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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Michael Vanthourenhout back on rollers after crashing out of Superprestige Merksplas
Belgian dropped to sixth overall and ‘can now forget the classification’ - video -
‘I’m excited to be part of that story’ - Florian Sénéchal joins Unibet Rose Rockets
Friend Philippe Gilbert encouraged the move to the French-registered team -
Superprestige Merksplas: Niels Vandeputte outsprints Joran Wyseure to take first win of season
Felipe Orts is third as Michael Vanthourenhout crashes out at Aardbeiencross -
Superprestige Merksplas: Lucinda Brand returns to take brilliant win after a race long fight.
Inge van der Heijden was second Sara Casasola third.
