Mat Hayman's view
On paper, this looks like a fairly flat stage, and once again the sprinters' teams will want to control the race. The GC teams will be keeping out of trouble and will be waiting for the next few stages. The sprinters' lead-out trains will be putting all their winter-work into practice, and it could be that one of the more well-oiled machines from the previous years come out on top, simply because they're used to working with each other.
The heat, as throughout the race, is going to be a factor. The southern hemisphere riders will be used to it, and they might have spent most of the off-season in those conditions, whereas some of the Europeans – although they might have been in Australia for some time – might never like it or get used to it. At the end of the day, you're either good in the heat or you're not.
-
Waterproof fabrics jargon buster - Everything you need to know about staying dry
What's a PFAS? Why do brands keep talking about hydrostatic head? Do I need a DRW? -
Matthew Riccitello leaves Israel-Premier Tech to continue Grand Tour career at Decathlon CMA CGM
American climber to race for French team in 2026 alongside super talent Paul Seixas and sprinter Olav Kooij -
Cycling transfers – All the latest news and announcements for the 2026 season
The ultimate guide to the pro cycling transfer window, tracking every move across the men's and women's WorldTours -
Six moments that defined the 2025 Vuelta a España
The turning points of a brutally difficult race and the 'saddest Vuelta in history'
