The first time trial of this year's Tour comes earlier than usual, perhaps because of the absence of a prologue. The stage is also just over half the distance as usual, being just 29-kilometre in length. The stage route, as well as being short, is very flat so – weather permitting – speeds should be high. The stage should appeal to the specialists, but gaps should be small so none of the favourites for the overall classification will be able to take too much time out of their rivals.
The Tour has visited Cholet just twice before, the last time when Dutchman Jeroen Bliijlevens (TVM) out-sprinted Italian Nicola Minali (Riso Scotti) and Ján Svorada (Mapei-Bricobi). By picking up time bonuses throughout the stage, Australian Stuart O'Grady (then GAN, now CSC) took the first maillot jaune of his career. The town sits on the banks of the Moine river and is most famous for the production of linen fabrics.
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The current GC standings at the Vuelta a España 2025
Jonas Vingegaard clings to lead after David Gaudu surprises with uphill sprint victory on stage 3 -
As it happened: Shock winner in uphill sprint on La Vuelta 2025 stage 3
San Maurizio Canavese to Ceres, 139km -
Vuelta a España stage 3: David Gaudu surprises with victory after uphill pass of Mads Pedersen at the line into Ceres
Jonas Vingegaard holds lead with third, now tied on time with Frenchman -
UCI Gravel World Series: Haley Preen and Alex Miller win Khomas100, claim African gravel titles
Marc Pritzen and Anri Greeff take second behind the solo victors in first running of Namibian event as a UCI World Championships qualifier
