Peter Sagan put in a dogged solo display to claim his second stage victory in three days at Paris-Nice.
The Liquigas neo-pro - who led a six-man breakaway at the line on Monday - powered clear again with just under 2km to go held on magnificently to pip Mirco Lorenzetto (Lampre) and Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) at the line.
Alberto Contador was also hot on the Slovakian's heels and his 10th-placed finish ensured he retained the leader's jersey.
In contrast to the wintery weather that had plagued the opening stages, sun beamed down as the riders rolled out of Pernes-les-Fontaines and Dimitri Champion (Ag2R) was the first man to break clear on the climb up the Col de Murs.
Astana, riding in support of Contador, monitored the situation closely and Champion was swept up with around 100km of the stage still remaining.
Such was the ferocity at the head of the peloton that it eventually split in two, with Tony Martin (HTC-Columbia) among the big names to be caught out by the unrelenting pace.
Further attacks came thick and fast and with 50km to go Team Sky's Sylvain Calzati was joined by Vladimir Gustov (Cervélo), Carlos Barredo (Quick-Step) and Rein Taaramäe (Cofidis) as the quartet surged away from the pack.
Their advantage peaked at 1:20 before Astana, Caisse d'Epargne and Euskaltel-Euskadi worked together to reel them back in - a feat which they eventually managed with just over 20km to go.
The stage looked all set for a sprint finish until Christophe Le Mevel (Francaise Des Jeux) made his bid for glory late on. Sagan reacted brilliantly to catch the Frenchman however and then launched clear on his own as the road ascended into Aix-en-Provence.
Nicolas Roche (Ag2R) and David Millar (Garmin-Transitions) did their best to haul the 20-year-old back but their attempts proved futile as he held on by a matter of metres.
Showing posts with label Cycling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cycling. Show all posts
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Henderson Sprints to Victory
Greg Henderson powered to victory on what proved to be a dramatic first stage of Paris-Nice.
The New Zealander joined a 15-man breakaway with around nine kilometres to go and positioned himself intelligently over the closing stages before powering ahead of Lampre's Grega Bole at the line.
The 201.5 km ride from Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines to Contres proved a hugely-testing one with several of the main contenders losing time on overall leader Lars Boom.
The day had started innocuously enough with Romain Feillu (Vacansoleil) and Albert Timmer (Skil-Shimano) breaking free after just four kilometres.
That duo were allowed to build a lead of over six minutes before Rabobank - who were looking after the interests of Boom - moved themselves to the head of the peloton and stepped up the chase.
The weather soon began to play its part however with André Greipel (HTC-Columbia) and Dimitri Champion (AG2R) among a small group who momentarily fell behind the rest of the field.
The day's first real drama came when Danilo Napolitano (Katyusha) crashed inside the final 100km. He wasn't to be the last.
As the crosswinds continued to howl the peloton repeatedly fractured and Feillu and Timmer were eventually reeled in with 50km to go.
Chaos reigned 31km from the line when a group of approximately 30 riders - including Levi Leipheimer (RadioShack) and Damiano Cunego (Lampre) - were sent scattering. Fortunately, most of those riders escaped unhurt and were able to rejoin the action quickly.
Several further splits were to come and 15 riders eventually surged clear in the closing stages. The drama behind was far from over though as Alberto Contador (Astana) and Heinrich Haussler (Cervélo) also collided inside the final 3km, causing them to lose vital seconds on their GC rivals.
Henderson however, stayed calm and composed and picked his moment perfectly to secure his first stage victory of the season.
Boom's place in that lead group ensured he retained the leader's yellow jersey, and David Millar (Garmin-Transitions) moved up from 11th to third in the overall standings.
Henderson is now sitting sixth, 20 seconds off the pace, but Contador and Leipheimer have both dropped to seventh and eighth respectively and are now trailing Boom by a further five seconds.
The New Zealander joined a 15-man breakaway with around nine kilometres to go and positioned himself intelligently over the closing stages before powering ahead of Lampre's Grega Bole at the line.
The 201.5 km ride from Saint-Arnoult-en-Yvelines to Contres proved a hugely-testing one with several of the main contenders losing time on overall leader Lars Boom.
The day had started innocuously enough with Romain Feillu (Vacansoleil) and Albert Timmer (Skil-Shimano) breaking free after just four kilometres.
That duo were allowed to build a lead of over six minutes before Rabobank - who were looking after the interests of Boom - moved themselves to the head of the peloton and stepped up the chase.
The weather soon began to play its part however with André Greipel (HTC-Columbia) and Dimitri Champion (AG2R) among a small group who momentarily fell behind the rest of the field.
The day's first real drama came when Danilo Napolitano (Katyusha) crashed inside the final 100km. He wasn't to be the last.
As the crosswinds continued to howl the peloton repeatedly fractured and Feillu and Timmer were eventually reeled in with 50km to go.
Chaos reigned 31km from the line when a group of approximately 30 riders - including Levi Leipheimer (RadioShack) and Damiano Cunego (Lampre) - were sent scattering. Fortunately, most of those riders escaped unhurt and were able to rejoin the action quickly.
