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.
-
A memorial, a black leader's jersey, and moments of silence as respects are paid to Finlay Tarling at cycling races across Europe
Tributes held at Volta a Portugal, Czech Tour, and Arctic Race of Norway on solemn Saturday -
Leadville Trail 100 MTB: Melisa Rollins earns second elite women's title after epic battle with Cecily Decker
Decker recovers from late puncture for second while Lauren Stephens moves away from Sarah Lange for third place -
Leadville Trail 100 MTB: Keegan Swenson outsprints Matt Wilson to win record-tying sixth elite men's race
John Gaston misses podium in chaser's sprint with Bradyn Lange going third overall -
Volta a Portugal: Race leader Alexis Guérin climbs to second stage win on stage 9
Jose Neves is second and Artem Nych takes third atop Senhora da Graça
