Another of the Tour's early stages for the sprinters, there are plenty of green jersey points on offer over a stage with only one Cat 4 climb - it's mostly flat, fast riding, and a day for one of the fast men to enjoy some time in the yellow jersey. In 2004 it was Thomas Voeckler who spent 10 days as the darling of France in the yellow jersey over the opening stages. The route sweeps further north and heads closer to its entry into Germany, with plenty to look at throughout the scenic Loir-et-Cher region - not that the riders will have much time for that, as average speeds of around 40-45km/h will prevent most from enjoying the sights. Although on a different route last year, Cofidis' Australian rider Staurt O'Grady took stage 5 in 2004 in the wet, but in dry weather this year it will most likely come down to another showdown between McEwen, Cooke, Hushovd and Boonen, and anyone else who wants to join the party.
-
How to watch the Vuelta a España 2025: TV, streaming, official broadcasters
Where to watch the third and final men's Grand Tour of the season from August 23 to September 14 in Spain -
'I kept smashing at the pedals' - João Almeida and Juan Ayuso close on leader Jonas Vingegaard at Vuelta a España after UAE claim spectacular TTT victory
UAE Team Emirates-XRG claim narrow win over Visma-Lease a Bike despite being down to four riders in finale -
Gianni Vermeersch trades Alpecin-Deceuninck for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe
Fiorelli to Visma-Lease a Bike, Hobbs to EF Education-EasyPost -
'The last 5 kilometres were horrible' – Tom Pidcock embraces pain as Q36.5 Pro Cycling punch above weight in Vuelta a España team time trial
Brit's GC challenge well intact thanks to eighth place finish in Figueres, sits 30 seconds down on Vingegaard ahead of hardest mountain test yet on stage 6
