On the day before a big time trial, the gc contenders often want to downshift and chill before the big time test, so look for a wide open stage through the bocage (backwoods) of western France on the road to Vitré, where a break of non-contenders just might succeed on this shortish stage.
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Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix – The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky's chances
Cyclingnews' key takeaways from Sunday's race, amid the build-up to a Sunday in Hell -
Remco Evenepoel opts not to make debut at Paris-Roubaix, despite Tour of Flanders podium
No last-minute surprise participation for the Belgian star in Hell of the North -
As it happened: Young talent claims first WorldTour win at stage 1 of Itzulia Basque Country
A 13.9km time trial to open proceedings -
Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas pours on the power to win individual time trial opener and claim leader's jersey
Kévin Vauquelin second and Felix Großschartner third with slim margin over Primož Roglič, while race favourites Del Toro and Ayuso suffer large time losses
