finally a group finish conducive to a mass sprint? The 3rd step in the questions

Controlled by the Belgian Lotte Kopecky in Clermont-Ferrand, the big thighs of the peloton can hope to fight for victory, on Tuesday 25 July, during the third stage between Collonges-la-Rouge and Montignac-Lascaux. At the end of the scheduled 147.2 kilometres, everything suggests that Lotte Kopecky will be able to keep the lead.

What is the profile?

Once the four climbs listed at the start of the stage in Corrèze have been swallowed – including that of Saint-Robert and its steep climb (1.1km at 6.2%, category 4) -, the riders will disembark in the Dordogne with the town of Montignac, home to the Lascaux caves, in their sights.

The intermediate sprint scheduled in Badefols-d’Ans, just over 25 kilometers from the finish line, could be the first opportunity for a big test before a probable mass sprint. After the red flame, the various trains will thus be able to get into position despite a slight false flat in the finale. But if the race is tougher than expected, if some runners take advantage of this rarely flat course, another result could occur.

Who are the favourites?

On flat terrain, the women’s Tour de France Arrows are a favorite. The Dutch Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx) will have the sign, who regulated the sprint of the group behind Lotte Kopecky during the first stage. But her compatriots Charlotte Kool (DSM-Firmenich) and Marianne Vos (Jumbo-Visma) are also expected, third and fourth respectively on Sunday.

Unless the general’s bosses are interested in the bonuses promised to the first three of the day. In this game, Demi Vollering (SD Worx) and Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl-Trek) could shine in this role. Doubts remain about the form of Annemiek van Vleuten (Movistar), who crashed on Monday.

What are the hours?

1.30pm: fictitious departure from Collonges-la-Rouge
1.45pm: real start
15:05: start of broadcast on France 2 and france.tv
5.31pm: Expected arrival (at an average of 39km/h) in Montignac-Lascaux