June 20: “This stage provides some innovation with a finish on the summit of the Mûr-de-Bretagne, which comes at the end of a beautiful but very tough two-kilometre climb. The road rises in such a straight line that even from the bottom the finish is almost visible. It’s going to be impressive, with steep ramps right from the bottom. But even before getting to that point, there is a series of hills in central Brittany where the twisting roads can be a real slog. The riders will have to be on their guard because these could lead to splits in the peloton and, consequently, a surprise or two. What is for sure is that there won’t be any sprinters in contention. Look instead for riders in the mould of Philippe Gilbert or Thomas Voeckler.”