Over the years, my favorite Tour de France stages have been those that twist through the mountains. The steeper and stingier the roads, the better! Nothing I like more than an HC or hors catégorie ascent, so difficult it is literally “beyond categorization.”

Enthusiastic fans line the route, often within an arm’s length of the riders. They dress up in crazy costumes, write messages of encouragement to the cyclists and (annoyingly) run alongside them. Some show up year after year, and the Tour is better for it.

Saturday’s race will be chock-full of drama, with four iconic climbs: the Col du Tourmalet (2,115 meters; HC), the Col d’Aspin (1,489 meters; 2^nd category), the Col de Peyresourde (1,569 meters; 1^st category), and the summit finish up La Carrière (1,415 meters; HC). In fact, the profile map of this stage looks more like a rustic saw, albeit a very large one.

A Recap of Stage 13: Individual Time Trial in the Mountains

What a weird stage! Organizers designated this stage as an individual time trial; it was anything but that. Just 11 kms total, this “time trial” route included a lot of difficult climbing: almost one-third of the race was over terrain with gradients of 9% or higher. And we could see the impact on the peloton: pure climbers were in their element while the best time trial riders in the world (e.g., Remco Evenepoel) struggled mightily.

Tadej Pogacar rode like a warrior, further cementing his lead in the overall GC contest. Jonas Vingegaard acquitted himself well. Florian Lipovitz improved his odds of landing on the podium in Paris (perhaps in the white jersey of best young rider.) Kudos to those who succeeded. But, please . . . Let’s not call it a time trial. Just sayin’.

Can anyone threaten Pogacar’s lead at this point? I’m doubtful. While I wish the competition were more fierce, I’m thrilled to watch the most dominant cyclist in my lifetime do his thing every day. Cheers, Tadej. Go forth and conquer!

Tour de France by the Glass Recommendation: 2022 Domaine Nigri Jurançon Sec “Confluence” ($22; 13.5% abv)

Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrénées Mountains, Domain Nigri farms 15 hectares of vines using organic methods. The winery’s history goes back to the 17^th century, when it produced its first dry and sweet wines made from local grape varieties.

Confluence is a blend of Gros Manseng (80%), Camaralet (10%), and Lauzet (10%). It is deep lemon in color with aromas of honeysuckle, acacia flower, white grapefruit, and passion fruit. Winemaker Jean-Louis Lacoste is especially proud of the inclusion of Camaralet and Lauzet – rather obscure varieties – saying that they contribute aromatic and flavor complexity to the wine, providing artistic balance to the Gros Manseng.

This wine is delicious! When the days are long and hot, I want a glass of Confluence in hand as I watch the sunset and listen to the birds. I wish I could be in the Pyrénées as well but alas; I can’t have everything . . . today.

Until then, this wine will more than suffice!

Enjoy the suspense of Stage 14, the vertiginous climbs and the gorgeous landscape. Let’s talk tomorrow about Sunday’s race and what to sip as we watch.