Fast and furious finish
Finally we come to something a lot more straightforward and typical of what almost every first-week stage at the Tour used to look like. There is nothing to concern anyone as the race starts to turn south, so expect lots of sunflower shots, a long and probably fruitless breakaway and the sprinters going elbow to elbow at the finish. Mark Cavendish will have particularly happy memories of Châteauroux, as he claimed his first Tour stage win in the town back in 2008. Winner of four stages that year, this is one of just half a dozen opportunities he'll get in this edition.
Details -
Distance: 218 km
Highest point: 178m
Category: Flat
Bernhard Eisel says...
"The GC battle starts the following day but as this is pan-flat, it's a massive stage for the green jersey. Haven't seen the finish yet, but regardless of what other teams do, we work. We have the best sprinter so it's our responsibility to make it come together."
Stage map
Stage profile
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Paris-Nice queen stage 7 shortened - Heavy snowfall and 'inconceivable' conditions force organisers to cut decisive mountaintop finale in Auron
'The latest forecasts make an arrival in the Auron resort inconceivable' race organisers confirm -
'Saturday will be a big day' - Isaac del Toro and Giulio Pellizzari put aside their friendship to fight for Tirreno-Adriatico victory
Mexican leads Italian rival by 23 seconds before the final stage in the hills -
'I have my winter pants' - Paris-Nice leader Jonas Vingegaard ready for poor weather on Saturday but emphasises safety priorities
Danish star's understanding is race organisers have a 'Plan B' if cancellation or alteration of stage becomes necessary -
'I have different goals this spring' – Matteo Jorgenson turns spring metamorphosis into a Tirreno-Adriatico podium opportunity
American moves up to third overall despite focussing on later goals in the Ardennes
