Liège – Seraing- 198km
Highest point: 606m
Category: rolling
Made to measure for Gilbert
This rolling stage touches on the Ardennes but is nothing as tough as the Liège-Bastogne-Liège one-day Classic run through the same terrain. The sprinters should be able to stick in the peloton all day but many of them are likely to struggle to remain in contention on the long and fairly steep drag up to the finish. Rising for more than 2km at an average of 5 percent, it is sure to suit the race’s puncheurs. Chief among them, of course, is Philippe Gilbert, for whom winning here on home ground and taking the yellow jersey would make his year. Gilbert is sure to have an eye on Liquigas-Cannondale powerhouse Peter Sagan.
Sean Yates: "It’s lumpy and in Belgium. Omega-Quick-Step could be in yellow with Tony Martin after the prologue and will want to protect that and bring it to a sprint. That would play into our hands for Cav."
Maps and profiles courtesy of ASO
-
Cyclo-cross breakout star Amandine Fouquenet signs for Pauwels Sauzen after late battle for contract
Victim of Arkéa-B&B Hotels collapse finally has a team for 2026 after breakthrough campaign, and Pauwels Sauzen have another star as Iserbyt's woes continue -
Ways to take your dogs cycling with you
From daschunds in backpacks to huskies pulling sleds, dogs and cycling go hand in hand better than you might think -
After the golden generation of Deignan, Thomas and Froome – What does the future hold for British cycling?
With Thomas and Deignan retiring and Froome turning 40, we take a look at the next crop of British racing stars -
Safety camera vs action camera: what's the difference, and which should you use on your bike?
If you're not sure which type of camera you need, this guide is the one for you
