Morteau > Pontarlier – Le Larmont 201km

It’s the final race of the mini-series of one-day races in France, this one is the easiest of the three, but it still has a tough finish. Cofidis took the spoils on Friday, Arkéa did the business today, AG2R and FDJ will be a little frustrated without a win. The finish is different compared to last year, this time it’s at the top of the hill, last year it was at the bottom of the descent. Also, the final hill is climbed from a different side this time round.

Weather

Cold and there could be some wintery showers too. 

Finale

It’s a tricky finish, but one that will interest many riders. The gradient of 5.4% makes it not really suited to a pure climber, the puncheurs should really be winning this one, especially as the final kilometre is pretty flat.

Tactics

It should be relatively easy to control this race, but you never know. Today the bunch let a big group get up the road, they need to be careful not to mess this one up. Looking at the teams, Cofidis, AG2R and Arkéa will all be happy with a sprint finish, FDJ could be the team to try something a little different. Saying that, it should really end in an uphill sprint finish from a relatively big group.

Contenders

Kévin Vauquelin – took a brilliant win today, it never looked in doubt. Like many who raced today, his recovery will be vital ahead of another cold day. He would like the final climb to be a little harder, but Vauquelin is not just a climber, he’s got a lot of strings to his bow, a fast finish is one of them. I made him my favourite for Tour du Jura, but I think this finish suits a few others a little more, but not by much.

Jesús Herrada – this is his type of finish, especially if it’s a relatively easy stage. He suffered a bit in today’s weather, but I think he was keeping something back for this race. Cofidis have enjoyed this weekend, they won on Friday and were third today, they’ll be hoping to be challenging for another win in this race. If it ends in a sprint, Herrada will be the man to beat.

Roger Adrià – third on Friday, and didn’t race today, which could be a stroke of genius. The Spaniard has a fine sprint, he’ll fancy his chances of winning this race. His only pro win came in an uphill sprint where he beat the likes of Valgren and Simon, it’s up to his team to ensure they control the race and give their man the best chance possible.

Nans Peters – looks to be riding into good form, and he has the punch to do something in this finish, but he needs to attack at the bottom and hope to distance some of the faster men.

FDJ – given the finish, they don’t really have an option, which means they must go long.

Prediction Time

There should be enough interest to ensure the break is chased down and we get an uphill sprint.

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After sitting out today, I’ll take a win for Roger Adrià.