Several further splits were to come and 15 riders eventually surged clear in the closing stages. The drama behind was far from over though as Alberto Contador (Astana) and Heinrich Haussler (Cervélo) also collided inside the final 3km, causing them to lose vital seconds on their GC rivals.
Henderson however, stayed calm and composed and picked his moment perfectly to secure his first stage victory of the season.
Boom's place in that lead group ensured he retained the leader's yellow jersey, and David Millar (Garmin-Transitions) moved up from 11th to third in the overall standings.
Henderson is now sitting sixth, 20 seconds off the pace, but Contador and Leipheimer have both dropped to seventh and eighth respectively and are now trailing Boom by a further five seconds.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Jufré Takes Over Murcia Lead
Josep Jufré's third-placed finish on stage three of the Tour of Murcia moved him to the top of the general classification as Robert Hunter withdrew halfway through the day after receiving the news his wife had gone into labour.
Hunter, of Garmin-Transitions, had led the race after sprinting to victory in the opening two stages but rushed to be with his spouse after learning the arrival of his second child was imminent.
That news blew the race wide open and it was Astana rider Jufré who took full advantage. Despite ending the day behind eventual stage winner Luke Roberts (Milram) and Vacansoleil's Sergey Lagutin, Jufré now holds the advantage over Roberts at the top of the standings.
Team Sky's Bradley Wiggins had began the day five seconds behind Hunter and must have been feeling fresh as he was among a group of 10 riders who tested the waters early in the race.
That attack was quickly chased down by Team RadioShack but four riders including Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil), Michal Kwiatkowski (Caja Rural), Jan Barta (NetApp) and Marcel Barth (German Team) were allowed to break away soon after and had built up a lead of nine minutes on the peloton by the time they passed the 50km mark.
Enduro Racing's Alexandre Blain had looked lively over the first two days and made his presence felt again as he headed out on his own to try and breach that gap soon after it had developed. Blain's move proved to no avail however as RadioShack - this time with the help of Garmin-Transitions and Rabobank - hauled him back after around 30km.
With the news Hunter was out of the equation, the peloton stepped up their chase and by the time the leading quartet had made it over the category 1 climb up the Alto de Espuña, their advantage had all-but dissipated.
The bunch was brought together before the day's final ascent up the Alto de Collando Bermejo but further attacks were soon to come thick and fast.
Vacansoleil's Wouter Poels was awarded the Marco Pantani trophy after crossing that summit in first place, and he was joined by team-mate Rob Ruijgh, Jufré and Stefan Denifl (Cervélo) on the steep descent as the quartet made their bid for glory just 6km from the finish.
Those four riders held on until the final kilometre but were eventually swept up ahead of a third consecutive bunch sprint. This time it was Roberts who proved too strong for his rivals, powering over the line ahead of Lagutin and the resolute Jufré.
Stage three result:
1 - Luke Roberts - (AUS) - Milram - (4:16:47)
2 - Sergey Lagutin - (UZB) - Vacansoleil - (same time)
3 - Josep Jufré - (ESP) - Astana - (same time)
4 - Denis Menchov - (RUS) - Rabobank - (same time)
5 - Andreas Klöden - (GER) - RadioShack - (same time)
6 - Steven Kruijswijk - (NED) - Rabobank - (same time)
7 - Stefan Denifl - (AUT) - Cervélo - (same time)
8 - Michel Kreder - (NED) - Garmin - (same time)
9 - Bradley Wiggins - (ENG) - Team Sky - (same time)
10 - José Herrada - (ESP) - Caja Rural - (same time)
Overall standings after stage three:
1 - Josep Jufré - (ESP) - Astana - (12:52:39)
2 - Luke Roberts - (AUS) - Milram - (same time)
3 - Frantisek Rabon - (CZE) - HTC-Columbia - (same time)
4 - Rob Ruygh - (NED) - Vacansoleil - (same time)
5 - Thomas Rohregger - (AUT) - Milram - (same time)
6 - Tomasz Marczynski - (POL) - CCC - (same time)
7 - Wout Poels - (NED) - Vacansoleil - (same time)
8 - Matteo Carrara - (ITA) - Vacansoleil - (same time)
9 - Pieter Weening - (NED) - Rabobank - (same time)
10 - Sergey Lagutin - (UZB) - Vacansoleil - (+5)
Hunter, of Garmin-Transitions, had led the race after sprinting to victory in the opening two stages but rushed to be with his spouse after learning the arrival of his second child was imminent.
That news blew the race wide open and it was Astana rider Jufré who took full advantage. Despite ending the day behind eventual stage winner Luke Roberts (Milram) and Vacansoleil's Sergey Lagutin, Jufré now holds the advantage over Roberts at the top of the standings.
Team Sky's Bradley Wiggins had began the day five seconds behind Hunter and must have been feeling fresh as he was among a group of 10 riders who tested the waters early in the race.
That attack was quickly chased down by Team RadioShack but four riders including Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil), Michal Kwiatkowski (Caja Rural), Jan Barta (NetApp) and Marcel Barth (German Team) were allowed to break away soon after and had built up a lead of nine minutes on the peloton by the time they passed the 50km mark.
