{"id":678,"date":"2025-05-13T18:37:47","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T16:37:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/?p=678"},"modified":"2025-05-20T12:08:35","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T10:08:35","slug":"stage-2-strategy-and-prediction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/stage-2-strategy-and-prediction\/","title":{"rendered":"Stage 2 Key Tactics &amp; Team Strategies"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_43357c-3e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_43357c-3e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_43357c-3e\"]{padding-bottom:0px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_43357c-3e mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_43357c-3e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_43357c-3e\"] 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-heading678_43357c-3e img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_43357c-3e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_43357c-3e\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_43357c-3e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_43357c-3e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_43357c-3e\"]{margin-bottom:0px;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading678_43357c-3e wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_43357c-3e\">Stage 2 isn\u2019t just a race \u2014 it\u2019s a tactical chess match played at warp speed. <strong>Who controls the road controls the race.<\/strong> And here\u2019s how it\u2019s gonna shake out:<br><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_fd7b88-bd .kt-block-spacer{height:30px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_fd7b88-bd .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_fd7b88-bd .kt-block-spacer{height:20px!important;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-678_fd7b88-bd\"><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-heading678_86352a-63, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_86352a-63[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_86352a-63\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);text-align:center;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_86352a-63 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_86352a-63[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_86352a-63\"] 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-heading678_86352a-63 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_86352a-63[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_86352a-63\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_86352a-63, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_86352a-63[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_86352a-63\"]{font-size:22px;}}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_86352a-63 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_86352a-63\"><strong>Stage 2 Race Strategy &amp; Predictions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stage 2 isn\u2019t your average ride through the park. With punchy climbs, tricky descents, and a finale that smells like an ambush for the big boys, predicting a winner\u2019s like threading a needle in a crosswind.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_7c7010-e0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_7c7010-e0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_7c7010-e0\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_7c7010-e0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_7c7010-e0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_7c7010-e0\"] 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-heading678_7c7010-e0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_7c7010-e0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_7c7010-e0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_7c7010-e0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_7c7010-e0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_7c7010-e0\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:20px;}}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_7c7010-e0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_7c7010-e0\"><strong>How Teams Will Play It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><strong>Early Breakaway?<br><\/strong>Bet your bottom euro someone\u2019s launching. A group of 4-8 riders will clip off after the flag drops, hoping the peloton shrugs and lets them dangle like a worm on a hook. But unless it\u2019s packed with strong rouleurs and domestiques from wildcard teams, the big boys won\u2019t let it get far.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\"><strong>Crosswind Drama<\/strong><br>Somewhere around km 120\u2013150 near Saint-Omer, expect the echelons to split like cheap zippers. <strong>Visma\u2013Lease a Bike<\/strong>, <strong>UAE Emirates<\/strong>, and <strong>INEOS Grenadiers<\/strong> will push the pace when the wind\u2019s at a nasty angle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_8caee9-bb, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_8caee9-bb[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_8caee9-bb\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_8caee9-bb mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_8caee9-bb[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_8caee9-bb\"] 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-heading678_8caee9-bb img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_8caee9-bb[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_8caee9-bb\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_8caee9-bb wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_8caee9-bb\">Key Tactical Zone:<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id678_b0dc59-24{margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);}.kb-row-layout-id678_b0dc59-24 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id678_b0dc59-24 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id678_b0dc59-24 > .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-id678_b0dc59-24 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id678_b0dc59-24 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id678_b0dc59-24 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id678_b0dc59-24 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-column678_99bd70-46 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column678_99bd70-46 > .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-column678_99bd70-46 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column678_99bd70-46 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column678_99bd70-46 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column678_99bd70-46 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column678_99bd70-46{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column678_99bd70-46 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column678_99bd70-46 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column678_99bd70-46\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-table-container678_0da81b-5c{font-size:15px;overflow-x:auto;}.kb-table-container .kb-table678_0da81b-5c 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-table678_0da81b-5c caption{text-align:center;}.kb-table-container .kb-table678_0da81b-5c 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-table678_0da81b-5c tr{border-bottom:1px solid rgba(113,128,150,0.57);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-table-container .kb-table678_0da81b-5c tr{border-bottom:1px solid rgba(113,128,150,0.57);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-table-container .kb-table678_0da81b-5c tr{border-bottom:1px solid rgba(113,128,150,0.57);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-table-container kb-table-container678_0da81b-5c wp-block-kadence-table\"><table class=\"kb-table