The first time trial of this year's Tour comes earlier than usual, perhaps because of the absence of a prologue. The stage is also just over half the distance as usual, being just 29-kilometre in length. The stage route, as well as being short, is very flat so – weather permitting – speeds should be high. The stage should appeal to the specialists, but gaps should be small so none of the favourites for the overall classification will be able to take too much time out of their rivals.
The Tour has visited Cholet just twice before, the last time when Dutchman Jeroen Bliijlevens (TVM) out-sprinted Italian Nicola Minali (Riso Scotti) and Ján Svorada (Mapei-Bricobi). By picking up time bonuses throughout the stage, Australian Stuart O'Grady (then GAN, now CSC) took the first maillot jaune of his career. The town sits on the banks of the Moine river and is most famous for the production of linen fabrics.
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Eddy Merckx: Why 'the cannibal' is the greatest cyclist of all time
The Belgian rider won 11 Grand Tours, 19 Monuments and three elite world road titles in his 18-year pro career between 1965-1978 -
'Remco slowly killed me' - Wout van Aert left questioning his sprint after Evenepoel beats him to win De Brabantse Pijl
'I had hoped to beat him in the sprint, but apparently I don't have a sprint anymore' says Visma-Lease a Bike rider -
As it happened: Brabantse Pijl Men decided by two-up sprint between Evenepoel and Van Aert
Don't miss the racing action as the elite men's peloton tackles 162.6km from Beersel to Overijse -
De Brabantse Pijl: Remco Evenepoel pulls knock-out punch in sprint win over Wout van Aert
António Morgado best of the chasing bunch in Overijse