Enduro Racing's Alexandre Blain had looked lively over the first two days and made his presence felt again as he headed out on his own to try and breach that gap soon after it had developed. Blain's move proved to no avail however as RadioShack - this time with the help of Garmin-Transitions and Rabobank - hauled him back after around 30km.
With the news Hunter was out of the equation, the peloton stepped up their chase and by the time the leading quartet had made it over the category 1 climb up the Alto de Espuña, their advantage had all-but dissipated.
The bunch was brought together before the day's final ascent up the Alto de Collando Bermejo but further attacks were soon to come thick and fast.
Vacansoleil's Wouter Poels was awarded the Marco Pantani trophy after crossing that summit in first place, and he was joined by team-mate Rob Ruijgh, Jufré and Stefan Denifl (Cervélo) on the steep descent as the quartet made their bid for glory just 6km from the finish.
Those four riders held on until the final kilometre but were eventually swept up ahead of a third consecutive bunch sprint. This time it was Roberts who proved too strong for his rivals, powering over the line ahead of Lagutin and the resolute Jufré.
Stage three result:
1 - Luke Roberts - (AUS) - Milram - (4:16:47)
2 - Sergey Lagutin - (UZB) - Vacansoleil - (same time)
3 - Josep Jufré - (ESP) - Astana - (same time)
4 - Denis Menchov - (RUS) - Rabobank - (same time)
5 - Andreas Klöden - (GER) - RadioShack - (same time)
6 - Steven Kruijswijk - (NED) - Rabobank - (same time)
7 - Stefan Denifl - (AUT) - Cervélo - (same time)
8 - Michel Kreder - (NED) - Garmin - (same time)
9 - Bradley Wiggins - (ENG) - Team Sky - (same time)
10 - José Herrada - (ESP) - Caja Rural - (same time)
Overall standings after stage three:
1 - Josep Jufré - (ESP) - Astana - (12:52:39)
2 - Luke Roberts - (AUS) - Milram - (same time)
3 - Frantisek Rabon - (CZE) - HTC-Columbia - (same time)
4 - Rob Ruygh - (NED) - Vacansoleil - (same time)
5 - Thomas Rohregger - (AUT) - Milram - (same time)
6 - Tomasz Marczynski - (POL) - CCC - (same time)
7 - Wout Poels - (NED) - Vacansoleil - (same time)
8 - Matteo Carrara - (ITA) - Vacansoleil - (same time)
9 - Pieter Weening - (NED) - Rabobank - (same time)
10 - Sergey Lagutin - (UZB) - Vacansoleil - (+5)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Morale Sky High in Oman
Geraint Thomas and the rest of the Team Sky squad will channel all their energies into protecting Edvald Boasson Hagen's leader's jersey at the Tour of Oman.
Boasson Hagen leads the overall standings following his victory in the third stage on Tuesday, which came hot on the heels of podium finishes in the opening two stages.
Thomas and the other riders all worked superbly together to put the young Norwegian in the perfect position to go for the win and he's now looking for more of the same as the week progresses.
Thomas told www.teamsky.com: "Edvald is in a good position now, with a decent lead over most of the peloton and he can time trial really well so we just need to try our best to control it now over the next few days.
"It's great to get the win today, we've worked so hard over the last couple of weeks in first Qatar and now Oman and when it all comes together like that it's really nice.
Extra special
"Being a new team makes it extra special and morale's really high so it's all good."
Things went very much to plan in the third stage from Saifat Ash Shiekh to Qurayyat as Thomas explained: "We looked to control the race from the start with having Edvald in the [leader's] jersey. A couple of other teams came up to help us just before the climb as they wanted a bunch sprint too.
"We all got over the climb together and just set Edvald up nicely. As soon as he gets a finish like that - a dead straight road - it's perfect for him and he just used the horsepower he's got to win it well."
Boasson Hagen had gone close in the previous two stages - and also in Qatar the previous week - and Thomas added: "We all knew he was fast enough - and so did he - it was a question of getting him in that clear space and with a clear run to the line.
"That allowed him to use all that speed and power and strength that he's got. We set him up nicely and he finished it off a treat."
Boasson Hagen leads the overall standings following his victory in the third stage on Tuesday, which came hot on the heels of podium finishes in the opening two stages.
Thomas and the other riders all worked superbly together to put the young Norwegian in the perfect position to go for the win and he's now looking for more of the same as the week progresses.
Thomas told www.teamsky.com: "Edvald is in a good position now, with a decent lead over most of the peloton and he can time trial really well so we just need to try our best to control it now over the next few days.
"It's great to get the win today, we've worked so hard over the last couple of weeks in first Qatar and now Oman and when it all comes together like that it's really nice.
Extra special
"Being a new team makes it extra special and morale's really high so it's all good."
Things went very much to plan in the third stage from Saifat Ash Shiekh to Qurayyat as Thomas explained: "We looked to control the race from the start with having Edvald in the [leader's] jersey. A couple of other teams came up to help us just before the climb as they wanted a bunch sprint too.
