Stage 5 - Épernay > > > Montargis - 187.5 km
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Épernay > > > Montargis - 187.5 km
•Km 18.5 - Côte d'Orbais-l'Abbaye - 1.6 km climb to 4.8 % - Category 4
•Km 36.5 - Côte de Mécringes - 1.3 km climb to 5.4 % - Category 4
Stage 5 - Épernay > > > Montargis - 187.5 km
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Plain - A sporting perspective
For the sprinters
This route is somewhat unusual since we will be going through Provins, which became a UNESCO world heritage site in December 2001. We will be visiting Montereau and Nemours before finishing in Montargis. There are no major difficulties during this stage which seems to be best suited to the sprinters. Yet this will all depend on who leads the Tour at that moment in time. Armstrong will be seeking to eliminate the largest number of rivals possible as early as he can, whilst biding his time to grab the Yellow Jersey. However, if he leads the general standings in Arenberg, he will probably let a breakaway go all the way in one of the three following stages to avoid having to bear the weight of the race on his shoulders. This is what happened in 2004, when Voeckler took advantage of such an “opportunity” in Chartres.
(letour.com)
July 5 post:
Stage 5 starts in Epernay, the capital of the Champagne region surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see. Epernay also hosted a stage start in 1978 and 2002. We'll then continue south over two category 4 climbs early on before settling into a flat day passing Paris on the way, 35 km to the west.
Similar to the previous stage finish, Robbie McEwen has also won in Montargis back in 2005 when the Tour last visited Montargis. There should also be a sprint finish again this year in Montargis, known for its 131 bridges and walkways giving rise to the nickname, "Venice of the Gâtinais." However, it depends on how the previous Arenberg stage unfolds and the gaps in the general classification that opened up. The new leader of the race, if there is one, might not want the Yellow Jersey so early in the month. — Steve
(steephill.tv)