Épernay – Metz
Distance: 207.5km
Highest point: 393m
Category: Flat
Last sprint before the hills
The race continues east with another stage that’s sure to be a sprint. There’s one categorised climb, soon after the day’s intermediate sprint, but the sprinters won’t be too troubled by it. Plus, they have the motivation of knowing that this will be their last moment in the spotlight for the best part of a week, so they won’t want to pass this chance up. With the mountains just ahead, the baroudeurs, who like nothing more than several hours out at the front of the race, will be evident too. Could this be a day when one of them goes the whole distance? Probably not, but that won’t stop them trying.
Sean Yates: "It is too early to be going for intermediate sprints so we won’t be trying keep it together. It’s the last flat stage and then we hit the mountains – the combination of us [Sky], Omega Pharma-Quick-Step and Lotto will surely lead to a sprint."
Maps and profiles courtesy of ASO
-
'Having to learn everything in life at 21' - Joey Pidcock reveals ADHD diagnosis and how medication was life-changing
Young Briton admits medication and therapy treatments provided marked improvements from 'sinister' health issues -
'I still need time' - Pauline Ferrand-Prévot sets ambitious but realistic goals for return to the road at Visma-Lease a Bike
Frenchwoman targets Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo with 'ultimate goal' of the Tour de France Femmes -
Who will take the 2025 Grand Tour wild card places? Q36.5, Tudor and Uno-X left hanging and hoping
RCS Sport putting pressure on ProTeams for invitations to Giro d'Italia -
Mathieu Van der Poel to switch from Vittoria to Pirelli tyres as team signs four-year deal
Alpecin will race on Pirelli rubber for road, gravel and MTB until 2029