kb-table678_0da81b-5c\">\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row678_6263e1-2d{height:55px;}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row678_6263e1-2d\">\n<th  scope=\"col\" class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_bc7150-df\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Kilometer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/th>\n\n<th  scope=\"col\" class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_6b67b4-e2\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tactic<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/th>\n\n<th  scope=\"col\" class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_708aa3-a5\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who Gains<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row678_cb2781-33{height:50px;}.kb-table-container  .kb-table tr.kb-table-row678_cb2781-33:hover{background-color:#fcfcfc;}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row678_cb2781-33\">\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_3cd5ac-db\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">0\u201330 km<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_a77c2e-4d\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Breakaway jumpers<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_43a464-8b\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Baroudeurs, opportunists<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row678_28448e-f4{height:50px;}.kb-table-container  .kb-table tr.kb-table-row678_28448e-f4:hover{background-color:#fcfcfc;}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row678_28448e-f4\">\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_8d7b73-eb\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">100\u2013150 km<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_ae0817-68\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Echelon crosswinds<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_84262f-61\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">GC teams with muscle squads<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row678_3ca1ac-53{height:50px;}.kb-table-container  .kb-table tr.kb-table-row678_3ca1ac-53:hover{background-color:#fcfcfc;}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row678_3ca1ac-53\">\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_2c455b-06\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">180\u2013212 km<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_453979-17\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Lead-outs &amp; puncheur ambush<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_da52ce-de\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Van Aert, Van der Poel, Pidcock<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_e956d6-19, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_e956d6-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_e956d6-19\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_e956d6-19 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_e956d6-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_e956d6-19\"] 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-heading678_e956d6-19 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_e956d6-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_e956d6-19\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_e956d6-19, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_e956d6-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_e956d6-19\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);margin-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-size:20px;}}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_e956d6-19 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_e956d6-19\"><strong>Lead-Out Trains &amp; Sprint Setups<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>If the sprinters somehow survive the hills, their teams will have to burn a matchbox worth of riders<\/em> keeping them in position. Expect Alpecin\u2013Deceuninck and Lidl\u2013Trek to try, but the late ramps might scupper their plans.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id678_d52704-92{margin-top:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id678_d52704-92 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id678_d52704-92 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id678_d52704-92 > .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-id678_d52704-92 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id678_d52704-92 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id678_d52704-92 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id678_d52704-92 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-column678_7d183a-45 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column678_7d183a-45 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column678_7d183a-45 > .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-column678_7d183a-45 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column678_7d183a-45 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column678_7d183a-45 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column678_7d183a-45 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column678_7d183a-45{position:relative;}.kadence-column678_7d183a-45, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column678_7d183a-45:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column678_7d183a-45 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column678_7d183a-45 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column678_7d183a-45\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_39b16c-19, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_39b16c-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_39b16c-19\"]{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-heading678_39b16c-19 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_39b16c-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_39b16c-19\"] 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-heading678_39b16c-19 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_39b16c-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_39b16c-19\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_39b16c-19, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_39b16c-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_39b16c-19\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_39b16c-19, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_39b16c-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_39b16c-19\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading678_39b16c-19 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_39b16c-19\"><strong>More likely?<\/strong> A late solo flyer or reduced bunch sprint among puncheurs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_119f7f-80, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_119f7f-80[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_119f7f-80\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_119f7f-80 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_119f7f-80[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_119f7f-80\"] 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-heading678_119f7f-80 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_119f7f-80[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_119f7f-80\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_119f7f-80, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_119f7f-80[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_119f7f-80\"]{font-size:20px;}}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_119f7f-80 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_119f7f-80\"><strong>Bonus Seconds Could Bite<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_29f10e-89, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_29f10e-89[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_29f10e-89\"]{line-height:2;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_29f10e-89 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_29f10e-89[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_29f10e-89\"] 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-heading678_29f10e-89 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_29f10e-89[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_29f10e-89\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading678_29f10e-89 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_29f10e-89\">Don\u2019t sleep on those <strong>10-6-4 bonus seconds<\/strong> at the finish.