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Stage 4 - Villers-Cotterêts to Joigny (193km)
Start: 12:50 p.m. (6:50 a.m. U.S. EST) - Estimated Finish: 5:17 p.m. (11:17 a.m. U.S. EST)
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COURSE: This rolling stage through the Champagne and Brie regions to the east of Paris could be similar to an early stage of Paris-Nice — without the freezing temperatures! Until the final 18km, the stage will be played out on mostly narrow, winding back roads that feature four Cat. 4 climbs, along with twice as many short hills that don’t merit categorization but will make it tricky for the sprinters’ teams to organize a full-scale chase. The finish in the medieval town of Joigny, population 10,000, is on the right bank of the Yonne River.
HISTORY: A Tour stage has never finished in Joigny, but nearby Auxerre has hosted four stages, the most recent in 1979,when Dutchman Gerrie Knetemann outsprinted breakaway companion Giovanni Battaglin of Italy, 49 seconds ahead of the pack.
FAVORITES:A long-distance breakaway has a good chance of succeeding, with riders such as Sylvain Chavanel (Cofidis), Stuart O’Grady (CSC) and Juan Antonio Flecha (Rabobank) possible stage winners.
If it’s another field sprint, these are the types of roads that favor McEwen.
