Opening of hostilities
"We are now in France and ready to start from Orchies, a familiar place for classics specialists. One could be forgiven for thinking we have come for the cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix, but we are actually going to ride straight away from them towards the hills of the Boulonnais. Six big climbs in 100 kilometres, four of which in the last 16 kilometres. This could mark the opening of hostilities in the Tour. There is no way the sprinters will be there at the finish, which will be decided at the same place as the French Championships won by Chavanel. I think the bunch will be smashed to smithereens."
Primed for the puncheurs
This stage could cause some surprises due to the tricky nature of the closing kilometres. It starts at Orchies, a name synonymous with the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix. However, rather than pavé, it’s short, steep hills that are on today’s agenda. There are four testing climbs in the closing 16km before the final 700m-long climb up to the finish. All five are categorised for the mountains jersey competition. As at Seraing, the puncheurs will thrive but the overall contenders should also break cover today, especially as they will want to be at the front of the action to avoid needless crashes in what will be a very nervy peloton.
Jérémy Roy: "The last 60 kilometres contain a series of bumps where attacks may be launched. The final is very hard, with Mt Lambert and the hill in Boulogne. Anything is possible but I think we will arrive in small groups and the puncheurs will prevail."
Thanks for the ongoing pings R4F!
Tho’, six big climbs? Hmmm... Four cat 4s and two cat 3s... Longest one is just over a mile...
Nope, not seeing the big climbs here... tho’ I am interested in seeing what the young Slovak can do today.