A trick in the tail
You could be forgiven for wondering whether Philippe Gilbert sketched out his dream scenario for week one and the Tour simply went with it. This is by some distance the Tour's longest stage, taking in undulating roads. There are no big hills as such, just constant up and downs taking a toll. Even though you would expect the sprinters to be in control in this region, there is sure to be a late twist on the short, sharp rise towards the basilica in Lisieux, little more than a kilometre from the finish. Any riders who gain seconds there are likely to dispute the finish between them.
Details -
Distance: 226.5 km
Highest point: 335m
Category: Lumpy
Sylwester Szmyd says...
"My guess is that the GC guys will be watching one another and that someone like Gilbert will win it. My role will be the same as ever on days like these – be vigilant and stay close to Basso, make sure gaps don't open and spend as little as possible."
Stage map
Stage profile
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Tour of Bright: Will Cooper's 'wasn't expecting that' stage 1 win as Talia Appleton repeats Tawonga triumph and Luke Plapp smashes Strava KOM
Australian champions Plapp and Brodie Chapman close off Saturday's racing with stage 2 time trial wins -
Payson McElveen unveils film about 'once-in-a-lifetime' ride, finishing 242 miles of New Zealand trails with 25,000 feet of climbing in 24 hours
US rider says 'it was a surreal feeling' when he finished with 25 minutes to spare -
'I honestly feel there are bigger things to come' - Michael Matthews has renewed enthusiasm for cycling and for life after pulmonary embolism scare
Jayco-AlUla leader on his return to training and his love-hate relationship with Milan-San Remo -
'This is the training race … but it doesn't mean that I'm not going to go all out' – Brodie Chapman chases intensity at Tour of Bright ahead of key January goals in Australia
Australian time trial champion adapts to schedule change with additional race
