Stage 4 - Cambrai > > > Reims - 153.5 km
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Cambrai > > > Reims - 153.5 km
•Km 40.5 - Côte de Vadencourt - 1.6 km climb to 3.9 % - Category 4
(Graphics - letour.com)
Stage 4 - Cambrai > > > Reims - 153.5 km
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Cambrai > > > Reims - 153.5 km
•Km 40.5 - Côte de Vadencourt - 1.6 km climb to 3.9 % - Category 4
Stage 4 - Cambrai > > > Reims - 153.5 km
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Plain - A sporting perspective
Tending the wounds
This is a traditional stage, without major difficulties, and the first entirely French stage of this year’s Tour. It is very short, but during the three previous days, we will have travelled a long way and encountered many difficulties. It is a time to tend the wounds. Whilst the fighters will try and strike out in breakaways, the sprinters’ teams will want to ensure that the pack reaches the finish in a group. Wind may have been a factor if this race had taken place earlier in the season, because the roads are more open to the elements in northern France. However, at this time of year, with a fairly bumpy finish, it will not have much of an influence.
(letour.com)
June 27 post:
Other than the ceremonial final stage, stage 4 at 154 km is the shortest road stage of this year's Tour. It's also the first full stage on French roads. Starting in Cambrai, the riders will continue their journey southeast. In northern France, the exposed roads can be windy, but the peloton is less likely to split up during the calmer, warm summer months.
After a flat stage, expect a sprint finish in Reims which has hosted the Tour ten times in the past. In 2002, Robbie McEwen won his second of twelve Tour wins in Reims. He's back again this year hoping to rekindle the old flame. — Steve
Wearing the Aussie national champions jersey, Robbie McEwen won his second Tour stage during the sprint finish in Reims 8 years ago.
(steephill.tv)
The Stage starts at 12:15 local time CEDT (Cambrai is 6 hrs ahead of US EDT).
velonews.com - "With only a single Cat. 4 climb, and no cobblestones, stage 4 is the easiest stage thus far. It starts in Cambrai, crossing World War I battlefields before heading into the Champagne region. The final 20km is flat and straight, and crosswinds could play a role.
The last two stages that have finished here ended in massive bunch sprints. McEwen, now racing for Katusha, won in 2002, and Djamolidin Abdujaparov won in 1991. Chances are high for a similar finish this year."
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