Stage 4: Abbeville to Rouen, 214.5km, flat

Another flat stage for the sprinters – the four fourth category climbs en route are little more than inconvenient speed bumps – but the GC contenders can’t afford to sit back and daydream. Once the peloton gets to Mers-les-Bains from Abbeville, the peloton rides for approx 110km along the coast. If the wind is coming in from the English Channel, that could split the peloton and echelons could form that would put riders caught out at a distinct disadvantage.

It also means the sprint teams are going to have some work cut out for them to get their men in position for the finish in Rouen, especially with two tight turns in the final kilometre as they cross the Seine before a flat 750m final straight. Expect the usual suspects for this one: Cavendish, Greipel, Goss and Sagan, if they all come together at the end, although this could also be a perfect stage for a breakaway to stay away and cross the finish line first. Don’t bet on it, though. Those sprinters are hungry for success – and will be looking to deliver fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Cycling the Alps’ interactive videos of the route can be found here.

Link: Official website