In contrast to the challenging mountainous finish on Stage 11, Stage 12 of the 2024 Tour de France will be a 203.6 km relatively flat stage from Aurillac to Villeneuve-sur-Lot with a total elevation gain of 2,200 meters and a more even finish fit for the sprinters.
Aurillac is a town located in south-central France, serving as the capital of the Cantal department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It lies along the Jourdanne River at an elevation of 622 meters above sea level with approximately 26,000 residents. The town's origins date back to Gallo-Roman times, and was the former capital of Haute-Auvergne. Gerbert, who became Pope Sylvester II, was born in Aurillac and educated at the nearby Saint-Géraud abbey founded in 894. Aurillac is an important regional center and market hub for cattle and dairy production known for its cheese production, particularly Fourme and Bleu d'Auvergne. The town boasts a rich architectural heritage, including the Abbey Church of St. Gerald, the Renaissance-style Consuls' Mansion, and the medieval Saint-Étienne Castle.
Villeneuve-sur-Lot is a town and commune in the Lot-et-Garonne department in southwestern France. It is located 22 km northeast of Agen and straddles the river Lot. The town was originally named Villeneuve-d'Agen and has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1254 by Alphonse, Count of Poitiers, on the site of the deserted town of Gajac. The town was established as a bastide, a type of fortified town, during the medieval period. It played significant roles in various historical conflicts, including the Hundred Years' War, the Huguenot Wars, and the Fronde, a series of civil wars in France.
The stage profile features some climbing in the first 135 km, including three categorized climbs at the Côte d'Autoire (2.7 km at 5.9%, Category 4), Côte de Rocamadour (2 km at 5.8%, Category 4), and Côte de Montcléra (2 km at 4.6%, Category 4). While these categorized climbs are not particularly challenging, they may separate the field and serve as possible points in which a breakaway can create meaningful separation from the peloton to challenge for a stage victory on the day.
After the final climb, the route remains undulating but becomes more favorable for sprinters. There is a slight uphill section (2 km at 3%) within the last 10 km, followed by a false flat downhill and 5 km of flat terrain to the finish. This stage could potentially favor sprinters who can handle some climbing earlier in the day, or it might present an opportunity for a successful breakaway if the peloton doesn't manage the chase effectively.
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