<br>GC guys like Pogacar, Vingegaard, Evenepoel?<br>They\u2019ll send a wingman to sniff them out if the finish gets spicy.<br><strong>A sneaky 6 seconds now is a lifeline in week 3.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id678_b3bd74-32{margin-top:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id678_b3bd74-32 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id678_b3bd74-32 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id678_b3bd74-32 > .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-id678_b3bd74-32 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id678_b3bd74-32 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id678_b3bd74-32 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id678_b3bd74-32 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-column678_845609-c4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column678_845609-c4 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column678_845609-c4 > .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-column678_845609-c4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column678_845609-c4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column678_845609-c4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column678_845609-c4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column678_845609-c4{position:relative;}.kadence-column678_845609-c4, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column678_845609-c4:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column678_845609-c4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column678_845609-c4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column678_845609-c4\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_4e94aa-5a, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_4e94aa-5a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_4e94aa-5a\"]{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-heading678_4e94aa-5a mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_4e94aa-5a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_4e94aa-5a\"] 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-heading678_4e94aa-5a img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_4e94aa-5a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_4e94aa-5a\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_4e94aa-5a, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_4e94aa-5a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_4e94aa-5a\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_4e94aa-5a, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_4e94aa-5a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_4e94aa-5a\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading678_4e94aa-5a wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_4e94aa-5a\"><strong>In short: expect tactical carnage.<br><\/strong> Or as the locals say, <em>\u201cCe sera le bazar sur la route !\u201d<\/em> (It\u2019ll be a mess out there!)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_08595c-f1 .kt-block-spacer{height:30px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_08595c-f1 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_08595c-f1 .kt-block-spacer{height:20px!important;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-678_08595c-f1\"><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-heading678_b762ae-ed, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b762ae-ed[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b762ae-ed\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b762ae-ed mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b762ae-ed[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b762ae-ed\"] 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-heading678_b762ae-ed img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b762ae-ed[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b762ae-ed\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b762ae-ed, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b762ae-ed[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b762ae-ed\"]{font-size:22px;}}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_b762ae-ed wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b762ae-ed\"><strong>\u26a1 Who Benefits? Puncheurs &amp; Opportunists On the Hunt <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If Stage 1 was a sprinter\u2019s paradise, <em>Stage 2 is where the fast-twitchers start sweating and the classics specialists start licking their lips<\/em>. It\u2019s one of those days where you either feast or you\u2019re the one getting eaten.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_eb0b18-2b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_eb0b18-2b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_eb0b18-2b\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_eb0b18-2b mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_eb0b18-2b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_eb0b18-2b\"] 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-heading678_eb0b18-2b img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_eb0b18-2b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_eb0b18-2b\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_eb0b18-2b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_eb0b18-2b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_eb0b18-2b\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:20px;}}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_eb0b18-2b wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_eb0b18-2b\"><strong>\ud83d\udeb4\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Who\u2019s This Stage Made For?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Puncheurs:<br><\/strong> <em>The likes of Wout van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel, and Tom Pidcock will see this profile and grin like a fox in a henhouse.<br><\/em> Short, sharp climbs, technical finishes, and high-speed chaos? Chef\u2019s kiss.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><strong>Breakaway Artists:<br><\/strong> With so many rolling hills and risky crosswind sections, don\u2019t be shocked if a cheeky early move sticks. Expect second-tier GC riders and opportunistic baroudeurs to sniff their chance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>GC Leaders:<\/strong><br>They won\u2019t win, but <em>they sure as hell can lose time<\/em>. Get caught napping in an echelon or misjudge positioning before a late climb and you\u2019ll be crying into your bidon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_30279e-96 .kt-block-spacer{height:30px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_30279e-96 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_30279e-96 .kt-block-spacer{height:20px!important;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-678_30279e-96\"><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-heading678_b9c07d-ff, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b9c07d-ff[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b9c07d-ff\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b9c07d-ff mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b9c07d-ff[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b9c07d-ff\"] 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-heading678_b9c07d-ff img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b9c07d-ff[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b9c07d-ff\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b9c07d-ff, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b9c07d-ff[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b9c07d-ff\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:20px;}}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_b9c07d-ff wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b9c07d-ff\"><strong>\ud83d\udcc8 Top 5 Riders Who\u2019ll Fancy This<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Wout van Aert (Visma\u2013Lease a Bike)<\/strong> \u2013 king of chaos stages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><strong>Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin\u2013Deceuninck)<\/strong> \u2013 watch him launch at C\u00f4te de Saint-Martin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tom Pidcock (INEOS Grenadiers)<\/strong> \u2013 technical descents? Yes please.