The first important stage race of the year (and its random weather conditions) shall start on Sunday the 8^th in France, one day before Tirreno-Adriatico.

This year, the course completely avoids the Massif Central, but pays a brief visit into Morvan.

Despite the avoidance of the Massif Central, looking at profiles, there seems to be only 1 stage guaranteed for pure sprinters (the 2^nd). The first one may smile upon sprinters-punchers, but even the stage going down the Rhône valley ends with climbs for punchers or punchers-climbers.

We may keep an eye on (among others):

• Vingegaard🇩🇰 from Visma, for his first race since his withdrawal from the European Championship last year;
• Almeida🇵🇹 from UAE, a little bit sluggish so far;
• Ayuso🇪🇸 & Skjelmose🇩🇰 from Lidl-Trek;
• Onley🇬🇧 & Vauquelin🇫🇷 from Ineos;
• Gaudu🇫🇷 & Costiou🇫🇷 from FDJ, if you are French and masochist, or if they raise the level they showed lately;
• L. Martinez🇫🇷 from Barhein.

PCS page

Stages profiles

stage 1 (Sunday the 8^th):

stage 2:

stage 3 (Team Time Trial):

stage 4:

stage 5:

stage 6:

stage 7:

stage 8 (Sunday the 15^th):