En France!
After a short transit / rest day the riders are back in France.
In some ways the real race starts today with a lumpy 171km speckled with six Cat 4 climbs. The last climb is a punchy one @900m/7.5% and we will likely see some ferocious pace being set.
Normally this stage wouldn’t dislodge the pure sprinters however we have some rouleurs dying to get in on the action, foremost amongst them is Mathieu Van Der Poel who is the master of using these Classics type terrains to his advantage. Peter Sagan is also known for using up his entire team to whittle down the peloton and increase his chance of victory.
Either way this stage is taken on, there is very little chance of dislodging Wout Van Aert on the climbs and an early attack would most likely be the best tactic.
Amongst the pure sprinters we have recently seen Caleb Ewan being able to haul himself over the steep stuff as he proved in both Milan San Remo and the opening stage of the Giro this year.
Our Top Picks:
Matheiu Van Der Poel
Wout Van Aert
Caleb Ewan
Outside Picks:
Peter Sagan
Michael Matthews
Our winner:
Matheiu Van Der Poel