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><strong>Matej Mohori\u010d (Bahrain Victorious)<\/strong> \u2013 if it goes long-range, he\u2019s your man.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Valentin Madouas (Groupama\u2013FDJ)<\/strong> \u2013 local knowledge, legs of steel.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_913279-1d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_913279-1d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_913279-1d\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_913279-1d mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_913279-1d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_913279-1d\"] 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-heading678_913279-1d img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_913279-1d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_913279-1d\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_913279-1d wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_913279-1d\"><strong>\ud83d\udc80 Who\u2019s Gonna Suffer?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pure sprinters<\/strong> like Jasper Philipsen and Sam Bennett \u2014 this day\u2019s a noose around their neck.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">GC hopefuls without good positioning squads.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anyone still nursing a hangover from Stage 1.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id678_eca0f8-2f{margin-top:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id678_eca0f8-2f > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id678_eca0f8-2f > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id678_eca0f8-2f > .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-id678_eca0f8-2f > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id678_eca0f8-2f > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id678_eca0f8-2f > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id678_eca0f8-2f 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-column678_745850-79 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column678_745850-79 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column678_745850-79 > .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-column678_745850-79 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column678_745850-79 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column678_745850-79 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column678_745850-79 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column678_745850-79{position:relative;}.kadence-column678_745850-79, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column678_745850-79:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column678_745850-79 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column678_745850-79 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column678_745850-79\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_7b4b1c-de, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_7b4b1c-de[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_7b4b1c-de\"]{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-heading678_7b4b1c-de mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_7b4b1c-de[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_7b4b1c-de\"] 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-heading678_7b4b1c-de img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_7b4b1c-de[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_7b4b1c-de\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_7b4b1c-de, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_7b4b1c-de[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_7b4b1c-de\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_7b4b1c-de, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_7b4b1c-de[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_7b4b1c-de\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading678_7b4b1c-de wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_7b4b1c-de\">As the old saying goes, <em>\u201cwhen the wind blows, the weak fall like leaves.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_9d99e6-97 .kt-block-spacer{height:30px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_9d99e6-97 .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_9d99e6-97 .kt-block-spacer{height:20px!important;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-678_9d99e6-97\"><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-heading678_3d003d-fd, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_3d003d-fd[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_3d003d-fd\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_3d003d-fd mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_3d003d-fd[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_3d003d-fd\"] 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-heading678_3d003d-fd img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_3d003d-fd[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_3d003d-fd\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_3d003d-fd, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_3d003d-fd[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_3d003d-fd\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-size:22px;}}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_3d003d-fd wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_3d003d-fd\"><strong>\ud83d\udd2e Deep-Dive Predictions &amp; Fan Polls \u2013 Stage 2: Who Dares, Wins<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If <strong>Stage 1 was a sprinters\u2019 royal rumble<\/strong>, then Stage 2 is a <strong>hilly ambush dressed as a Sunday spin<\/strong>. The 212 km stretch from <strong>Lauwin-Planque to Boulogne-sur-Mer<\/strong> is tailor-made for plot twists \u2014 think Game of Thrones on wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_d721d1-ef, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_d721d1-ef[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_d721d1-ef\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_d721d1-ef mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_d721d1-ef[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_d721d1-ef\"] 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-heading678_d721d1-ef img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_d721d1-ef[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_d721d1-ef\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_d721d1-ef wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_d721d1-ef\"><strong>Who\u2019s in the Mix for Stage 2 Glory?