Paris-Nice peloton prepare for battle in Mende

The 2010 edition of Paris-Nice will reach one of its key points on Thursday afternoon with the race's first - and last - uphill finish taking place in Mende on stage four. The ascent up to the local aérodrome, formally called Côte de la Croix Neuve, may be only 3.1 kilometres long, but with its average gradient of 10.1 per cent, it is difficult enough to create substantial gaps in the fight for the overall victory.