The first road stage of the Tour hugs the west coast for about half the stage before heading inland for the finish in Les Essarts, a town associated with battles during the French Revolution. There's sure to be a battle royale going on at about 5pm on Sunday as Davitamon-Lotto's Robbie McEwen, Quickstep's Tom Boonen and Credit Agricole's Thor Hushovd have their first hit-out at the end of this flat stage, which shouldn't pose too many problems for any of the riders. There'll most likely be a surprise race leader on Sunday evening as most GC riders stay safely tucked away in the middle of the bunch, allowing the showmen to have their time in the sun.
More about race
Most Popular
-
ProVelo Super League – Tristan Saunders snares Grafton to Inverell victory
Zachary Marriage second as Brendon Davids clinches final podium spot -
ProVelo Super League – Gina Ricardo wins Mt Mitchell to Inverell in tight sprint with Rachael Wales
Rhylee Akeroyd takes third place in 110km race, the fifth round of Australia's top tier domestic series -
Petr Vakoč, Alex Howes, Peta Mullens, Amity Rockwell among 138 wildcard contenders aiming for 6 spots in Life Time Grand Prix
Rock Cobbler 12.0 winner Ruth Holcomb makes cut for new U23 programme, which confirmed 63 athletes -
Filippo Ganna clings to GC podium spot with huge climbing effort Saturday at Tirreno-Adriatico
Italian relinquishes blue leader's jersey but holds third overall going into flat, fast finale
