Tour To Go F1 In Luchon

GC leaders to line up on staggered starting grid on 65km Pyrenean stage

- Peter Cossins

The Tour de France’s 17th stage, extending to just 65km and featuring three tough climbs, the final one providing the highest ever summit finish in the French Pyrenees, already looked extraordinary. Then race organiser ASO announced a startling innovation in the shape of a Formula 1-style staggered grid start. The rider holding the yellow jersey will line up at the front on July 25, with his closest 19 rivals spread out behind him and the rest of the peloton gathered in groups behind them, again according to their overall position.