The first road stage and the first mountain is awaiting. But it is only in the form of the category three Las Encebras. Its early location – after only 45 kilometres in the 167.3-kilometre stage – will make it meaningless for the outcome of the stage. But it will determine the wearer of the mountains jersey, so expect riders like David De La Fuente ahead of the bunch early on.
Jaén is back as a stage town for the first time since 209.51. The 116,000 citizens will be rewarded for their long wait with seeing the riders three times. A 26-kilometre loop has to be completed twice and the third time across the line will be for the stage victory.
-
'Be careful to predict something from the Dauphiné' – Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe staying calm over possible Tour de France revelation Florian Lipowitz
'His performance shows there's a lot in there, but it's just impossible to predict' says team chief of sports as German prepares to support Primož Roglič -
What's coming on Cyclingnews this July
Cyclingnews hits Grand Tour fever and lab testing the latest helmets on the market -
Best women's road bikes 2025: Take to the tarmac with comfort and speed
The best women's road bikes don't necessarily need to be women's specific, but those that come with women's specific touchpoints and sizing options do the job brilliantly -
'Every Grand Tour I do is a learning process but this one especially so' – Matteo Jorgenson on fast track to future team leadership at Tour de France
'The key to this Tour de France is getting through these first 10 days, treating them like Classics and trying to take advantage there' predicts American
