Riders take on the Tour de France's longest stage on Friday in Stage 12's 226km course. Stage 12 begins in Saint-Jean-de-Maurine and ends in Annonay Davezieux. The lengthy course challenges riders right from the start with a pair of mountains: the Col du Grand Cucheron and the Col du Granier. Both mountains are considered category 1 climbs, the steepest category of climbs.
After the pair of mountains, the course shifts to downhill and low level characteristics, meaning sprinters can make up ground and improve their time during this portion of the stage. Bradley Wiggins (Great Britain) is the current leader after 11 stages.
NBC Sports Network will begin airing the stage at 3:30 a.m. PT. Fans will also be able to watch the race online with a subscription to Tour de France live.
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