"Sneaking in there might be the last big opportunity" - Contador predicts breakaway dogfight on stage 17 of Tour de France
CyclingWednesday, 22 July 2026 at 13:30
Alberto Contador analysed the 17th stage of the Tour de France on Eurosport and is clear it will be one of the most entertaining days of the final week. The former champion believes the route offers a perfect opportunity for the breakaway, though he warns that making the move will be extremely difficult.
He also expects the fight for the green jersey to add extra intrigue to the day: “Here comes stage 17 of the Tour de France, a really attractive stage,” Contador began. “Why? Because it’s a good chance for the break and also a key day to shape who wins the green jersey.”
The Spanish legend underlined that the stage profile will dictate the race from the flag drop. “We can see that from the start in Chambéry it’s all uphill. There will be a huge fight for the break, riders will have to be on the rollers,” he said, making it clear the escape will not form easily.
Contador also highlighted the importance of the intermediate sprint, set in a very different position compared to other stages so far.
Mads Pedersen, wearer of the Tour de France green jersey
The green jersey, another prime objective
“Unlike those previous stages, we see the intermediate sprint is in the final part of the stage,” he explained. In his view, that detail will allow riders like Mads Pedersen or Biniam Girmay to fight for a significant haul of points.
“Riders like Pedersen, like Girmay, we’ll see how they can defend themselves to try to take points. It’s possible at the sprint and also at the finish line,” he noted.
The ex-rider thinks the fierce battle to make the break will make any presence in it even more valuable.
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“It’s clear the break is going to be very expensive,” he said. “Sneaking in there might be the last big opportunity for riders like Van der Poel and others.”
With all that, Contador expects a very open, exciting stage, where victory could be decided among the escapees while the green jersey contenders fight their own battle. “The show is guaranteed and we’ll see who prevails in this beautiful stage,” he concluded.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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