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s break the suspects down, crime drama style:<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_3e3f52-0a, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_3e3f52-0a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_3e3f52-0a\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_3e3f52-0a mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_3e3f52-0a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_3e3f52-0a\"] 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-heading678_3e3f52-0a img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_3e3f52-0a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_3e3f52-0a\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h4 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_3e3f52-0a wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_3e3f52-0a\"><strong>\ud83e\udd77 The Puncheur Pack (aka the wall punchers)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These guys love a nasty, short climb and know how to kick like a mule on the final ramp:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Julian Alaphilippe<\/strong> \u2014 practically born for this finish<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><strong>Mathieu van der Poel<\/strong> \u2014 if he smells blood, he\u2019ll launch like a Dutch rocket<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tom Pidcock<\/strong> \u2014 tiny, wiry, and fearless downhill<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_8c7f20-dd, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_8c7f20-dd[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_8c7f20-dd\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_8c7f20-dd mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_8c7f20-dd[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_8c7f20-dd\"] 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-heading678_8c7f20-dd img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_8c7f20-dd[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_8c7f20-dd\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h4 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_8c7f20-dd wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_8c7f20-dd\"><strong>The Breakaway Cowboys<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With so many bumps and false flats, a breakaway has a puncher\u2019s chance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Valentin Madouas<\/strong> or <strong>Magnus Cort Nielsen<\/strong> \u2014 both love a long-range move<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><strong>Neilson Powless<\/strong> \u2014 has been known to go rogue when the peloton naps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_e0603e-3b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_e0603e-3b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_e0603e-3b\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_e0603e-3b mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_e0603e-3b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_e0603e-3b\"] 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-heading678_e0603e-3b img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_e0603e-3b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_e0603e-3b\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h4 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_e0603e-3b wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_e0603e-3b\"><strong>\ud83c\udfc6 The GC Shark Testers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s too early for the yellow jersey shootout, but a few big names might go fishing for bonus seconds on the final climb:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/strong> \u2014 if he smells weakness, forget it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\"><strong>Remco Evenepoel<\/strong> \u2014 can\u2019t resist a dig<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Jonas Vingegaard<\/strong> \u2014 might stay quiet, but watch that final 500m<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_65f911-ff, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_65f911-ff[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_65f911-ff\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_65f911-ff mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_65f911-ff[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_65f911-ff\"] 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-heading678_65f911-ff img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_65f911-ff[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_65f911-ff\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_65f911-ff wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_65f911-ff\"><strong>Fan Poll \u2014 Spill the Beans<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_89c2ad-58, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_89c2ad-58[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_89c2ad-58\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_89c2ad-58 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_89c2ad-58[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_89c2ad-58\"] 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-heading678_89c2ad-58 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_89c2ad-58[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_89c2ad-58\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_89c2ad-58, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_89c2ad-58[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_89c2ad-58\"]{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);margin-bottom:0px;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading678_89c2ad-58 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_89c2ad-58\">Who\u2019s your pick for the <em>Stage 2 win<\/em>?<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id678_f4f47a-dc{margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);}.kb-row-layout-id678_f4f47a-dc > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id678_f4f47a-dc > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id678_f4f47a-dc > .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-id678_f4f47a-dc > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id678_f4f47a-dc > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id678_f4f47a-dc{margin-top:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id678_f4f47a-dc > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id678_f4f47a-dc 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-column678_7ecc10-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column678_7ecc10-e4 > .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-column678_7ecc10-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column678_7ecc10-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column678_7ecc10-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column678_7ecc10-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column678_7ecc10-e4{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column678_7ecc10-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column678_7ecc10-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column678_7ecc10-e4\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-table-container678_19970c-75{font-size:15px;overflow-x:auto;}.kb-table-container .kb-table678_19970c-75 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-table678_19970c-75 caption{text-align:center;}.kb-table-container .kb-table678_19970c-75 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-table678_19970c-75 tr{border-bottom:1px solid rgba(113,128,150,0.57);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-table-container .kb-table678_19970c-75 tr{border-bottom:1px solid rgba(113,128,150,0.57);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-table-container .kb-table678_19970c-75 tr{border-bottom:1px solid rgba(113,128,150,0.57);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-table-container kb-table-container678_19970c-75 wp-block-kadence-table\"><table class=\"kb-table