Gallery
Up to the Line T18-24
For the first lumpy stage of the Tour, the organizers decided it would be fun to finish the day with a short steep climb. I doubt the riders were too thrilled, but it did make for some exciting racing. It could also afford some time gaps to open up amongst the main contenders for the Maillot Jaune. The ever agressive Team Quick Step launched Philippe Gilbert up the road. Should he get enough space and the win, he could take over the race lead, assuming Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) wasn't second over the line. That is why you can see the Maillot Jaune chasing just behind Julien Simon (Cofidis). Sensing that this was a good stage for themselves, both Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain Merida) and Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) were giving chase as well. Sagan has the added insentive knowing that Gaviria has been dropped, thus allowing Sagan to move further ahead in the race for the Maillot Vert.