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.
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‘That first sector, it's just bodies falling’ – Oscar Chamberlain soaks up debut Paris-Roubaix while providing spark of hope for Australian resurgence
One of just three riders from nation lining up to take on the brutal cobbled test, the second-youngest rider in race is first Australian across line in 82nd place -
USA CRITS: Michael Garrison wins Rock&Road Criterium well ahead of Lucas Bourgoyne
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Doug Ryder's squad experienced all the emotions at the Hell of the North -
Fred Wright overcomes Shimano Di2 crash mode, avoids late wrong turn to grab Paris-Roubaix top 10
Briton says his next goal will be 'working out how to not be the best of the rest' after career-best finish
