Stage 5: Vienne - Bollène 203 km
One last easy day before we get into the serious finale.
Duke of Buckingham: Sam Bennett
Deceuninck have to find some way to get over the great trauma of going three days without a win. To rise from the depths of despair they find themselves in and perhaps one day find joy in life again. The world is rooting for them that they will never suffer pain like this again.
Stage 4: Chalon sur Saône - Chiroubles 188 km
This looks fun and bumpy. Lots of potential in this route.
Fourth musketeer: Max D'Schachmann
Looked like he was in it in the TT and a climby but flattening highspeed finish should be right up his alley.
Stage 3: Gien - Gien 14.4 km Timetrial
Alittle time trialing to set the stage for the GC battle in the second half of the race.
Third musketeer: Rohan Dennis
Not sure how motivated he is for these shorter TTs, his results are a little scattered in them in the past, but the competition isn't that fierce. If he wants it he should be able to hold off the likes of Søren Kragh Andersen, Bissegger and whatever other semi-strong TTers who are keen to grab the leader's jersey.
Official site , Startlist , Start times TT
Stage 2: Oinville sur Montcient - Amilly 188 km
I'm sorry but we still aren't getting a hell of a lot closer to Nice if we keep going in circles around Paris.
Second musketeer: Sam Bennett
This is the dilemma of sprint stages, how do you bet against Deceuninck when they've found their groove?
Stage 1: Saint Cyr L'École - Saint Cyr L'École 166 km
Once again we race to the sun, from nasty to Nice.
First musketeer: Arnaud Démare
French race, first day, bit of an uphill tilt in the sprint. Smells like Arnaud.