{"id":1284,"date":"2025-05-29T15:53:20","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T13:53:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/?p=1284"},"modified":"2025-05-29T15:53:22","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T13:53:22","slug":"stage-8-strategy-and-prediction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/stage-8-strategy-and-prediction\/","title":{"rendered":"Tour de France 2025 Stage 8 Tactics, Leadout Trains &amp; Dark Horses"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_83ad27-c2, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_83ad27-c2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_83ad27-c2\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_83ad27-c2 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_83ad27-c2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_83ad27-c2\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_83ad27-c2 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_83ad27-c2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_83ad27-c2\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_83ad27-c2 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_83ad27-c2\">A pure sprinter\u2019s paradise with wide roads, straight runs, and a fast finale in Laval Espace Mayenne. Expect full-gas lead-out trains and a sprint royale.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_b202ca-4c .kt-block-spacer{height:20px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_b202ca-4c .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-1284_b202ca-4c\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_a64efa-cc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_a64efa-cc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_a64efa-cc\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);text-align:center;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_a64efa-cc mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_a64efa-cc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_a64efa-cc\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_a64efa-cc img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_a64efa-cc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_a64efa-cc\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_a64efa-cc wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_a64efa-cc\">Stage 8 Key Tactics &amp; Team Strategies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Today\u2019s script is written for the sprinters \u2014 but as always in cycling, no script survives contact with the peloton.<\/strong> Here\u2019s how this one\u2019s shaping up:<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_8e17eb-42, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_8e17eb-42[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_8e17eb-42\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:25px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_8e17eb-42 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_8e17eb-42[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_8e17eb-42\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_8e17eb-42 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_8e17eb-42[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_8e17eb-42\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_8e17eb-42 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_8e17eb-42\"><strong>Early Game: The Breakaway Ritual<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Expect 2-4 riders<\/strong> from wildcard ProTeams and lesser-known squads to make the obligatory early move in the first 10 km.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Riders like <strong>R\u00e9mi Cavagna<\/strong> or <strong>Taco van der Hoorn<\/strong> might fancy a publicity stunt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No real GC or green jersey threats in this lot \u2014 it\u2019s a numbers game for TV airtime.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_a446ae-59, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_a446ae-59[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_a446ae-59\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:25px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_a446ae-59 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_a446ae-59[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_a446ae-59\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_a446ae-59 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_a446ae-59[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_a446ae-59\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_a446ae-59 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_a446ae-59\"><strong>Peloton Response:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_95a892-a9, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_95a892-a9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_95a892-a9\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_95a892-a9 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_95a892-a9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_95a892-a9\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_95a892-a9 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_95a892-a9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_95a892-a9\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_95a892-a9 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_95a892-a9\"><strong>Sprinters\u2019 teams (Alpecin\u2013Deceuninck, Soudal Quick-Step, Jayco AlUla)<\/strong> let them dangle at 2-4 minutes. No panic.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_b9f503-91 .kt-block-spacer{height:20px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_b9f503-91 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-1284_b9f503-91\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_c34a04-12, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_c34a04-12[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_c34a04-12\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:25px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_c34a04-12 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_c34a04-12[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_c34a04-12\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_c34a04-12 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_c34a04-12[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_c34a04-12\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_c34a04-12 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_c34a04-12\"><strong>Mid-Race Management: Keep It Clean<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Watch for <strong>potential crosswind sectors between km 80\u2013110<\/strong>. Nothing savage, but enough for nervous energy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><strong>GC teams (UAE, Visma-Lease a Bike, INEOS)<\/strong> will stay near the front just in case someone tries to split it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intermediate sprint around km 120 \u2014 expect a minor battle among sprinter domestiques for green jersey points if bonus seconds are scarce.Watch for <strong>potential crosswind sectors between km 80\u2013110<\/strong>. Nothing savage, but enough for nervous energy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><strong>GC teams (UAE, Visma-Lease a Bike, INEOS)<\/strong> will stay near the front just in case someone tries to split it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intermediate sprint around km 120 \u2014 expect a minor battle among sprinter domestiques for green jersey points if bonus seconds are scarce.