The Tour de France kicks off without a prologue (or time trial) for the first time since 1967; instead it starts with a rolling 195-kilometre road stage. After crossing four fourth category climbs the stage finishes at the top of the Côte de Cadoual – locally known as the Breton Alpe d'Huez. As there will be no time bonuses available on the stage, the first yellow jersey will securely be taken by the stage winner. The hilltop finish though, means that this is unlikely to be one for the pure sprinters.
Brest, a sub-prefecture of the department of Finistère and the most westerly city in mainland France, is a stage town for the 29th time and will host the Grand Départ for the third time – after 1952 and 1974. Its other big claim to cycling fame is of course the fact that it is the turning point of the epic 1200-kilometre Paris-Brest-Paris endurance event.
-
Who's going to Kansas? Life Time confirms lottery winners for Unbound Gravel, reveal five qualifier events
Jelle Van Damme for 200 and Laurens ten Dam for 350 distances among thousands of lottery applicants to receive 'you are headed to the capital of gravel riding' confirmation via email Thursday -
'Riders are going too fast!' – Tour de France director blames crashes on increasing racing speeds
Race organisers consider GPS tracking in wake of Muriel Furrer's death at World Championships -
Waterproof jackets are getting worse, but here’s seven reasons why it doesn’t actually matter
Even though the changing regulations mean things are becoming less waterproof, in general terms it’s not as bad as it sounds -
Rudy Project Nytron aero helmet review: Average aero performance, but can impressive ventilation and comfort make up for that?
The performance in our wind tunnel test wasn't great, but where large vents may have hindered it there, they’ve helped in other areas