kb-table678_19970c-75\">\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row678_baaf1a-a7{height:55px;}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row678_baaf1a-a7\">\n<th  scope=\"col\" class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_8d4e8f-74\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Option<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/th>\n\n<th  scope=\"col\" class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_6d2d51-a9\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><strong>Vibe<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row678_b3fd35-50{height:50px;}.kb-table-container  .kb-table tr.kb-table-row678_b3fd35-50:hover{background-color:#fcfcfc;}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row678_b3fd35-50\">\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_e04320-33\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca5 A puncheur (Alaphilippe, MvdP)<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_b3c539-6b\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Explosive, loves a sharp climb<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row678_2ed0b4-97{height:50px;}.kb-table-container  .kb-table tr.kb-table-row678_2ed0b4-97:hover{background-color:#fcfcfc;}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row678_2ed0b4-97\">\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_c672d8-13\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83c\udfad A breakaway artist<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_35983a-e1\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Bold, opportunistic, TV time hero<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row678_3ae68e-33{height:50px;}.kb-table-container  .kb-table tr.kb-table-row678_3ae68e-33:hover{background-color:#fcfcfc;}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row678_3ae68e-33\">\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_d6b125-32\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83e\udd47 A GC big name<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_7ef9bc-84\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Testing the waters, bonus hunter<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row678_a3a6ec-63{height:50px;}.kb-table-container  .kb-table tr.kb-table-row678_a3a6ec-63:hover{background-color:#fcfcfc;}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row678_a3a6ec-63\">\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_44c6f9-02\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">\u26a1 A sprinter with goat legs<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td  class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data678_ee0b7e-2f\">\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Survives climbs, shocks everyone<\/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-id678_457f9d-df{margin-top:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id678_457f9d-df > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id678_457f9d-df > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id678_457f9d-df > .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-id678_457f9d-df > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id678_457f9d-df > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id678_457f9d-df > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id678_457f9d-df 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-column678_7c9c43-af > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column678_7c9c43-af > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column678_7c9c43-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-column678_7c9c43-af > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column678_7c9c43-af > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column678_7c9c43-af > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column678_7c9c43-af > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column678_7c9c43-af{position:relative;}.kadence-column678_7c9c43-af, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column678_7c9c43-af:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column678_7c9c43-af > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column678_7c9c43-af > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column678_7c9c43-af\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_36dd39-f8, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_36dd39-f8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_36dd39-f8\"]{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-heading678_36dd39-f8 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_36dd39-f8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_36dd39-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-heading678_36dd39-f8 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_36dd39-f8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_36dd39-f8\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_36dd39-f8, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_36dd39-f8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_36dd39-f8\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_36dd39-f8, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_36dd39-f8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_36dd39-f8\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading678_36dd39-f8 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_36dd39-f8\">\ud83d\udc49 <strong>Vote now and prove your cycling IQ\u2019s sharper than a carbon brake disc.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_e994a3-ab .kt-block-spacer{height:30px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_e994a3-ab .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_e994a3-ab .kt-block-spacer{height:20px!important;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-678_e994a3-ab\"><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-heading678_972462-9e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_972462-9e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_972462-9e\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_972462-9e mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_972462-9e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_972462-9e\"] 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-heading678_972462-9e img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_972462-9e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_972462-9e\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_972462-9e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_972462-9e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_972462-9e\"]{font-size:22px;}}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_972462-9e wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_972462-9e\"><strong>First KOM Jersey \u2014 Who Nabs the Polka Dots?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s no Alpe d\u2019Huez yet, but five categorized climbs means somebody\u2019s going polka-dot shopping. Likely suspects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A breakaway rebel from a wildcard team<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Someone who wants their mum to see them on TV<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id678_0bd69f-54{margin-top:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id678_0bd69f-54 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id678_0bd69f-54 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id678_0bd69f-54 > .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-id678_0bd69f-54 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id678_0bd69f-54 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id678_0bd69f-54 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id678_0bd69f-54 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-column678_c3019a-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column678_c3019a-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column678_c3019a-4e > .