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_092211-b5 .kt-block-spacer{height:20px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_092211-b5 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-1284_092211-b5\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_bee506-02, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_bee506-02[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_bee506-02\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:25px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_bee506-02 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_bee506-02[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_bee506-02\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_bee506-02 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_bee506-02[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_bee506-02\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_bee506-02 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_bee506-02\"><strong>Final 25 km: Leadout Mayhem<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It gets surgical here:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Leadout trains form at 25 km to go.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><strong>Movistar and Arkea\u2013B&amp;B<\/strong> might attempt a late-stage ambush but unlikely to stick.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key roundabouts and narrowing roads at 5 km and 2.5 km to go<\/strong> \u2014 positioning critical.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><strong>Last 500m is clean, wide, straight<\/strong>, so timing is everything<br>Whoever hits the front too soon gets swamped.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id1284_24cd0d-ac{margin-top:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id1284_24cd0d-ac > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1284_24cd0d-ac > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1284_24cd0d-ac > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:1000px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1284_24cd0d-ac > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1284_24cd0d-ac > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1284_24cd0d-ac > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1284_24cd0d-ac alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1284_0e80c4-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column1284_0e80c4-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1284_0e80c4-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1284_0e80c4-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1284_0e80c4-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1284_0e80c4-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1284_0e80c4-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1284_0e80c4-53{position:relative;}.kadence-column1284_0e80c4-53, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column1284_0e80c4-53:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1284_0e80c4-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1284_0e80c4-53 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1284_0e80c4-53\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12\"]{padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_fee89b-12\"><strong>Expect 65-72 km\/h sprints. This will be a drag race.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_93fe48-10 .kt-block-spacer{height:50px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_93fe48-10 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-1284_93fe48-10\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id1284_09fb73-59{margin-top:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id1284_09fb73-59 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1284_09fb73-59 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1284_09fb73-59 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:1000px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1284_09fb73-59 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1284_09fb73-59 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1284_09fb73-59 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1284_09fb73-59 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1284_bdb38e-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column1284_bdb38e-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1284_bdb38e-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1284_bdb38e-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1284_bdb38e-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1284_bdb38e-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1284_bdb38e-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1284_bdb38e-d2{position:relative;}.kadence-column1284_bdb38e-d2, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column1284_bdb38e-d2:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1284_bdb38e-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1284_bdb38e-d2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1284_bdb38e-d2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac\"]{padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_638f92-ac\"><strong>\ud83d\udca3 Bonus Seconds?<\/strong><br>None at the finish \u2014 pure bragging rights and green jersey points. GC teams happy to stay safe in the bunch.<br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_aa9f05-97 .kt-block-spacer{height:50px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_aa9f05-97 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-1284_aa9f05-97\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id1284_2832b0-40{margin-top:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id1284_2832b0-40 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1284_2832b0-40 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1284_2832b0-40 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:1000px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1284_2832b0-40 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1284_2832b0-40 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1284_2832b0-40 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1284_2832b0-40 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1284_9fbf32-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column1284_9fbf32-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1284_9fbf32-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1284_9fbf32-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1284_9fbf32-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1284_9fbf32-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1284_9fbf32-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1284_9fbf32-5b{position:relative;}.kadence-column1284_9fbf32-5b, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column1284_9fbf32-5b:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1284_9fbf32-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1284_9fbf32-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1284_9fbf32-5b\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49\"]{padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_15b9de-49\"><strong>\ud83d\udd25 Stage-Winning Tactic:<\/strong><br><strong>Patience in the last 300m.<br><\/strong> The fastest finisher with the cleanest wheel gets it \u2014 no early launches. Philipsen, Jakobsen, D\u00e9mare will wait till the final 150m.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_10fcdf-ab .kt-block-spacer{height:50px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_10fcdf-ab .