Alès > L’Hermitage 10.6km ITT The final stage in Bessèges, a race that’s been left looking like it belongs in the amateur ranks. Just the time trial to go, and with hardly anyone left in the race, it doesn’t look like there’s going to be much competition. The TT is the usual one, 8.6km of flat and then 2km at 6.9%.

Al Rustaq Fort > Yitti Hills 207km The Yitti Hills finish was brought into the race in 2023, it gives the race a nice balance to it. Back in 2023, it came after a GC day, and the big riders went for each other on the penultimate climb, but in the end the stage ended in a sprint from a group of 40 riders. Last year, it came before any GC action, so ended up being a controlled finish. The stage had to be shortened to 100km, and it again ended in a reduced sprint, this time from a group...

Oropesa del Mar > Portell de Morella 181km Before the race started, I thought this would be a breakaway stage and I’m still leaning that way. We have massive gaps on GC and a stage with almost 3800m of climbing is incredibly difficult to control for a sprint, even if you have a sprinter who can make the finish. Of course, it all depends on who’s in the break, UAE will be very happy if the nearest rider on GC is at over 5 minutes, but that can’t be guaranteed.

Bushar > Bimmah Sink Hole 180km The opening stage is the first of two or three opportunities for the sprinters, this one will be a full bunch sprint. All eyes will be on Visma to see if Olav Kooij can take the stage and the leader’s jersey.

Vauvert > Le Mont Bouquet 157km What a shambles. After another car got on course and went head on towards the peloton, the race was stopped. Before it even started it was agreed that if this happened again, the riders would not continue. The “big” teams were good to their word, they have put rider safety first and stopped racing as the organisers cannot guarantee the riders safety. The smaller teams decided to continue on, I’m not going to give them stick as I can see why. Without the big teams they sense a chance of taking wins, keeping sponsors...

Last year’s race was badly affected by floods, but this year should be absolutely fine. The stages seem like a return of some old friends, it feels like the gang are back together. Adam Yates is the defending champion, he destroyed the field last year on the Green Mountain, and he looks set to do something similar this year.

Algemesí > Alpuente 180km After today’s big stage, the GC is finally balanced heading into this day. Vacek is still in the lead, but he’s only 2s ahead of Almeida, Buitrago is at 5s, Bilbao at 18s, Arensman at 19s and McNulty at 27s. Given the type of stage this is, it’s still all to play for.

Bessèges > Bessèges 165km A tricky looking finish for the sprinters and one that offers an opportunity to the attackers. 

Al Mouj > Al Bustan 173km The 3rd edition of the race, Biermans won from a sprint in 2023 and Fisher-Black went solo last year. It’s a race where either scenario is equally likely, that’s what makes the finale very interesting to watch.

La Nucía > Benifato 165km Stage 2 and this looks like the Queen stage to me. The riders tackle a loop around Benidorm, Altea and Calp, all well known to most of the bunch. There are three tough climbs in the final 50km, this will be a tough stage for most. Today’s TTT threw up a huge surprise, it means that Ben O’Connor is basically in the race lead, he’s got a 3s gap to McNulty and Almeida. Most feared the gaps would be huge, but they are tiny, and the race is well set for the rest of the...