This appears a relatively straightforward stage, but one with an intriguing look. It links two towns that have never hosted the Tour before on roads that rarely see the race come by.
Like the Jura, which was visited just before the Alps, the Drôme region that hosts most of today’s route is a relative backwater in France, but that makes it excellent cycling country.
Although classed as flat, this stage features regular ups and downs including the cat three Col de Cabre. This is good terrain for breakaways, but the sprinters will be eager to strut their stuff again after four days in the Alps.
Stage map
Stage profile
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5 riders to watch at Liège-Bastogne-Liège
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Hindley crash at Tour of the Alps dashes chances of GC move
Australian receives stitches at end of stage 4 and is replaced by teammate Romain Bardet in top 10 -
Tom Pidcock extends spring to take on Liège-Bastogne-Liège
British neo-pro expected to make his debut in Belgium race then begin prep on mountain bike for Olympic Games
