The 3rd stage of the Tour de France is a race with two faces. The route runs on undulating terrain to a finale for punchers, while in the last 50 kilometres five short and sharp climbs are served. While venturing into the Champagne vineyards the riders tackle Côte de Nanteuil-la-Forêt (1.1 kilometres at 6.8%), Côte d’Hautvillers (900 metres at 10.5%), Côte de Champillon (1.8 kilometer at 6.6%), Côte de Mutigny (900 metres at 12.2%) and Côte du Mont Bernon (1 kilometre at 5%).
The Mutigny is crested 15 kilometres from the line, while the riders tackle the Mont Bernon with 5 kilometres left. To pep up the GC battle the first rider over the Mutigny gains 8 seconds, the second rider 5 seconds and the third man 3.
Pure sprinters won’t stand a chance on this terrain, but it will be interesting to see how the likes of Sagan and Matthews cope. And what about Van Aert? Winning two stages, the cyclocross champion recently made a spectacular stage race debut at the Critérium du Dauphiné.
Favourites 3rd stage 2019 Tour de France
*** Peter Sagan, Julian Alaphilippe, Wout Van Aert
** Greg Van Avermaet, Michael Matthews, Matteo Trentin, Tim Wellens
* Maximilian Schachmann, Alejandro Valverde, Sonny Colbrelli, Alberto Bettiol
Take a look at the route of the 3rd stage on the Tour de France.
Tour de France 2019 stage 3: profile, Mutigny, finale
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