Épernay – Metz
Distance: 207.5km
Highest point: 393m
Category: Flat
Last sprint before the hills
The race continues east with another stage that’s sure to be a sprint. There’s one categorised climb, soon after the day’s intermediate sprint, but the sprinters won’t be too troubled by it. Plus, they have the motivation of knowing that this will be their last moment in the spotlight for the best part of a week, so they won’t want to pass this chance up. With the mountains just ahead, the baroudeurs, who like nothing more than several hours out at the front of the race, will be evident too. Could this be a day when one of them goes the whole distance? Probably not, but that won’t stop them trying.
Sean Yates: "It is too early to be going for intermediate sprints so we won’t be trying keep it together. It’s the last flat stage and then we hit the mountains – the combination of us [Sky], Omega Pharma-Quick-Step and Lotto will surely lead to a sprint."
Maps and profiles courtesy of ASO
-
George Bennett 'returns to the magic of cycling' with gravel race this weekend
'This is about travelling with friends, getting ready in the back of the car and just getting out there' says rider -
How to watch Santos Festival of Cycling – live TV and streaming
Porte, Durbridge, Hamilton, Brown and more take on four-day Australian race -
Vuelta al Táchira: Stage 2 claimed by Roniel Campos
Spaniard Óscar Sevilla finishes second on stage and sits three seconds behind Campos on GC -
Israel Start-Up Nation team may receive COVID-19 vaccine at end of March
Team co-owner Adams says squad ‘would not jump queues’
