Stage 3: Ajaccio to Calvi, 145.5km, medium mountain

Have the Tour organisers taken a leaf out of Michele Acquarone’s Giro road book? Today is another day of climbing as the peloton winds its way through the rough, narrow little roads along the west coast of the island.

It might be a short stage at 145km but not one of those kilometres is flat – it rolls and punches the whole time. It starts right off the block with a cat 4 climb at 12km, followed by two cat 3s and finishes with a cat 2 13km from the finish. Today’s stage will have everyone’s nerves at the surface as the roads narrow and the coastal winds kick up (echelon alert!) The profile certainly supports the chances of a long break or a late attack, so look out for tough, tenacious riders such as Sylvain Chavanel and Thomas Voeckler, but RadioShack-Leopard in particular will work hard to keep it all together to protect Jan Bakelants‘ slender lead.

Bit of trivia: Thomas Voeckler has worn the maillot jaune 20 times – second on the list of active riders with the most yellows. First place in this list goes to the Sacred Haunches™ himself, Fabian Cancellara, with 28.

Link: Official website

Header picture: Calvi panorama