On the road to Sisteron (3rd stage), as before in Nice, the sprinters had their law reign.
They also checked the 5th stage (Gap-Privas).
A day to follow for:
Sprinters
They knew it, they would not be spoiled by the course, even the stages supposed to suit them are often bristling with difficulties that can (not to mention the wind) thwart their plans.
But this 5th stage is almost without it.
They must be careful not to let anything go.
After Alexander Kristoff in Nice (1st stage), Caleb Ewan distinguished himself in Sisteron (3rd stage).
These two, like those who have not yet shone, will be on the lookout.
Foremost among which are Peter Sagan and Wout Van Aert, very impressive in his role as a team member.
The green jersey race
Peter Sagan has started his picking but team leader Bora-Hansgrohe is not the only one aiming for the points classification (the Slovakian shares 1st place in the classification with Sam Bennett, the Deceuninck-Quick Step sprinter, with 83 pts).
The intermediate sprint will be the framework of a tonic fight.
The backpackers
Like Jérôme Cousin (170 km ahead, including 110 km solo during the 3rd stage), many runners want to seize an opportunity, transform a space of freedom into an unforgettable day.
For the yellow jersey
Julian Alaphilippe will experience a 17th day in yellow, “a pride”.
The leader of the Deceuninck-Quick Step team does not want to see any further.
He lives “day to day”.
The 6th stage towards Mont Aigoual will be more problematic.
In the meantime, he will work for the collective that has put themselves at his service to defend the Yellow Jersey in the Orcières-Merlette stage.
The remote duel between Jumbo Visma and Ineos Grenadiers
The two behemoths of the peloton observe each other.
The Dutch team have taken a stand, are taking center stage and loving success.
The British team is patient, heals its wounds (like Sivakov, the red lantern), accountable for its efforts and its men.
Hoping for better days.
But these two still have a few rounds to go.
And every day is a test.
Read also
General classification of the Tour de France 2020