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
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UAE Team Emirates say leader's attack was for safety on tricky descent - 'the fewer riders, the safer' -
'I was like - what's going on, is this a spectator?' - Tadej Pogačar surprised by Enric Mas on Vuelta a España gravel climb
Slovenian recognises mistakes on ascent of Puerto de El Bartolo -
'A good day, but let's not give it too much importance' - Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Pogačar on Vuelta a España gravel climb
Veteran Spaniard moves up to second overall, but remains over three minutes back on Pogačar
