Stages four through eight promise to be very exciting as every style of cycling will be tested. The sprinters will look to make some headway on the green jacket through the first three flat and easy stages, while the climbers may push for the yellow jersey in the last two. Do not be surprised to see exciting sprint and mountain finishes during these stages.
Stage four: Cambrai – 153.5 km
Stage four goes from Cambrai to Reims and is a rather flat, easy stage, by Tour standards. The lack of difficult terrain coupled with the fact that it clocks-in at a somewhat short distance means that this will be a stage built for team sprints. Stage four is also the first entirely French stage on this year’s tour and teams will look to garner points. Look for an all out sprint at the end for victory.
Stage five: Epernay – 187.5 km
Stage five, much like its predecessor, runs through fairly easy terrain from Epernay to Montagris. Once again the ground is flat and the riding should be easy, making it perfect for sprinters. This stage could see some of the favourites jumping up to try and cement a good lead before taking control in the mountains. However, it could also see the contenders letting the pack break off, allowing them to save their energy for the dreaded climbing stages.
Stage six: Montagris – 227.5 km
Stage six runs from Montagris to Gueugon and once again features some easy terrain, which should favour sprinters. This stage is the longest on the tour and ought to move along at a frantic pace. Expect sprint teams to try and move their leaders ahead in the race for the green jersey. Team HTC Columbia should be working throughout to try and get Mark Cavendish the victory. The stage may not have a major impact on the yellow jersey because of the likelihood of a grouped finish but the green certainly will be impacted.
Stage seven: Tournus – 165.5 km
Stage seven moves between Tournus and Station-des-Rousses and features medium altitude climbs, the first of the Tour. Although this is a climbing stage, the grades and distances are not great and pure climbers will find it difficult to win. However, all-around cyclists do present a major threat and therefore many experts are expecting a group finish. Nevertheless with a total of six climbs and a course which ungulates constantly, expect some of the contenders to attack in an attempt to put up a lead heading into the more mountainous sections of the Tour.
Stage eight: Station-des-Rousses – 189 km
Stage eight travels from Station-des-Rousses to Marzine-Avoriaz and encompasses the Tour’s first real climbs. In this stage the contenders should come to the fore. Expect those less adept riders to start and move down the rankings, with names such as Schleck, Contador and Armstrong taking their places. There is a thought that one of the top competitors could make a move for the yellow jersey, however his team would have a great deal of work to do in attempting to hold off opponents for the remainder of the competition. For this reason it is more likely to see them bide their time until the Pyrenees.
Stages four through eight will help to set the table for the final standings. Both the green and yellow jackets will be contested fiercely throughout these five stages. Look for Schleck, Contador and Armstrong to make their marks and watch out for Cavendish, who will try and add to his impressive number of tour victories. By creating a mix of long flats and medium climbs, these stages should wear down the field and separate the bigger names from the runners-up.
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