The visit of the Mediterranean coast continues with the start in Cap d'Agde, one of France's most popular seaside resorts. Wide open beaches greet many Northern visitors in the summer months, and the Tour de France stage start will surely add to the holiday feeling on July 8.
Again, the wind could play a major role on this stage as the riders will plunge Southwards along the coastline to Perpignan. The 'Tramontane', a typical gale coming from the Pyrenees, could split the pack if riders are not paying attention. The sprinters' teams should look forward to another battle of the fast men at the finish line in Perpignan.
The stage, which passes through the famous Corbières wine region, is dedicated to Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dali. The eccentric artist was fascinated by the spectacle of cycling and especially the Tour de France, and created the 1959 Tour's postcard.
Article continues belowVaughters' views
With a bit of fatigue settling in, and either the motivation of having the maillot jaune or the scorn of just having lost, I think this day is for Tyler Farrar.
-
Thursday's Volta a Catalunya summit stage finish cut short due to high wind warning in weather déjà vu
Vallter climb all but eliminated from stage 4 -
How to watch 2026 pro cycling in the US – A streaming guide for global races
FloBikes, HBO Max and Peacock offer all the options for the major one-day races in Europe this spring, from Cobbled Classics to Ardennes Classics and more -
Late roster move puts Ronde van Brugge defending champion Lorena Wiebes back in lineup for 'tough race' with forecast of rain and wind
Dutch champion replaces Marie Schreiber for Thursday Classic -
Remco Evenepoel crashes at the end of a spectacular final breakaway with Jonas Vingegaard in Volta a Catalunya
Belgian taken out by roundabout in closing kilometre after echelons form in hectic finale
