Race director defends Tour’s stage three pavé finish

There are some sections of pave that are devoid of fans.

There are some sections of pave that are devoid of fans. (Image credit: Fotoreporter Sirotti)

Tour de France race director Jean-Francois Pescheux has defended the organiser’s decision to include several cobblestone sections in the finale of stage three leading to Arenberg on Tuesday. Voices of criticism have been raised as the stage is feared to cause damage amongst the general classification contenders early in the Grand Tour, before the race even reached the mountains.