It would be a massive surprise if the sprinters allow this one to get away. The day's break may as well be on a fishing hook.
The pan-flatlands of Les Landes into Bordeaux host the Tour for the 80th time. It's the race's most visited location outside Paris and has a long reputation for epic bunch sprints. The long, straight finish on the Quinconces quayside is ideal for a mass finish, although you have go back to Tom Steels in 1999 to find the last sprint win here.
The overall contenders will want to stay out of trouble and save energy with tomorrow's time trial in mind.
Stage profile
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Koppenbergcross: European champion Thibau Nys solos to victory in first cyclocross race of his season
British champion Cameron Mason is second, Pim Ronhaar takes third in first round of the X2O Trofee -
Facing WorldTour relegation, Cofidis round out 2026 roster with young Italian talent
WorldTour squad reinforces with pair of young talents ahead of likely three-year spell in cycling's second division -
Koppenbergcross: Lucinda Brand solos to third season victory on famous cobbled climb
Dutch veteran beats Célia Gery by 19 seconds as Sara Casasola rounds out podium -
Former world champion Rui Costa announces retirement from racing
Portuguese racer draws curtain on a 17-year pro career which also saw him win three Tours de Suisse and three Tour de France stages
