This first-day course is a hilly 120 miles. The first third is along the coast, which very well may be pretty windy. Crosswinds could actually allow significant echelons to form, but the peloton should be able to swallow these echelons pretty soon after, certainly by the final few miles. A breakaway is unlikely, but a big group off the front should be expected to form in the final several miles to be positioned for a sprint finish.
The final 2 miles ensure that the end will not be over until the final drag race. There are a couple curves starting at 2 miles out, then a broad half mile turn, crossing the L'Elorn River, with a zig-zag once they come back across the E'lorn, and a mile of straight drag race for the finish. That final zig-zag is a real rate-limiter.
This sprinter's ending for this premier day will provide a flashy, thrilling ending. Frankly, the TdF is wise to set up such an interesting stage for Day 1, which will have heavy spectator views.
This opening stage could really set one rider off to a great start for the green jersey, if one guy is positioned well for the zig-zags and the sprint, but this stage is unlikely to shape the overall GC standing.
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The final 2 miles ensure that the end will not be over until the final drag race. There are a couple curves starting at 2 miles out, then a broad half mile turn, crossing the L'Elorn River, with a zig-zag once they come back across the E'lorn, and a mile of straight drag race for the finish. That final zig-zag is a real rate-limiter.
This sprinter's ending for this premier day will provide a flashy, thrilling ending. Frankly, the TdF is wise to set up such an interesting stage for Day 1, which will have heavy spectator views.
This opening stage could really set one rider off to a great start for the green jersey, if one guy is positioned well for the zig-zags and the sprint, but this stage is unlikely to shape the overall GC standing.
