12-07-2023, 22:38
In a building sense of deja vu, Jasper Philipsen ghosted past his rivals to cross the line well ahead (by sprint standards) of Dylan Groenewegen. Bryan Coquard and my old mate, Peter Sagan, were well to the fore. There's no doubt in my mind that Philipsen is targeting the outright stage-winning record-holder's crown.
The start town of tomorrow's 169km stage, Roanne, is the birthplace of Jean-Pierre Jeunet, director of Alien Resurrection and Amelie. As far the finish town, Belleville-en-Beaujolais, is concerned just think booze - there's even a Saint-Lager 10kms from the finish. The stage itself has 5 classified climbs and the second half on the map looks like the path of a drunken man trying to find his way home. The breakaway could easily stick, in the hunt for KOM Points for a few, with the GC contenders and teams saving themselves for Friday.
The start town of tomorrow's 169km stage, Roanne, is the birthplace of Jean-Pierre Jeunet, director of Alien Resurrection and Amelie. As far the finish town, Belleville-en-Beaujolais, is concerned just think booze - there's even a Saint-Lager 10kms from the finish. The stage itself has 5 classified climbs and the second half on the map looks like the path of a drunken man trying to find his way home. The breakaway could easily stick, in the hunt for KOM Points for a few, with the GC contenders and teams saving themselves for Friday.
Cabbage is still good for you