Tour de France 2022 stage 19 preview: the penultimate chance for sprinters to shine

Stage 19 of the Tour de France 2022 starts in Castelnau-Magnoac and finishes in Cahors.

A typical transition stage away from the mountains and towards the race’s final time trial tomorrow gives the penultimate chance for the sprinters – those who survived the Pyrenees at least.

Tour de France 2022 stage 19: expected timings

Tour de France 2022 stage 19 route

Starting in Castelnau-Magnoac, it runs north and slightly eastwards, passing through Auch on the way to the finish in Cahors. It’s flat for the most part, but the wind could be a factor in what is very open terrain. There are a few rolls towards the finish in the low hills of the Quercy region that was once part of England.

Useful Tour de France 2022 resources

• Tour de France 2022 route
• Tour de France 2022 standings
• Tour de France 2022 start list
• Tour de France 2022 key stages
• How to watch the Tour de France 2022 on TV
• How to watch the 2022 Tour de France
• Past winners of the Tour de France
• Tour de France leader's jerseys
• Tour de France winning bikes

Tour de France 2022 stage 19: what to expect 

There’s sure to be a big battle to get into the day’s break, especially as it often goes the distance on days like this when the jersey competitions are all but decided and the sprinters’ teams are weakened by fatigue and the loss of key domestiques. Last year’s equivalent stage to Libourne was a good example of how it could play out, with 20 riders in the break, Matej Mohorič ultimately the strongest of them. There is a but, though. Given the number of sprinters in the field, will they be happy shrugging off this opportunity, especially as some will be desperate for a win too?

Tour de France 2022 stage 19: riders to watch

A glance back at the results of recent Tour stages of this type reveals that Team DSM tend to be well to the fore. Søren Kragh Andersen won on the equivalent day in 2019, while Casper Pedersen (last year) and Nikias Arndt (2017) have also gone close. Matej Mohorič is another breakaway specialist who’ll be closely watched. However, if the sprinters are keen, we could see an enthralling preview of what’s likely to be in store on the Champs-Élysées. although Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) doesn't have to worry about losing the green jersey!