The 59th edition of the three day, ASO organised Tour de Picardie begins today (Friday) with a 178 km stage between Montdidier and Fère-en-Tardenois. It finishes on Sunday with two half stages: 94.5 km between Feuquières and Fressenneville in the morning, followed by 81 km between Fressenneville and Mers-les-Bains in the afternoon. The general terrain is suited to flatlanders who can ride well in the wind.
The race is considered a "transition race" between the spring classics as the major stage races leading up to the Tour de France. As such, it will have six ProTour teams out of a total of 18 teams at the start. It will also mark the return of "Tornado" Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) to racing after a one month break. Boonen followed a similar plan last year and immediately won a stage in Picardie on his return.
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