber, as usual, who wins, but a strong rouleur! He will have managed his effort throughout the race, for the final overall classification at the finish line. But on the first run, the riders will cross the town's historic center and take (after a first passage over the line), the rue de la Chapelle climb, which will prove to be very formidable before the Col de la Rochette. This is followed by the ascent of the Col de la vielle Lèbe via BELMONT and VOGLAND, which is sure to wear out the body. As in the past, a single man can set off at PK 95, on the Lavant plain. We say "alone" if the yellow jersey (the strong one) manages his gap with the help of his team.
For the solo rider, there's still PK 102.2, the Charabotte climb, then two bends to negotiate at 300 and 200m, to reach the finish line.

Carlos DACRUZ & Bernard GAMBADE