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.
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South African racer leaves Tour of Britain Women after returning out-of-competition positive test for synthetic peptide
S'annara Grove returned positive test for Ipamorelin at the recent Commonwealth Games -
Renewi Tour: Jenno Berckmoes pulls off a heist to snatch stage 3 and the leader's jersey on Tour of Flanders-inspired day
Belgian narrowly holds off charging pack in Geraardsbergen after late breakaway with Alec Segaert -
'A shame I wasn't on Kim's wheel in the final corner' – Liane Lippert second behind unstoppable Le Court-Pienaar on Tour of Britain Women queen stage
German Movistar leader takes a 26-second GC deficit into the final two stages -
New road and gravel tyres from Silca signal a change in strategy for the Italian company
A range of three gravel and one road tyre from Silca aims to revolutionise the tyre market
