With just three fourth category climbs in the way, this should once again be a stage for the sprinters. The route continues its way across the southern edge of France between the Pyrenees and the Alps. It's likely that a break will try to get away, but even more likely that the sprinters' domestiques will bring them back before they reach the finish.
The stage travels from one Roman settlement to another: leaving the oldest one in Narbonne, and arriving in probably the most famous one in Nîmes. The capital of the Gard department, Nîmes is home to probably the highest concentration of historic Roman sites outside Italy. These include the best preserved arena in France – which still gets used for concerts and bullfights, the Maison Carrée – a temple dedicated to the sons of Agrippa, and most famously: the Pont du Gard – a three level aqueduct which lies 20 kilometres to the north.
-
'Maybe I had the legs to come around' - Fisher-Black unsure of how UAE Tour finish could have played out but 'form is probably the best it's ever been'
'It was a bit annoying, I had nowhere to go really' - New Zealand rider's strong finish at Liwa Palace upgraded to second after Philipsen got relegated -
Cameron Scott turns back to track after WorldTour run cut short
Former Bahrain Victorious rider steps out with Australia's Team Pursuit squad at Oceania Championships, claims title -
'Everyone is pretty greedy to win' - Michal Kwiatkowski keeps Ineos Grenadiers on victory path at Clásica Jaén
Former World Champion takes first triumph in 18 months in one-day Classic -
'We were chasing the facts' - Wout van Aert switches to helper status at Clásica Jaén in tougher season start than expected
Belgian star finishes 39th in Spanish version of Strade Bianche after working for Ben Tulett