"We all got over the climb together and just set Edvald up nicely. As soon as he gets a finish like that - a dead straight road - it's perfect for him and he just used the horsepower he's got to win it well."
Boasson Hagen had gone close in the previous two stages - and also in Qatar the previous week - and Thomas added: "We all knew he was fast enough - and so did he - it was a question of getting him in that clear space and with a clear run to the line.
"That allowed him to use all that speed and power and strength that he's got. We set him up nicely and he finished it off a treat."
Boasson Hagen Powers to Win
Team Sky's Edvald Boasson Hagen underlined his superb early-season form as he sprinted to victory in the third stage of the Tour of Oman.
The Norwegian already held the leader's red jersey after podium finishes in the opening two stages and he claimed a deserved win after another great team effort from Team Sky during the 124km route from Saifat Ash Shiekh to Qurayyat.
Team Sky first of all worked superbly together to reel in a breakaway, which held a lead of just under three minutes at one point, and the lead-out train then teed up Boasson Hagen for the sprint finish.
He rounded things off in style as he got the better of Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) and Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions).
Hard work pays off
"I'm really happy with the win," a delighted Boasson Hagen told www.teamsky.com. "The guys have made good lead outs on every stage so far and to finish it off today is a great feeling."
And that was echoed by Geraint Thomas who, along with the rest of Team Sky's squad, kept Boasson Hagen in pole position through the race.
Thomas explained: "We looked to control the race from the start with having Edvald in the [leader's] jersey. A couple of other teams came up to help us just before the climb as they wanted a bunch sprint too.
"We all got over the climb together and just set Edvald up nicely. As soon as he gets a finish like that - a dead straight road - it's perfect for him and he just used the horsepower he's got to win it well."
Boasson Hagen now has a 10-second lead over Farrar in the general classification, with most of the peloton 20 seconds adrift.
The Norwegian already held the leader's red jersey after podium finishes in the opening two stages and he claimed a deserved win after another great team effort from Team Sky during the 124km route from Saifat Ash Shiekh to Qurayyat.
Team Sky first of all worked superbly together to reel in a breakaway, which held a lead of just under three minutes at one point, and the lead-out train then teed up Boasson Hagen for the sprint finish.
He rounded things off in style as he got the better of Danilo Napolitano (Katusha) and Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Transitions).
Hard work pays off
"I'm really happy with the win," a delighted Boasson Hagen told www.teamsky.com. "The guys have made good lead outs on every stage so far and to finish it off today is a great feeling."
And that was echoed by Geraint Thomas who, along with the rest of Team Sky's squad, kept Boasson Hagen in pole position through the race.
Thomas explained: "We looked to control the race from the start with having Edvald in the [leader's] jersey. A couple of other teams came up to help us just before the climb as they wanted a bunch sprint too.
"We all got over the climb together and just set Edvald up nicely. As soon as he gets a finish like that - a dead straight road - it's perfect for him and he just used the horsepower he's got to win it well."
Boasson Hagen now has a 10-second lead over Farrar in the general classification, with most of the peloton 20 seconds adrift.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Action Replay for Bozic
Borut Bozic made it two wins out of two by landing stage two of the Etoile de Bessèges on Thursday.
Just as he had 24 hours earlier, the Vacansoleil rider proved strongest in the sprint finish at the end of the 141km route from Nîmes to Saint Ambroix.
The podium places were again filled by Arnaud Molmy of Roubaix-Lille Métropole and Niko Eeckhout from the An Post-Sean Kelly team, though this time it was Molmy who claimed second place.
The victory for Bozic extended the Slovenian's advantage in the general classification to 10 seconds over Molmy and Eeckhout and he also tops the sprinting standings.
Laurent Lefèvre of Bbox Bouygues Telecom is the leading climber after being to the fore in a lengthy breakaway with Benoît Vaugrenard.
The field once again finished in a group though, with 133 of the remaining 140 riders all credited with the same time as Bozic.
Sky stick together
The bunch contained all seven of Team Sky's riders, with Steve Cummings leading the way in 60th position.
The team was present in all of the crucial attacks on the finishing circuit which had a climb. But in the end, it again came down to a field sprint.
It was another encouraging display as rider Michael Barry confirmed, telling TeamSky.com: "Today went well for us - the boys were all up front at the right moments and we rode well as a team."
Friday's third stage heads from Pont Saint Esprit to Bagnols sur Ceze, covering 148km in total.
Just as he had 24 hours earlier, the Vacansoleil rider proved strongest in the sprint finish at the end of the 141km route from Nîmes to Saint Ambroix.
The podium places were again filled by Arnaud Molmy of Roubaix-Lille Métropole and Niko Eeckhout from the An Post-Sean Kelly team, though this time it was Molmy who claimed second place.
The victory for Bozic extended the Slovenian's advantage in the general classification to 10 seconds over Molmy and Eeckhout and he also tops the sprinting standings.
Laurent Lefèvre of Bbox Bouygues Telecom is the leading climber after being to the fore in a lengthy breakaway with Benoît Vaugrenard.
