From the short prologue stage through to stage three viewers will get their first glimpses of the 2010 Tour de France and its field of competitors. The start of the Tour promise to offer up a great deal of drama. From the beginning in the historical city of Rotterdam, Flanders, into Brussels and the completion of stage three in France, the beginning of this year’s tour is sure to be breathtaking.
Prologue: Rotterdam – 8.9 km
This is the first prologue to take place since the Tour started in London in 2007. As a historical backdrop, Rotterdam will provide a wonderful location for the Tour de France’s grand start. Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and the largest port in Europe. With a tremendous bike culture and an avid cycling following it is no wonder that this is the fifth time Tour organizers have decided to start the race from the neighbouring Netherlands.
Rotterdam has planned a party only fitting for the first day of the Tour, kicking off the 20 stage race with its required pomp. Departing in Rotterdam also afforded tour organizers the opportunity to move through the picturesque Dutch countryside to Belgium, Antwerp and Brussels. There is no doubt that the Grand Depart being held in the Netherlands will provide the 2010 Tour with a unique feeling.
The Rotterdam course is very short and rides more like a short pursuit, meaning one can expect a specialist to win. Fabian Cancellara, who holds the title as world time trial champion, is favoured to win this first stage. The only other contender may be Briton Bradley Wiggins.
If anything, the prologue should provide viewers with a fun experience along with a sprint finish.
Stage one: Rotterdam – 223.5 km
Stage one offers a completely flat racing terrain from Rotterdam to Brussels. With a total elevation from start to finish of only 18 metres, the course will lend itself well to sprinters, who will be given an early opportunity to try for the green jacket. The stage does run long though, cutting through the Flanders region, Antwerp and then finally finishing in Brussels. Look for Mark Cavendish to add a victory to his tally early with stage one.
Stage two: Brussels – 210 km
Stage two takes riders from Brussels to Spa and features a great deal of hilly riding through the wooded Ardennes. The route takes from both the Fleche Wallonne race and the Liege-Bastogne–Liege race. Riders who have done well in both of those races, like Australian Cadel Evans, should be watched to see if they make a move. The terrain should eliminate the sprinters from contention, and a final climb just 12 km from the finish line could make for an interesting and frenzied group finish.
Stage three: Wanze – 213 km
Stage three travels from Wanze to Arenberg Porte-du-Hainaut and contains nearly fourteen km of cobblestones. The route should prove to be rather dangerous as the cobblestone is broken up into seven sections with four of them coming in the last thirty km. Cobblestone often results in falls and tire punctures, meaning some of the bigger names such as Schleck, Contador and Wiggins could hang back throughout this very hectic stage.
Although the first few stages generally do not play a major role in who will win the yellow jersey it is sure to be exciting. With the Tour start in beautiful Rotterdam and ending with what is sure to be intense racing through the cobblestone street approaching Arenberg, viewers for the first part of the Tour will be satisified with a good show. The prologue and first three stages should set up for what should yet again be a very exciting Tour de France.
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