Stage 11 will start in the tiny village of Vatan - population 2,000 - and symbolises a tribute to rural France. Vatan (pronounced 'Va-t'en', which means 'get lost') hosted a meeting of representatives of villages with similarly funny-sounding names last year - such as 'Montéton' ('my tit') or 'Trécon' ('Very stupid').
The peloton might not have a chance to laugh though, as the 192km-journey to Saint-Fargeau as the stage promises to be fast. The 2009 green jersey of best sprinter could be decided today!
Vaughters' views
A day for the French, perhaps? Jerome Pineau or Perrick Fedrigo?
If the break comes back, which it may, another hotly contested sprint finish in which guys are pushing and poking for 2nd and 3rd too, as the race for the green jersey will be intense during these middle days.
-
Wout van Aert undergoes successful surgery on fractured ankle following snowy cyclo-cross crash
Belgian racer's cyclo-cross season is over, so he'll now focus on recovering for 2026 road racing goals -
Superprestige Gullegem: Niels Vandeputte extends overall series lead after thrilling battle for victory against Michael Vanthourenhout
Joris Nieuwenhuis takes third, Joran Wyseure fourth in snowy penultimate round -
Superprestige Gullegem: In-form Amandine Fouqenet solos to second win of the festive period
French cyclo-cross champion leaves behind Marion Norbert Riberolle and Rafaelle Carrier to taste victory -
Lotto-Intermarché unveil 2026 look for WorldTour return following merger of Belgian squads
'Two stories. Two heritages. One new beginning. We're here' team announces to ring in new year
