Fast and furious finish
Finally we come to something a lot more straightforward and typical of what almost every first-week stage at the Tour used to look like. There is nothing to concern anyone as the race starts to turn south, so expect lots of sunflower shots, a long and probably fruitless breakaway and the sprinters going elbow to elbow at the finish. Mark Cavendish will have particularly happy memories of Châteauroux, as he claimed his first Tour stage win in the town back in 2008. Winner of four stages that year, this is one of just half a dozen opportunities he'll get in this edition.
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'Change is not suffered, it is desired' – Alessandro De Marchi to retire at end of season after 15-year pro career
38-year-old Italian confirms decision to stop racing at end of 2025 but welcomes change -
'People who behave like that are not welcome' – Van Aert and Pogačar show solidarity with Mathieu van der Poel after bidon-throwing incident
'We want fans to be passionate, but there is no room for aggression or unwanted behaviour like we saw on Sunday' says world champion -
Albion ABR1 Pocket bib shorts review: Some great improvements to an already brilliant pair
Perfect for long days in the saddle, with an innovative tube pocket at the rear for stashing clothing -
Herald Sun Tour set to return in 2026 after five-year absence with Grace Brown as women's race director
Men's and women's events planned for February next year, details to be announced in coming weeks
