Arc-et-Senans – Besançon
Distance: 41.5km
Highest point: 379m
Category: Time trial
The battle for yellow begins
If a time trial specialist does win this year’s Tour, it’s a fair bet that he will be among the top three or four finishers today. Initially announced as 38km, this stage is now another 3.5km longer. It’s a test of two halves, with the first 20 kilometres much more rolling than those near to the finish. However, there is not much here that will worry the stronger time trialists, such as Wiggins, Martin and Cancellara. They will power up the climbs and should gain three to four seconds a kilometre on Frank Schleck and the other climbers – some two and three minutes by the end. If it’s any less than that, the RadioShack-Nissan leader will be very happy.
Sean Yates: "This could be decisive to the final GC. Bradley will be trying to win the stage and put as much time into his rivals as possible – every second counts. It’s an ideal length for him but not really as straightforward as the second time trial."
Maps and profiles courtesy of ASO
-
Michael Matthews ruled out of Tour de France and sidelined as team discover 'signs of a pulmonary embolism' at altitude camp
Australian rider pauses all physical activity as health precaution, while team investigate 'the extent of the issue and cause' -
'After the surgery I feel so much stronger' – Sarah Gigante goes on the attack on return to the Women’s WorldTour at Tour de Suisse
Australian captures mountains jersey on stage 1 after a powerful performance on Juanpass -
Unbound Gravel 200 live coverage draws more than 300,000 views in 50 countries
Sean Christian takes first leader's jersey at Tour de Beauce with Oscar Sevilla in the hunt, Marlies Mejías earns double titles at Cuban Nationals - North American Roundup -
Tour de Suisse 2025 start list
Official start list for 2025 Tour de Suisse
