A salty sea air stage from the Old Port in Marseille across the plains of the Camargue to the heart of "French Florida", La Grande-Motte. The wind should play an essential role in the crossing of protected nature reserve of Camargue - a marshland with pink flamingos and wild horses. The leaders should be on their guard as not only a sea breeze could disturb their ride, but also the dreaded Mistral gale from the North could make for dangerous echelons in the peloton.
The regional capital of Marseille was on the first Tour de France programme in 1903 as the finish line of the 374 km stage that left Lyon. In a much more agreeable format, the Tour's last visit to the Phocean city, in 2007, gave Cédric Vasseur a chance to stand out in the final Tour de France of his career. Today, the flat terrain of the Camargue will surely see a sprinter raise his arms in La Grande-Motte.
-
'Survial mode' lands Melisa Rollins sixth place at Sea Otter Gravel after breaking both wrists
Leadville champion among stacked women's field at The Growler on Saturday -
'If I were a basketball player, my career would have been over' - Remco Evenepoel on recovery from complex shoulder injury as comeback race nears
Belgian says shoulder injury still troubling him, but still aiming for results in Ardennes Classics -
How to watch pro cycling in the US in 2025 – A streaming guide for US viewers
FloBikes, Max and Peacock programming for one-day Spring Classics and stage races ramp up in late April, early May -
Oakley Velo Kato review: Optimal optical performance, but a challenging aesthetic that’s on the edge of acceptable
The Oakley Velo Kato are the best performing glasses I’ve come across, but they’re not for shrinking violets and you can't fold them away.