The field once again finished in a group though, with 133 of the remaining 140 riders all credited with the same time as Bozic.
Sky stick together
The bunch contained all seven of Team Sky's riders, with Steve Cummings leading the way in 60th position.
The team was present in all of the crucial attacks on the finishing circuit which had a climb. But in the end, it again came down to a field sprint.
It was another encouraging display as rider Michael Barry confirmed, telling TeamSky.com: "Today went well for us - the boys were all up front at the right moments and we rode well as a team."
Friday's third stage heads from Pont Saint Esprit to Bagnols sur Ceze, covering 148km in total.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Team Sky Set For Bessèges
Team Sky will make their European stage race debut at the Etoile de Bessèges on Wednesday 3 February.
This five-day event takes place around the Gard region of southern France and here we take a look at what the riders can expect to encounter along the way.
Stage One
The race kicks off with seven and a half laps of a 19.5km loop between Aigues Mortes and Le Grau du Roi. The profile is flat all the way so expect to see plenty of breakaway attempts early on. After those laps have been completed the riders continue south and end with an uphill burst in Port Camargue.
Stage Two
Stage two heads out of Nîmes and straight into the hills, with the first summit coming just 8km in at Sainte Anastasie. After a short rest the road kicks up again between Saint Hippolyte de Montaigu and Saint Marcel de Careiret and further climbs are to follow at Méjannes le Clap and Mas d'Atuech. Once those are conquered the day ends with six laps of Saint Ambroix.
Stage three
A gentle roll out sees the riders exit Pont Saint Esprit before following the river Lez south to Roquemaure. From there the peloton must tackle a tricky climb up to Marcel de Careiret before taking on two laps of a 7.1km route which includes a tough 256m ascent past Carsan. Once they have scaled that for a second time it is back down into the centre of Bagnols sur Cèze for the finish.
Stage four
At Ales the pack will only have 40km to get themselves settled before the biggest climb of the tour gets under way at Cendras. The road rises 490m in the 11km it takes to get to Lamlouze and this section could prove pivotal despite it coming so early in the stage. Once over that summit there is another brute of a climb up to Portes. Two smaller scrambles at Le Martinet and Saint Florent sur Azonnet will keep the muscles bulging all the way back into Ales.
Stage five:
A nightmarish start to the final stage sees the riders head north out of Gagnières and straight up the Col du Grand Châtaignier. They then follow the river Cèze before heading back up towards the start line. That route is repeated a further three times before cutting off at Foussignargues and heading up to Bessèges where the tour ends with seven quickfire laps around the town centre.
Ones to watch
The same seven-man Team Sky squad that helped Steve Cummings to a fourth-placed finish at the GP Cycliste la Marseillaise last Sunday will be on hand once again and Sylvain Calzati is tipped to lead them this time around. The Frenchman has happy memories of the race after claiming second place overall in 2004 and is raring to make his mark again.
Traditionally the race favours flatland or sprint specialists with big names like Thor Hushovd, Enrico Gasparotto and defending champion Thomas Voeckler all expected to push Calzati hard for top honours.
Team Sky views
Peter Kennaugh is Team Sky's only first-year professional but feels the race offer the perfect chance to get himself acquainted with the big boys.
He said: "There are a couple of tough days, but each stage is relatively short - around 130-140km - which is good for your first stage race. It is a good way to ease into the season."
Cummings claimed a podium place on stage three in 2006 and he said: "I'll be looking to make my mark on the tougher stages. I prefer more selective stages to those which usually end in bunch sprints."
This five-day event takes place around the Gard region of southern France and here we take a look at what the riders can expect to encounter along the way.
Stage One
The race kicks off with seven and a half laps of a 19.5km loop between Aigues Mortes and Le Grau du Roi. The profile is flat all the way so expect to see plenty of breakaway attempts early on. After those laps have been completed the riders continue south and end with an uphill burst in Port Camargue.
Stage Two
Stage two heads out of Nîmes and straight into the hills, with the first summit coming just 8km in at Sainte Anastasie. After a short rest the road kicks up again between Saint Hippolyte de Montaigu and Saint Marcel de Careiret and further climbs are to follow at Méjannes le Clap and Mas d'Atuech. Once those are conquered the day ends with six laps of Saint Ambroix.
Stage three
A gentle roll out sees the riders exit Pont Saint Esprit before following the river Lez south to Roquemaure. From there the peloton must tackle a tricky climb up to Marcel de Careiret before taking on two laps of a 7.1km route which includes a tough 256m ascent past Carsan. Once they have scaled that for a second time it is back down into the centre of Bagnols sur Cèze for the finish.
Stage four
At Ales the pack will only have 40km to get themselves settled before the biggest climb of the tour gets under way at Cendras. The road rises 490m in the 11km it takes to get to Lamlouze and this section could prove pivotal despite it coming so early in the stage. Once over that summit there is another brute of a climb up to Portes. Two smaller scrambles at Le Martinet and Saint Florent sur Azonnet will keep the muscles bulging all the way back into Ales.
