^ Agreed. It may not be TDF-worthy, but if the racing is likely better, who cares?
Are there no rumors of ITT's except for the one on Planche?
Nope - no rumors at all. It's very like the only ITT, seeing as ASO was actually pushing for it to be an ITT with the local government.
Did people just ignore the Alps this year?
If the route sucks that much they'll just frigging bury Alaphilippe as early as the Turini.
Alaphilippe wasted loads of energy in a couple stages, didn't sleep well due to the yellow target on his back, etc. I think he could be fine if Turini and Balès are the hardest climbs in the race.
And let's for God's sake hope that there is no PdBD next year.
Don't they have some kind of deal in place until 2023? Someone on Le Gruppetto mentioned something to that effect. Could be the department Haute-Saône , though, but I suppose the locals prefer a finish on that climb every. single. time.
I have no issue with an ITT that finishes on PdBF. In fact, I would welcome it. Problem is that they could make it very short. 19-21 kms if they start in Belfort. A long TT with more climbs than just the MTF could be epic by TDF standards.