The 3rd stage of Tour de France will be played on Monday July 7 between Valenciennes and Dunkirk, over a distance of 178.3 km. It will be a globally flat step, with an elevation of about 800 meters. The main point of difficulty will be Mont Cassel, a climb of 2.3 km at 3.8 % average slope, located about thirty kilometers from the finish. The last 30 kilometers will be completely flat, which should promote a massive sprint. However, the proximity of the sea and the northern winds could cause borders and create differences in the peloton. The stage will therefore represent a new opportunity for sprinters, but the teams will have to remain vigilant in the face of weather conditions. New yellow jersey, Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-deceuninck) should not have any concern to keep his precious tunic … except of course in case of edges.
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The double for Philipsen or the revenge of Merlier and Milan?
Three sprinters seem to detach themselves in the fight for this stage victory. Began Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck), winner of the 1st stage and first yellow jersey, after an impressive sprint. But the Belgian had not faced very big competition, since his two main rivals, Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step) et Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek), had not had the opportunity to fight for the victory, after being trapped in the borders. The European champion and the Italian will be keen to take their revenge.
Among the outsiders to follow: the green jersey of last year Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty), Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco simple), Jordi Meeus (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) or other Wout van Aert (Visma | lease a bike), all capable of creating surprise in a final which promises to be very tense.
The course of the 3rd stage
– Monday July 7 – Step 3 : Valenciennes – Dunkirk / 178.3 km
