Orchies – Boulogne-sur-Mer
Distance: 197km
Highest point: 193m
Category: Rolling
Primed for the puncheurs
This stage could cause some surprises due to the tricky nature of the closing kilometres. It starts at Orchies, a name synonymous with the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix. However, rather than pavé, it’s short, steep hills that are on today’s agenda. There are four testing climbs in the closing 16km before the final 700m-long climb up to the finish. All five are categorised for the mountains jersey competition. As at Seraing, the puncheurs will thrive but the overall contenders should also break cover today, especially as they will want to be at the front of the action to avoid needless crashes in what will be a very nervy peloton.
Jérémy Roy: "The last 60 kilometres contain a series of bumps where attacks may be launched. The final is very hard, with Mt Lambert and the hill in Boulogne. Anything is possible but I think we will arrive in small groups and the puncheurs will prevail."
Maps and profiles courtesy of ASO.
-
Zwift: Everything you need to know
Zwift has revolutionised indoor cycling, offering a host of training options to get you fit. Here is your ultimate guide -
Best heart rate monitors 2025: Never miss a beat, on and off the bike
We test the best heart rate monitors for tracking your heart rate comfortably, consistently and accurately when cycling or working out -
What the Visma-Lease a Bike 2025 Vuelta a España documentary really tells us about Jonas Vingegaard's win
Hour-long film provides powerful, if patchy, insight into victory in the most turbulent Grand Tour of the 21st century -
How to make indoor training more fun
Indoor training doesn't have to be boring - make the most of your tech and stay motivated while riding indoors