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-1284_10fcdf-ab\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id1284_07c61f-6f{margin-top:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id1284_07c61f-6f > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1284_07c61f-6f > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1284_07c61f-6f > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:1000px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1284_07c61f-6f > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1284_07c61f-6f > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1284_07c61f-6f > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1284_07c61f-6f alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1284_b325ec-35 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column1284_b325ec-35 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1284_b325ec-35 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1284_b325ec-35 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1284_b325ec-35 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1284_b325ec-35 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1284_b325ec-35 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1284_b325ec-35{position:relative;}.kadence-column1284_b325ec-35, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column1284_b325ec-35:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1284_b325ec-35 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1284_b325ec-35 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1284_b325ec-35\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76\"]{padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_abf9c1-76\"><strong>Summary:<br><\/strong> <strong>A classic Tour de France flat stage chess match.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_ac2a8f-c9, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_ac2a8f-c9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_ac2a8f-c9\"]{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_ac2a8f-c9 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_ac2a8f-c9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_ac2a8f-c9\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_ac2a8f-c9 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_ac2a8f-c9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_ac2a8f-c9\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_ac2a8f-c9 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_ac2a8f-c9\">The sprinter teams will flex. The GC teams will coast. The breakaway dies a noble death. And in the final 200m \u2014 chaos, carnage, and glory.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_365f5f-e7 .kt-block-spacer{height:20px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_365f5f-e7 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-1284_365f5f-e7\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_c0a2b4-25, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_c0a2b4-25[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_c0a2b4-25\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:28px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_c0a2b4-25 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_c0a2b4-25[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_c0a2b4-25\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_c0a2b4-25 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_c0a2b4-25[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_c0a2b4-25\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_c0a2b4-25 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_c0a2b4-25\"><strong>Who Benefits? Sprinters, Sprinters, and\u2026 Maybe a Rogue Opportunist<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>This is pure speed territory.<\/strong> The kind of day where the GC guys sit tight, the climbers sip on their bidons at the back, and the sprinter squads get down to business like a pack of wolves smelling blood.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_ba14e9-95, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_ba14e9-95[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_ba14e9-95\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);text-align:center;font-size:25px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_ba14e9-95 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_ba14e9-95[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_ba14e9-95\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_ba14e9-95 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_ba14e9-95[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_ba14e9-95\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_ba14e9-95 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_ba14e9-95\">Race <strong>Key Contenders &amp; Suitors:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_786eda-ee, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_786eda-ee[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_786eda-ee\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:22px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_786eda-ee mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_786eda-ee[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_786eda-ee\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_786eda-ee img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_786eda-ee[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_786eda-ee\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h4 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_786eda-ee wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_786eda-ee\"><strong>Top Sprinter Names to Watch Stage 8:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jasper Philipsen<\/strong> \u2014 Top-dog of flat finishes, explosive acceleration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><strong>Fabio Jakobsen<\/strong> \u2014 Fast, fearless, thrives on wide run-ins like Laval.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><strong>Sam Welsford<\/strong> \u2014 Surging form in 2025, underrated punch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Arnaud D\u00e9mare<\/strong> \u2014 Hometown favorite vibe, French flair counts here.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_619b4e-15, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_619b4e-15[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_619b4e-15\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:22px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_619b4e-15 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_619b4e-15[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_619b4e-15\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_619b4e-15 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_619b4e-15[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_619b4e-15\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h4 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_619b4e-15 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_619b4e-15\"><strong>Wild Cards:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mads Pedersen<\/strong> \u2014 If it turns gritty or wet, he\u2019s your man.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><strong>Pascal Ackermann<\/strong> \u2014 Hungry to prove a point this Tour.