The first road stage of the Tour hugs the west coast for about half the stage before heading inland for the finish in Les Essarts, a town associated with battles during the French Revolution. There's sure to be a battle royale going on at about 5pm on Sunday as Davitamon-Lotto's Robbie McEwen, Quickstep's Tom Boonen and Credit Agricole's Thor Hushovd have their first hit-out at the end of this flat stage, which shouldn't pose too many problems for any of the riders. There'll most likely be a surprise race leader on Sunday evening as most GC riders stay safely tucked away in the middle of the bunch, allowing the showmen to have their time in the sun.
-
'Bonne soirée, Lille' - Parade of riders at Tour de France teams presentation delights crowd with new team kits, national colours and free bottles
Defending champion Tadej Pogačar impresses crowd surrounding Column of the Goddess statue with comments in local language -
'He's the best climber in the world' – Tadej Pogačar praises Tour de France rival Jonas Vingegaard as rivalry enters next chapter
World champion 'hopes to live up to expectations' in search of fourth yellow jersey -
WorldTour Ceratizit Pro and US powerhouses Aegis Cycling and Fount Cycling among final squads confirmed for Maryland Cycling Classic Women
Field of 15 teams with six riders each solidified for inaugural UCI race in Maryland in nine weeks -
'Without bad things, you don't know what the good things are' - Primož Roglič forlorn and philosophical about Tour de France chances
Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe reveals how much he suffered after Giro d'Italia crash
