The Tour de France continues to captivate fans with its thrilling stages and unpredictable outcomes. The 10th stage, a flat 187.5 km route from Orléans to Saint-Amand-Montrond, is anticipated to be a day of strategic racing influenced heavily by the weather. Historically, these roads have seen significant racing movements, notably in 2013 when side winds led to major gaps in the peloton, dashing the hopes of favorites like Alejandro Valverde.
Race director Thierry Gouvenou emphasizes the importance of wind conditions: 'For the show, we’ll have to see if there’s wind. If so, it can get very complicated.' This sentiment is echoed by Christian Prudhomme, who notes that the roads exposed to side winds could scatter the peloton, especially with three changes of direction in the last 30 kilometers, creating real possibilities for edging.
The stage is set to start at 1:25 p.m. from Orléans, with an expected finish between 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. in Saint-Amand-Montrond. Fans can follow the action on France 3, switching to France 2 around 3 p.m., or on Eurosport. The race will pass through regions rich in cultural heritage, including villages like Mennetou-sur-Cher, known for its historical significance and local delicacies.
Predictions for the stage highlight Arnaud De Lie, the 22-year-old Belgian prodigy from Lotto-Dstny, who has consistently placed in the top 5 but is yet to secure a victory in this edition. Nicknamed 'The Bull of Lescheret,' De Lie is expected to be a key contender in the sprint finish at Saint-Amand-Montrond.
Looking back at the 9th stage, a 199 km route from Troyes to Troyes, the riders faced challenging champagne white paths. This new feature included 14 white sectors, totaling 32 km of dust and stones, posing risks of punctures or falls. Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar were highlighted as the main contenders due to their skill on such terrain. The stage, starting at 1:15 p.m., saw both riders leveraging their expertise to navigate the tricky paths.