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_2fb58a-19 .kt-block-spacer{height:20px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_2fb58a-19 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-1284_2fb58a-19\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_664869-37, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_664869-37[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_664869-37\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:25px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_664869-37 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_664869-37[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_664869-37\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_664869-37 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_664869-37[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_664869-37\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_664869-37 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_664869-37\"><strong>Tactical Stakes:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Leadout Trains:<\/strong> Expect the big sprinter squads (Alpecin\u2013Deceuninck, Soudal Quick-Step, Jayco AlUla) to control the final 20 km like a well-oiled machine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><strong>Breakaway Chances:<\/strong> \ud83d\uded1 Slim to none. On paper, it\u2019s a nailed-on sprint day. The flat run-in and lack of crosswind sections offer no solid terrain for a breakaway to stick.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GC Riders:<\/strong> Hide in the pack, avoid crashes, stay out of trouble. No time gaps here unless someone hits the deck late.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_f464ee-74 .kt-block-spacer{height:20px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_f464ee-74 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-1284_f464ee-74\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_f49513-bf, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_f49513-bf[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_f49513-bf\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:25px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_f49513-bf mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_f49513-bf[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_f49513-bf\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_f49513-bf img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_f49513-bf[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_f49513-bf\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_f49513-bf wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_f49513-bf\"><strong>Final Straight Prediction:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Last 3 km:<\/strong> Wide roads, perfect for aligned sprint trains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><strong>Last 500m:<\/strong> Straight, very slightly downhill \u2014 ideal for a drag race.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expect speeds north of 70 km\/h.<\/strong> Whoever opens the sprint late has the advantage here.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_c5889e-7f .kt-block-spacer{height:30px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_c5889e-7f .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-1284_c5889e-7f\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_48e94d-56, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_48e94d-56[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_48e94d-56\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-size:25px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_48e94d-56 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_48e94d-56[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_48e94d-56\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_48e94d-56 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_48e94d-56[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_48e94d-56\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_48e94d-56 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_48e94d-56\"><strong>KOM and Points:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>KOM:<\/strong> Only a couple of category 4 bumps \u2014 meaningless for the climbers, a nice token for a breakaway rider before the sprinter squads reel them in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><strong>Green Jersey Battle:<\/strong> Critical day for points. Every sprinter worth his salt will want to scoop both intermediate sprint points and the stage win.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id1284_1582ec-93{margin-top:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id1284_1582ec-93 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1284_1582ec-93 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1284_1582ec-93 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:1000px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1284_1582ec-93 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1284_1582ec-93 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1284_1582ec-93 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1284_1582ec-93 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1284_cff890-af > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column1284_cff890-af > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1284_cff890-af > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1284_cff890-af > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1284_cff890-af > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1284_cff890-af > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1284_cff890-af > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1284_cff890-af{position:relative;}.kadence-column1284_cff890-af, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column1284_cff890-af:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1284_cff890-af > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1284_cff890-af > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1284_cff890-af\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_2da853-98, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_2da853-98[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_2da853-98\"]{padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_2da853-98 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_2da853-98[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_2da853-98\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_2da853-98 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_2da853-98[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_2da853-98\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_2da853-98, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_2da853-98[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_2da853-98\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_2da853-98, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_2da853-98[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_2da853-98\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_2da853-98 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_2da853-98\"><strong>Summary:<br><\/strong> <strong>Stage 8 is a sprinter\u2019s paradise.<\/strong> If there\u2019s a day to line up your leadout train like a dragstrip showdown, this is it. The GC guys hide, the opportunists dream, but it\u2019s the fast-twitch muscle men who write the headlines.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_d85fd2-8c .kt-block-spacer{height:20px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_d85fd2-8c .