Stage five:
A nightmarish start to the final stage sees the riders head north out of Gagnières and straight up the Col du Grand Châtaignier. They then follow the river Cèze before heading back up towards the start line. That route is repeated a further three times before cutting off at Foussignargues and heading up to Bessèges where the tour ends with seven quickfire laps around the town centre.
Ones to watch
The same seven-man Team Sky squad that helped Steve Cummings to a fourth-placed finish at the GP Cycliste la Marseillaise last Sunday will be on hand once again and Sylvain Calzati is tipped to lead them this time around. The Frenchman has happy memories of the race after claiming second place overall in 2004 and is raring to make his mark again.
Traditionally the race favours flatland or sprint specialists with big names like Thor Hushovd, Enrico Gasparotto and defending champion Thomas Voeckler all expected to push Calzati hard for top honours.
Team Sky views
Peter Kennaugh is Team Sky's only first-year professional but feels the race offer the perfect chance to get himself acquainted with the big boys.
He said: "There are a couple of tough days, but each stage is relatively short - around 130-140km - which is good for your first stage race. It is a good way to ease into the season."
Cummings claimed a podium place on stage three in 2006 and he said: "I'll be looking to make my mark on the tougher stages. I prefer more selective stages to those which usually end in bunch sprints."
Millar Happy With Role
David Millar will once again put personal ambitions aside in this summer's Tour De France in a bid to help team-mate Christian Vande Velde onto the podium.
The Scot played the same role when he was team-mates with Bradley Wiggins last season, acting as a 'domestique'. Wiggins eventually finished fourth overall.
However Millar will be helping Vande Velde this time round, following the Brit's move to Team Sky.
New team-mate Vande Velde clinched a top-10 finish in the 2009 tour, despite several injuries.
Velde suffered a bad crash at the Giro d'Italia, coming away with three fractured vertebrae, a cracked pelvis and two broken ribs.
Millar is looking forward to the Tour and admits he is fully committed to his American team Garmin-Transitions.
Committed
He said: "Christian is such a core element of the team, it's very easy for us to put everything behind him.
"I think he's going to be one of the key figures in the race at the front and if that ends with a podium, that'll be fantastic."
The 33-year-old believes that although he will do everything he can to help Vande Velde, the opportunity is still there to win a stage this summer.
Miller added: "Days I do get an opportunity I should probably take it easy so I could be good for Christian when he does need me. That's not a problem.
"I can go for my own things in the Giro and the Vuelta."
The Scot played the same role when he was team-mates with Bradley Wiggins last season, acting as a 'domestique'. Wiggins eventually finished fourth overall.
However Millar will be helping Vande Velde this time round, following the Brit's move to Team Sky.
New team-mate Vande Velde clinched a top-10 finish in the 2009 tour, despite several injuries.
Velde suffered a bad crash at the Giro d'Italia, coming away with three fractured vertebrae, a cracked pelvis and two broken ribs.
Millar is looking forward to the Tour and admits he is fully committed to his American team Garmin-Transitions.
Committed
He said: "Christian is such a core element of the team, it's very easy for us to put everything behind him.
"I think he's going to be one of the key figures in the race at the front and if that ends with a podium, that'll be fantastic."
The 33-year-old believes that although he will do everything he can to help Vande Velde, the opportunity is still there to win a stage this summer.
Miller added: "Days I do get an opportunity I should probably take it easy so I could be good for Christian when he does need me. That's not a problem.
"I can go for my own things in the Giro and the Vuelta."
Cummings Fourth In France
Team Sky's Steve Cummings was fourth on Sunday in the GP Cycliste la Marseillaise, the race which marked the BSkyB-backed outfit's European debut.
The 28-year-old Briton put his experience of riding in the Marseille event, France's traditional season-opening race, to good use as he worked his way into a 10-man group which moved to the head of affairs on the final climb.
The 139.7km route saw a number of breakaways but came down to a sprint between the lead group at the Stade Velodrome.
It was France's Jonathan Hivert of Saur Sojasun who took the victory. He finished ahead of Dutchman Johnny Hoogerland of Vacansoleil and compatriot Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis).
Team Sky's seven-strong team, which also comprised John-Lee Augustyn, Michael Barry, Sylvain Calzati, Peter Kennaugh, Nicolas Portal and Morris Possoni, now move on to the five-day Etoile de Bessèges which starts on Wednesday.
Attacking intent
And Cummings heads there in good heart after his display, telling TeamSky.com: "Of course I'd have liked to have won but it was a pretty good start. There were plenty of attacks going on, especially from the second-last climb, and I was able to respond. I felt really strong throughout the race."
Cummings' display was all the more impressive as he'd been battling an infection in the build-up to the race, but he insisted that's part and parcel of life as a pro cyclist.
"That's just something you have to deal with now and then," he explained. "I feel like I'm at a good level all year round now and that enables me to recover quickly and take it in my stride."
Looking ahead to Bessèges, Cummings predicts another good showing from the team, adding: "There's just a really good vibe around the squad, we're all looking out for each other and it's excellent to be part of that."
Role reversal
That was echoed by Marcus Ljungqvist who was making his debut as a sports director after 12 years as a professional cyclist.
