Step 3
Valenciennes - Dunkerque
Departure on July 7 at 1.10pm, scheduled arrival at 5.18pm
The first part of the course crosses the Bassin Minier region, on fairly sheltered roads, leading to the intermediate sprint in Isbergues, one of Northern France's leading cycling destinations. After the Côte de Cassel, the final 35 km through the vast expanses of the Flanders region will be exposed to the wind. The leaders will have to surround themselves with solid team-mates to protect themselves from any possible breakaways. And it's the direction of the wind that will decide the scenario: either the peloton will split into several groups, or we'll be heading for a bunch sprint. In the latter case, the finish, near the Marcel-Tribut stadium, will provide the ideal backdrop for an evenly-matched race.
Distance
172KM
172KM
Focus on the stage
Riders and team managers become weather experts on the morning of stages like these. There's no need to panic as we pass Isbergues, but after the climb to Cassel, the last 35 kilometers will be exposed to the wind. Will it blow? In which direction? The stage is set for a fan show, or a mass finish near the Marcel-Tribut stadium.