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-1284_d85fd2-8c\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_6b3d06-e2, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_6b3d06-e2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_6b3d06-e2\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:28px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_6b3d06-e2 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_6b3d06-e2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_6b3d06-e2\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_6b3d06-e2 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_6b3d06-e2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_6b3d06-e2\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_6b3d06-e2 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_6b3d06-e2\"><strong>Predictions &amp; Fan Polls \u2013 Stage 8: Laval Sprint Showdown<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_23bb60-f8, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_23bb60-f8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_23bb60-f8\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:25px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_23bb60-f8 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_23bb60-f8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_23bb60-f8\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_23bb60-f8 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_23bb60-f8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_23bb60-f8\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_23bb60-f8 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_23bb60-f8\"><strong>Who Wins Stage 8?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is <strong>pure sprinter territory<\/strong> \u2014 no climbs, no tricks, no excuses. Laval\u2019s slightly downhill, arrow-straight final kilometer is built for speed freaks and fearless leadout trains. Expect <strong>the fastest legs in the peloton to rip this one apart<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_b5ffef-10, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_b5ffef-10[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_b5ffef-10\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:25px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_b5ffef-10 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_b5ffef-10[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_b5ffef-10\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_b5ffef-10 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_b5ffef-10[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_b5ffef-10\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_b5ffef-10 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_b5ffef-10\"><strong>Likely Stage 8 Outcome:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bunch sprint?<\/strong> \u2014 90% probability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><strong>Breakaway steal?<\/strong> \u2014 5% (only if the peloton naps through lunch)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Crazy GC rider attack?<\/strong> \u2014 0% (they\u2019ll be counting croissants)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_9fc7d5-4a, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_9fc7d5-4a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_9fc7d5-4a\"]{font-size:25px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_9fc7d5-4a mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_9fc7d5-4a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_9fc7d5-4a\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_9fc7d5-4a img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_9fc7d5-4a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_9fc7d5-4a\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_9fc7d5-4a wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_9fc7d5-4a\"><strong>Top Contenders to Watch in Stage 8:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id1284_6c1932-ca{margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);}.kb-row-layout-id1284_6c1932-ca > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1284_6c1932-ca > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1284_6c1932-ca > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:850px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1284_6c1932-ca > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1284_6c1932-ca > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1284_6c1932-ca > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1284_6c1932-ca alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1284_02f8fe-12 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1284_02f8fe-12 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1284_02f8fe-12 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1284_02f8fe-12 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1284_02f8fe-12 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1284_02f8fe-12 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1284_02f8fe-12{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1284_02f8fe-12 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1284_02f8fe-12 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1284_02f8fe-12\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-table-container1284_f0e0fd-2b{font-size:15px;overflow-x:auto;}.kb-table-container .kb-table1284_f0e0fd-2b th{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);text-align:center;}.kb-table-container .kb-table1284_f0e0fd-2b caption{text-align:center;}.kb-table-container .kb-table1284_f0e0fd-2b td{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);text-align:center;}.kb-table-container .kb-table1284_f0e0fd-2b tr{border-bottom:1px solid rgba(113,128,150,0.57);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-table-container .kb-table1284_f0e0fd-2b tr{border-bottom:1px solid rgba(113,128,150,0.57);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-table-container .kb-table1284_f0e0fd-2b tr{border-bottom:1px solid rgba(113,128,150,0.57);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-table-container kb-table-container1284_f0e0fd-2b wp-block-kadence-table\"><table class=\"kb-table kb-table1284_f0e0fd-2b\">\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row1284_b0b03f-40{height:55px;}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row1284_b0b03f-40\">\n<th  scope=\"col\" class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data1284_15c519-bd\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83c\udf1f Rider<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/th>\n\n<th  scope=\"col\" class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data1284_42e407-72\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\ud83d\udcaa Why He Wins<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row1284_ffd29e-bf{height:50px;}.kb-table-container  .kb-table tr.kb-table-row1284_ffd29e-bf:hover{background-color:#fcfcfc;}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row1284_ffd29e-bf\">\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data1284_59f4e4-5d\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jasper Philipsen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data1284_daa70e-62\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">FFastest man on two wheels this year. Perfect for Laval\u2019s flat, fast finish.<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row1284_0955d0-f0{height:50px;}.kb-table-container  .kb-table tr.kb-table-row1284_0955d0-f0:hover{background-color:#fcfcfc;}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row1284_0955d0-f0\">\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data1284_cab77c-7b\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Arnaud D\u00e9mare<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data1284_68f2f2-3c\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Local French hero. Knows these roads like the back of his bidon.<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row1284_8649cc-a1{height:50px;}.kb-table-container  .kb-table tr.kb-table-row1284_8649cc-a1:hover{background-color:#fcfcfc;}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row1284_8649cc-a1\">\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data1284_4d941f-e9\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fabio Jakobsen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data1284_4d579f-74\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Sprint legs waking up at just the right moment. Deadly in a clean run-in.