181.5 kilometres, that’s the distance the riders have to cover today between Rennes and Mûr-de-Bretagne. A stage of which probably only the final phase will be memorable. It’s an uphill finish on a third category climb of two kilometres with an average gradient of 6.9%. Something for Tony Gallopin?

“It’s true that this is one of the stages I’m looking forward to. It’s an opportunity, not the only opportunity, but this is less hard than the Mûr de Huy and tougher than Le Havre where I was fifth and sixth respectively. There are some riders in the peloton with specific qualities for this type of finish like Van Avermaet, Dan Martin, Valverde, Vuillermoz, Rodríguez, but also Sagan. I’m part of that list as well, taking the right decision on the Mûr will be crucial. Until now I am satisfied with my Tour; I feel really good. It’s nice to be fourth overall at the moment, but nothing more than that," he said.