Remains in green jersey
Mark Cavendish remains in the green jersey of points leader for the first of two tough mountain stages.
If he comes through today (14 July) and tomorrow inside the cut off time he'll have a sprint opportunity in Stage 19 on Friday.
Saturday will see a time trial before the remainder of the peloton arrives in Paris, on Sunday, for the final stage of the three week Tour de France race.
The Manx Missile has already won the Paris stage on four previous occasions.
He needs just one more win to be the outright holder of the Tour record.
Football: Railway Cup hopefuls all maintain pace in premier league
Rugby: Vagabonds Ladies stay top with another victory
Hockey: Harlequins A beat rivals to close in on prem leaders
FC Isle of Man torn apart at Barnoldswick Town