The peloton are on for the longest stage of the 2018 Tour de France tonight, for stage 7. Join The Roar for live coverage from 10:30pm (AEST).
The 231km journey from Fougères to Chartres looks like another bunch-sprint finish, as the Tour concludes its first week of racing.
However, owing to its length and the torrid racing that has preceded it, the peloton may be content to have a day off and let a break escape to the finish.
Departing from Fougères, the peloton has a long, flat approach before encountering the first rise in the road after 120km – the Category 4 climb Cote du Buisson de Perseigne.
At 1.5km and averaging a gentle 3.9 per cent, this climb will break up the monotony of the early racing. Today’s sprint point comes after 168kms, 63km from the finish.
The approach to the finish is flat and slightly exposed, which may cause splits if wind is present and GC teams are motivated to test each other’s strength.
The finish lends itself to a bunch sprint if the peloton stays together. Alternatively, a small bunch-kick from a breakaway would not surprise on such a lengthy stage.
If the peloton stays together another showdown between Sagan, Gaviria, and Greipel awaits. However breakaway specialists would have had this stage circled as a great opportunity for a successful escape and a chance at a rare stage win.
Prediction
This seems like a textbook breakaway day owing to the stages length and the hard racing that lies ahead over the weekend.
If a breakaway is successful, look for the French registered and wildcard teams to be well represented, with a winner impossible to predict. If the peloton stays intact, Fernando Gaviria should take his third stage win of the 2018 Tour.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of Stage 7 at the 2018 Tour de France from 10:30pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
2:11am
Ryan Day said | 2:11am | ! Report
Well after a pedestrian and at times tedious stage. Dylan Groenewegan took an impressive win going away from Fernando Gaviria and Peter Sagan.
No change in the overall classification position wise but with bonus seconds Van Avermaet picked up today his lead is now 6 seconds.
After a long night, it is good night from me. Join me again tomorrow night for Stage 8 of the 2018 Tour de France.
2:09am
Scott Pryde said | 2:09am | ! Report
Great work from Groenewegen. Really like watching him sprint. Goes about his work nicely.
Cheers for the call Ryan.
2:11am
Ryan Day said | 2:11am | ! Report
Cheers mate
2:07am
Ryan Day said | 2:07am | ! Report
Dylan Groenewegan went over the top of Gaviria and won comfortably in the end. Gaviria takes second with Sagan third.
Very impressive win from the young Dutchman who proved the strongest on the uphill drag to the line.
2:06am
Ryan Day said | 2:06am | ! Report
FDJ on the front for Demare. Quick Step leading out Gaviria perfectly Sagan on the wheel. Gaviria overtaken by Dylan Groenewegan and he takes the stage!!
2:04am
Ryan Day said | 2:04am | ! Report
The tight corner has strung out the peloton. Quick Step close to the front for Gaviria. Renshaw leads everyone out with 1km to go.
2:03am
Ryan Day said | 2:03am | ! Report
Kittel struggling to find a wheel. 2km to go and the riders negotiate the tight 90 degree corner. Riders through safely.
2:02am
Ryan Day said | 2:02am | ! Report
Bora now at the front but Sagan is not on their wheel. 3km to go.
2:01am
Ryan Day said | 2:01am | ! Report
Team Sky mixing it up with the sprint teams keeping Froome at the front.
2:00am
Ryan Day said | 2:00am | ! Report
5km to go and Lotto Soudal lead the peloton working hard for Greipel.
1:59am
Ryan Day said | 1:59am | ! Report
Dimension Data well organised around Cavendish.