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Stage 3 - Waregem to Compiègne (236.5km)

Start: 11:45 a.m. (5:45 a.m. U.S. EST) - Estimated Finish: 5:10 p.m. (11:10 a.m. U.S. EST)

Published: Jul. 9, 2007
Stage 3 - Waregem to Compiègne (236.5km)
Stage 3 - Waregem to Compiègne (236.5km)

COURSE: The rumoredinclusion of some Hell of the North pavé on this stage that headssouth from Belgium to the French city of Compiègne, where Paris-Roubaixstarts, was incorrect. But this longest stage of the Tour (236.5km) passesthrough many of the villages made famous by the April classic, includingFontaineau-Bois, the hometown of outgoing Tour race director Jean-MarieLeblanc. The finale passes the Napoleanic palace in Compiègne oncobblestones before hitting the 1km Avenue Royale in the south part oftown

HISTORY: Remarkably, only one Tour stage has finished in Compiègne. This was in 1980, when stage 6 from Lille went to Frenchman Jean-Louis Gauthier, who broke clear from a five-man break to finish 39 seconds ahead of the peloton. Compiègne is famed for its Napoleonic palace, where Paris-Roubaix starts, and the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.

Stage 3 - Waregem to Compiègne (236.5km)
Stage 3 - Waregem to Compiègne (236.5km)

FAVORITES:Breakaways are bound to form on this marathon stage, but expect the peloton to regroup before a mass finish in Compiègne because the sprinters will be eager to keep a grip on the yellow jersey. Boonen, Hushovd and McEwen will again be the favorites, but a rider like Bernhard Eisel (T-Mobile) might surprise them all with an early move on the tricky run-in.

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