"I was a little bit nervous beforehand," said Ljungqvist. "But we've got such a good team behind us and a great bunch of riders who are so easy to talk to and that makes things a whole lot easier.
"Team Sky got off to a great start in Australia [at the Tour Down Under] and I think we did pretty well here on our debut in Europe."
As to his own role, he admits it will take a little bit of time adjusting to being in the team car rather than out on a bike, adding: "It feels so different and I'm sure it will take a little while to get used to it. But it's about finding your own style and doing things your way which I feel is important."
Final result:
1 - Jonathan Hivert - (FRA) - Saur-Sojasun - ( 3:34:02)
2 - Johnny Hoogerland - (NED) - Vacansoleil - (same time)
3 - Samuel Dumoulin - (FRA) - Cofidis - (same time)
4 - Steve Cummings - (ENG) - Team Sky - (same time)
5 - Rémy Di Gregorio - (FRA) - Française des Jeux - (same time)
6 - Pieter Jacobs - (BEL) - Topsport Vlaanderen - (same time)
7 - Martial Ricci-Poggi - (FRA) - Landbouwkrediet - (+2)
8 - Brice Feillu - (FRA) - Vacansoleil - (+5)
9 - Kalle Kriit - (EST) - Cofidis - (+5)
10 - Romain Feillu - (FRA) - Vacansoleil - (+11)
The 28-year-old Briton put his experience of riding in the Marseille event, France's traditional season-opening race, to good use as he worked his way into a 10-man group which moved to the head of affairs on the final climb.
The 139.7km route saw a number of breakaways but came down to a sprint between the lead group at the Stade Velodrome.
It was France's Jonathan Hivert of Saur Sojasun who took the victory. He finished ahead of Dutchman Johnny Hoogerland of Vacansoleil and compatriot Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis).
Team Sky's seven-strong team, which also comprised John-Lee Augustyn, Michael Barry, Sylvain Calzati, Peter Kennaugh, Nicolas Portal and Morris Possoni, now move on to the five-day Etoile de Bessèges which starts on Wednesday.
Attacking intent
And Cummings heads there in good heart after his display, telling TeamSky.com: "Of course I'd have liked to have won but it was a pretty good start. There were plenty of attacks going on, especially from the second-last climb, and I was able to respond. I felt really strong throughout the race."
Cummings' display was all the more impressive as he'd been battling an infection in the build-up to the race, but he insisted that's part and parcel of life as a pro cyclist.
"That's just something you have to deal with now and then," he explained. "I feel like I'm at a good level all year round now and that enables me to recover quickly and take it in my stride."
Looking ahead to Bessèges, Cummings predicts another good showing from the team, adding: "There's just a really good vibe around the squad, we're all looking out for each other and it's excellent to be part of that."
Role reversal
That was echoed by Marcus Ljungqvist who was making his debut as a sports director after 12 years as a professional cyclist.
"I was a little bit nervous beforehand," said Ljungqvist. "But we've got such a good team behind us and a great bunch of riders who are so easy to talk to and that makes things a whole lot easier.
"Team Sky got off to a great start in Australia [at the Tour Down Under] and I think we did pretty well here on our debut in Europe."
As to his own role, he admits it will take a little bit of time adjusting to being in the team car rather than out on a bike, adding: "It feels so different and I'm sure it will take a little while to get used to it. But it's about finding your own style and doing things your way which I feel is important."
Final result:
1 - Jonathan Hivert - (FRA) - Saur-Sojasun - ( 3:34:02)
2 - Johnny Hoogerland - (NED) - Vacansoleil - (same time)
3 - Samuel Dumoulin - (FRA) - Cofidis - (same time)
4 - Steve Cummings - (ENG) - Team Sky - (same time)
5 - Rémy Di Gregorio - (FRA) - Française des Jeux - (same time)
6 - Pieter Jacobs - (BEL) - Topsport Vlaanderen - (same time)
7 - Martial Ricci-Poggi - (FRA) - Landbouwkrediet - (+2)
8 - Brice Feillu - (FRA) - Vacansoleil - (+5)
9 - Kalle Kriit - (EST) - Cofidis - (+5)
10 - Romain Feillu - (FRA) - Vacansoleil - (+11)
Team Sky Set For Euro Debut
Team Sky will make their European debut at the traditional curtain-raiser to the new season - Sunday's Grand Prix Cycliste la Marseillaise.
The 139.7km route starts and finishes in Marseille and the Team Sky squad comprises John-Lee Augustyn, Michael Barry, Sylvain Calzati, Steve Cummings, Peter Kennaugh, Nicolas Portal and Morris Possoni.
The race began in 1988 and quickly became one of the key early meets on the calendar due to the mild conditions which commonly greet riders on the Mediterranean coast. In 2005 the UCI awarded it 1.1-ranked status in order to continually attract the biggest names in the business.
Although a popular event in its own right, many teams use the race as a precursor for the five-stage Etoile de Bessèges, which also takes place in the region. This year is no exception and every member of the Team Sky line-up will be on hand once again on February 3.
Excitement building
Augustyn describes himself as "super-excited" ahead of his first races in Team Sky colours.