<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row1284_05535f-92{height:50px;}.kb-table-container  .kb-table tr.kb-table-row1284_05535f-92:hover{background-color:#fcfcfc;}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row1284_05535f-92\">\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data1284_d789f0-97\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong>Sam Welsford<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data1284_49662b-4e\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Aussie bullet train. Punches hard when it\u2019s slightly downhill.<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id1284_1f24df-37{margin-top:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id1284_1f24df-37 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1284_1f24df-37 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1284_1f24df-37 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:1000px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1284_1f24df-37 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1284_1f24df-37 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1284_1f24df-37 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1284_1f24df-37 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1284_e4b90e-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column1284_e4b90e-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1284_e4b90e-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1284_e4b90e-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1284_e4b90e-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1284_e4b90e-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1284_e4b90e-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1284_e4b90e-69{position:relative;}.kadence-column1284_e4b90e-69, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column1284_e4b90e-69:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1284_e4b90e-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1284_e4b90e-69 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1284_e4b90e-69\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0\"]{padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_9e487d-f0\"><strong>\u201cWho takes Laval\u2019s sprint crown? Philipsen, D\u00e9mare, Jakobsen, or a surprise rocket? Drop your pick below!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_4164ec-bb .kt-block-spacer{height:30px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_4164ec-bb .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-1284_4164ec-bb\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_e3e7f2-ae, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_e3e7f2-ae[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_e3e7f2-ae\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-size:28px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_e3e7f2-ae mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_e3e7f2-ae[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_e3e7f2-ae\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_e3e7f2-ae img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_e3e7f2-ae[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_e3e7f2-ae\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_e3e7f2-ae wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_e3e7f2-ae\"><strong>My Bold Call:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jasper Philipsen<\/strong> by half a bike length over D\u00e9mare, with Jakobsen third. Philipsen\u2019s Alpecin-Deceuninck squad\u2019s been laser-sharp on leadouts, and this finish suits him like a well-fitted skinsuit. I wouldn\u2019t be shocked to see <strong>Sam Welsford sneak onto the podium<\/strong> if things get messy late.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_909c52-53 .kt-block-spacer{height:30px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-1284_909c52-53 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-1284_909c52-53\"><div class=\"kt-block-spacer kt-block-spacer-halign-center\"><hr class=\"kt-divider\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id1284_f0519b-16{margin-top:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id1284_f0519b-16 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id1284_f0519b-16 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id1284_f0519b-16 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:1000px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id1284_f0519b-16 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id1284_f0519b-16 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id1284_f0519b-16 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id1284_f0519b-16 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column1284_2b6ea5-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column1284_2b6ea5-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column1284_2b6ea5-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column1284_2b6ea5-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column1284_2b6ea5-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column1284_2b6ea5-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column1284_2b6ea5-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column1284_2b6ea5-05{position:relative;}.kadence-column1284_2b6ea5-05, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column1284_2b6ea5-05:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column1284_2b6ea5-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column1284_2b6ea5-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column1284_2b6ea5-05\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12\"]{padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading1284_5c7309-12\"><strong>Drama Factor<\/strong>: 9.5\/10<br><strong>Potential for photofinish?<\/strong> Oh hell yes<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A pure sprinter\u2019s paradise with wide roads, straight runs, and a fast finale in Laval Espace Mayenne. Expect full-gas lead-out trains and a sprint royale. Stage 8 Key Tactics &amp; Team Strategies Today\u2019s script is written for the sprinters \u2014 but as always in cycling, no script survives contact with the peloton. Here\u2019s how this&#8230;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1284","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-tdf-guide"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":27,"label":"Tour de France Guide"}]},"featured_image_src_large":false,"author_info":{"display_name":"Gautier Durfort","author_link":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/author\/gautier-durfort\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":27,"name":"Tour de France Guide","slug":"tdf-guide","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":27,"taxonomy":"category","description":"Tour de France 2025 Guide: Stage-by-stage breakdowns, route maps, team previews, and expert predictions for all 21 days of racing. Your complete TDF resource","parent":0,"count":31,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":27,"category_count":31,"category_description":"Tour de France 2025 Guide: Stage-by-stage breakdowns, route maps, team previews, and expert predictions for all 21 days of racing. Your complete TDF resource","cat_name":"Tour de France Guide","category_nicename":"tdf-guide","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1284","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1284"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1284\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1284"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1284"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1284"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}