After the harrowing Fleche-Wallone feel of Stage 3, the riders will face another “mini-classic” integrated into this year’s Tour de France as Stage 4 travels 223.5kms from Seraing to Cambrai.
This stage is the longest of the Tour and is one of only two which exceed 200kms. In addition to the length, however, there are other tests in store for the riders.
First, there is a cat-4 climb at 53kms in Côte de la Citadelle de Namur. It’s 2kms long at 4.8%
There is also the intermediate sprint which occurs at 137kms in Havay (Quevy).
The bigger feature to the day, however, is a sequence of cobbles used in the Hell of the North, Paris- Roubaix. The first sector is between the climb and the sprint, but the last six are all in the leading 30kms. With over 13kms of this bumpy road, riders how are already nursing injuries will suffer. Lets just hope it doesn’t rain, further complicating matters.
It’s tough to predict a winner though certain Kristoff is no stranger to these roads. Nibali has experienced triumph on these roads, but the new yellow jersey wearer, Froome, experienced tragedy, crashing out on a similar stage last year. And of course, as we enter France, the French would love to see one of “their own” triumph. So, can Froome tame his nightmares of last year and maintain yellow? Or will the jersey once again switch hands………………