When the route planners drew up this year’s Tour de France Femmes they were probably hoping that the race’s first ever ascent of Mont Ventoux for the ‘queen stage’ would begin with this exact race scenario, where a group of general classification riders are chasing a time-trial specialist in the yellow jersey. They might have hoped defending champion and home favourite, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, was among those GC contenders, but you can’t have everything. What we do have is Demi Vollering breathing down the neck of GC leader Marlen Reusser and others needing to make back minutes on a climb that punishing as it is famous. We should see some furious attacking on the slopes.

Featuring Ventoux in this year’s Tour is another indicator of its growing stature. Women’s races have featured the climb before but this its first apeparance in the road book of what is quickly becoming the pinnacle of calendar. Sadly the wildfires have reduced the numbers of spectators allowed across the length of the route, but whoever crosses the line first will have a famous victory to add to their palmares.

The ascent up the ‘Bald Mountain’ comes after three categorised climbs earlier in the 146.6km route. In addition to the length and steepness of Ventoux, the exposure to the heat is another factor the riders will have to deal with. There is limited tree cover, so strategy and team support will be vital. All expect Vollering to claim the day, but the variables make it a fascinating prospect where no one can be sure of the outcome.