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-column678_c3019a-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column678_c3019a-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column678_c3019a-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column678_c3019a-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column678_c3019a-4e{position:relative;}.kadence-column678_c3019a-4e, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column678_c3019a-4e:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column678_c3019a-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column678_c3019a-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column678_c3019a-4e\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b3f425-5d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b3f425-5d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b3f425-5d\"]{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-heading678_b3f425-5d mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b3f425-5d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b3f425-5d\"] 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-heading678_b3f425-5d img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b3f425-5d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b3f425-5d\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b3f425-5d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b3f425-5d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b3f425-5d\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b3f425-5d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b3f425-5d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b3f425-5d\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading678_b3f425-5d wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b3f425-5d\"><strong>Name to watch:<\/strong> <em>Victor Campenaerts<\/em> \u2014 engine like a tractor and loves a good dig.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_f10310-cc .kt-block-spacer{height:30px;}.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_f10310-cc .kt-divider{border-top-width:1px;height:1px;border-top-color:#eee;width:80%;border-top-style:solid;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-spacer.kt-block-spacer-678_f10310-cc .kt-block-spacer{height:20px!important;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-spacer aligncenter kt-block-spacer-678_f10310-cc\"><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-heading678_b66624-be, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b66624-be[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b66624-be\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b66624-be mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b66624-be[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b66624-be\"] 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-heading678_b66624-be img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b66624-be[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b66624-be\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b66624-be, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_b66624-be[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b66624-be\"]{padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-size:22px;}}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading678_b66624-be wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_b66624-be\"><strong>\ud83d\udcac Fan Corner: Comment Roulette<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id678_6230e3-ac{margin-top:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id678_6230e3-ac > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id678_6230e3-ac > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id678_6230e3-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-id678_6230e3-ac > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id678_6230e3-ac > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id678_6230e3-ac > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id678_6230e3-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-column678_ecb2a9-ae > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column678_ecb2a9-ae > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column678_ecb2a9-ae > .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-column678_ecb2a9-ae > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column678_ecb2a9-ae > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column678_ecb2a9-ae > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column678_ecb2a9-ae > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column678_ecb2a9-ae{position:relative;}.kadence-column678_ecb2a9-ae, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column678_ecb2a9-ae:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column678_ecb2a9-ae > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column678_ecb2a9-ae > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column678_ecb2a9-ae\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_85b904-ab, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_85b904-ab[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_85b904-ab\"]{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-heading678_85b904-ab mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_85b904-ab[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_85b904-ab\"] 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-heading678_85b904-ab img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_85b904-ab[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_85b904-ab\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_85b904-ab, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_85b904-ab[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_85b904-ab\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_85b904-ab, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading678_85b904-ab[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_85b904-ab\"]{border-left:3px solid var(--global-palette6, #718096);}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading678_85b904-ab wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading678_85b904-ab\">\ud83d\udd25 <em>\u201cName your Stage 2 winner and who you think takes the polka dots. Bonus bragging rights if you call the exact winning move!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cAlaphilippe from a late attack.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\u201cBreakaway survives by 10 seconds \u2014 Madouas takes it.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cPogi takes bonus seconds, proves a point.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stage 2 isn\u2019t just a race \u2014 it\u2019s a tactical chess match played at warp speed. Who controls the road controls the race. And here\u2019s how it\u2019s gonna shake out: Stage 2 Race Strategy &amp; Predictions Stage 2 isn\u2019t your average ride through the park. With punchy climbs, tricky descents, and a finale that smells&#8230;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":924,"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-678","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tdf-guide"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":27,"label":"Tour de France Guide"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/franceletour.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Stage-2-Team-Strategies-Predictipon.webp",1024,1024,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\/678","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=678"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/678\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/924"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=678"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=678"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/franceletour.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=678"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}