Finishing in the town of Tours, home to the finish of the late-season Paris-Tours race, stage 3 is another stage tailor-made for the sprinters. Another chance for McEwen et al to show they can make light work of three approximately 1km, Cat 4 climbs and three intermediate sprints to take the stage victory. The two later climbs, at 161.5km and 179.5km should make the selection for those contesting the sprint come 5 o'clock. The last time Tours hosted a stage was in 2000, and it welcomes the Tour back with a probable exciting sprint finish. This is a stage very well suited to a sprinter such as Fassa's Alessandro Petacchi; but without the presence of Ale Jet at this year's Tour, and a number of sprinters on song, look to riders such as Baden Cooke to stamp their authority on the early stages after a mostly forgettable couple of seasons since winning the green jersey in 2003.
-
Best Pressure Washers for bikes 2025: the best post-ride bike cleaners tested
The best bike-friendly pressure washers will blast dirt away without damaging bearings and seals, so we put the best pressure washers for bikes to the test -
Michael Matthews ruled out of Tour de France and sidelined as team discover 'signs of a pulmonary embolism' at altitude camp
Australian rider pauses all physical activity as health precaution, while team investigate 'the extent of the issue and cause' -
'After the surgery I feel so much stronger' – Sarah Gigante goes on the attack on return to the Women’s WorldTour at Tour de Suisse
Australian captures mountains jersey on stage 1 after a powerful performance on Juanpass -
Unbound Gravel 200 live coverage draws more than 300,000 views in 50 countries
Sean Christian takes first leader's jersey at Tour de Beauce with Oscar Sevilla in the hunt, Marlies Mejías earns double titles at Cuban Nationals - North American Roundup
