A day at the beach
Sprinters' teams on alert
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.
Vaughters' 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.
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
French riot police shoot knife-wielding suspect before Tour de France finish stage 4 in Rouen
CRS police quickly neutralise the situation as huge crowds invade the stage finish area -
'I thought I saved it, but I didn't make it' - Race leader avoids injury in late crash in Giro d'Italia Women stage 3
Mass crash inside 3km but no lost time or major injuries in Giro peloton -
Amazon Prime Day 2025 Live: All the best deals as soon as we unearth them
We're trawling Amazon and beyond to bring you some absolute bargains -
How to watch the Tour de France 2025: TV, Streaming, official broadcasters
Where to watch the biggest race in the world this July