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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2026 gravel national and continental champions index
A guide to the riders who have climbed to the top steps of the podium at their national or continental championships -
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Half of the Belgian's gains on Filippo Ganna came in technical sections in Montreal -
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Cole Punchard and Gwendalyn Gibson sweep up runner-up spots in Utah -
'It's definitive proof that I'm one of the specialists' - Paul Seixas makes his mark on World Championships time trial with podium
French phenom goes beyond expectations with bronze