The 23-year-old joined the team with a reputation as being one the sport's top young climbers and has certainly looked the part on his pre-season training rides.
Although he has yet to sample either of the two events in the south of France, Augustyn is preparing to give them his all as Team Sky look to make their mark in Europe.
He said: "Everything has been going really well. I only had four days at the training camp in Valencia but I've been riding with the guys around my new base in Quaratta, Italy, learning all the roads and so on.
"Things have been running smoothly and that is a massive help because it means everyone is so motivated. It's awesome.
"These are my first races of the season so I'm going to be racing as hard as I can. I haven't been given a specific role in the team as yet, but I'm guessing it will be helping the other guys out as and when they need it."
Another man looking forward to this weekend's race is Kennaugh who will be making his ProTour debut.
He's the only neopro on the Team Sky roster, but has already shone in the amateur ranks, claiming third place in the 'Baby Giro' and fourth in the World Under-23 Championships last season.
Since the first team training camp in Valencia, the 20-year-old has also been steadily building up his fitness in Quarrata.
Sprint finish
He said: "For the first five days after the camp I was going out for two to three hours every morning, taking things really steadily in order to soak up the effects of the camp, but after that I upped my efforts to between four and five hours.
"I've ridden with Steve Cummings a lot because he only lives 200 metres away, and John-Lee Augustyn and Morris Possoni have also been down as well.
"Steve has ridden both these races before and he was saying the Marseillaise often comes down to a sprint."
The 139.7km route starts and finishes in Marseille and the Team Sky squad comprises John-Lee Augustyn, Michael Barry, Sylvain Calzati, Steve Cummings, Peter Kennaugh, Nicolas Portal and Morris Possoni.
The race began in 1988 and quickly became one of the key early meets on the calendar due to the mild conditions which commonly greet riders on the Mediterranean coast. In 2005 the UCI awarded it 1.1-ranked status in order to continually attract the biggest names in the business.
Although a popular event in its own right, many teams use the race as a precursor for the five-stage Etoile de Bessèges, which also takes place in the region. This year is no exception and every member of the Team Sky line-up will be on hand once again on February 3.
Excitement building
Augustyn describes himself as "super-excited" ahead of his first races in Team Sky colours.
The 23-year-old joined the team with a reputation as being one the sport's top young climbers and has certainly looked the part on his pre-season training rides.
Although he has yet to sample either of the two events in the south of France, Augustyn is preparing to give them his all as Team Sky look to make their mark in Europe.
He said: "Everything has been going really well. I only had four days at the training camp in Valencia but I've been riding with the guys around my new base in Quaratta, Italy, learning all the roads and so on.
"Things have been running smoothly and that is a massive help because it means everyone is so motivated. It's awesome.
"These are my first races of the season so I'm going to be racing as hard as I can. I haven't been given a specific role in the team as yet, but I'm guessing it will be helping the other guys out as and when they need it."
Another man looking forward to this weekend's race is Kennaugh who will be making his ProTour debut.
He's the only neopro on the Team Sky roster, but has already shone in the amateur ranks, claiming third place in the 'Baby Giro' and fourth in the World Under-23 Championships last season.
Since the first team training camp in Valencia, the 20-year-old has also been steadily building up his fitness in Quarrata.
Sprint finish
He said: "For the first five days after the camp I was going out for two to three hours every morning, taking things really steadily in order to soak up the effects of the camp, but after that I upped my efforts to between four and five hours.
"I've ridden with Steve Cummings a lot because he only lives 200 metres away, and John-Lee Augustyn and Morris Possoni have also been down as well.
"Steve has ridden both these races before and he was saying the Marseillaise often comes down to a sprint."
Glasgow Stages Junior Event
The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow will host the 2013 Junior Track World Championships, the International Cycling Union have announced.
The arena is being built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and is to be named after the four-time Olympic champion.
The Junior Track World Championships is to be the first major event to take place at the velodrome.
'Fantastic achievement'
Paul Bush OBE, chief operating officer at EventScotland, the national events agency which led the bid, said: "Winning the Juniors Track Cycling World Championships is a fantastic achievement for Scotland and once again proves our world class credentials in hosting major sporting events.
"As the first event confirmed for the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, it will introduce Scotland's newest sports facility to the world.
"The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome will be a unique facility and among the top venues for track cycling in Europe.
"We anticipate that this will be the first of many track cycling events won for Scotland in the years leading up to and beyond the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow."
The arena is being built for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and is to be named after the four-time Olympic champion.
The Junior Track World Championships is to be the first major event to take place at the velodrome.
'Fantastic achievement'
Paul Bush OBE, chief operating officer at EventScotland, the national events agency which led the bid, said: "Winning the Juniors Track Cycling World Championships is a fantastic achievement for Scotland and once again proves our world class credentials in hosting major sporting events.
"As the first event confirmed for the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, it will introduce Scotland's newest sports facility to the world.
"The Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome will be a unique facility and among the top venues for track cycling in Europe.
"We anticipate that this will be the first of many track cycling events won for Scotland in the years leading up to and beyond the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow."
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