Bodegas Nabal > Lagunas de Neila 138km The first of two GC days. Lagunas de Neila has been used as a finish in this race for a very long time, it’s an iconic climb in these parts. Roglič took the win last year, powering past Adam Yates and Vlasov in the final 500m, this year it looks like being a new name who’s going to win the stage. Unfortunately, today’s big crash means that Caruso and Geoghegan Hart quit the race and Quintana got bashed up.

Villasana de Mena > Ojo Guareña 160km The second stage is a much hillier affair compared to the opening day, but it’s still one for the fast finishers of the bunch. There’s 2435m of climbing throughout the stage, with quite a lot in the opening 50km, before a circuit to finish off the day. This finish was last used in this race way back in 2013, when Jens Keukeleire won the sprint, I can’t believe it’s over 10 years since that day! The uphill finish is short enough for some of the sprinters to cope with, but the fast finishing...

Vilviestre del Pinar > Burgos 168km First day is one for the sprinters, not that there’s too many here. 

It’s the 46th edition of the race and the organisers have decided to spice things up a little by introducing an individual time trial. This is the first race back after altitude training for many riders, but it’s an important preparation race for the Vuelta which starts in just under 2 weeks. 

Paris > Paris 272km The big one is almost here, the chance to become an Olympic gold medal winner only comes around every 4 years, and with the routes changing to suit certain riders, it could be the one and only time some of these guys have a real chance of going for gold. The route is harder than it looks, 272km and 3042m of climbing. Comparing it to races of a similar length is interesting, it’s much harder than Sanremo and Flanders, but easier than Glasgow. The route is always an important part of the race, but team size...

Šumperk > Šternberk 129km The final stage of the Czech Tour is one that gives the breakaway some hope, but it has to feature the world tour teams. 

Mor. Třebová > Dlouhé stráně 134km After today’s 1-2 by UAE, they head into stage 3 with a commanding lead. This day is nice and easy, but with a punishing finale, it’s a much harder climb than you saw today. Tudor need to go back to the drawing board after today and see what they can come up with, beating Hirschi and Ulissi won’t be easy.

Paris 32.4 km ITT The Olympic gold medal, the one they all want to win. The cycling events start with the individual time trial, 32.4km and just 127m of elevation, this is as flat as a pancake. Both men and women have the same course, one that’s right in the heart of Paris. It’s not very technical, this is a day where it’s all about raw power. Remco says it feels like a horrible false flat and the condition of the road is “shit” in the opening and closing 5km.

Zlín > Pustevny 173km Apologies, I didn’t manage to get a stage 1 preview out, but due to some very demanding people I’m on it for the rest of the race! Stage 2 and it’s the Queen stage, there’s two ascents of the Pustevny climb, in what should be a decisive day in the GC battle.

Mouscron > Thuin 192km Do you like cobbles? Do you like climbs? Well then, you’ll love a cobbled climb! The Tour de Wallonie ends with a fascinating stage, it’s just a shame the Oude Kwaremont happens after 30km of racing, but that’s not the cobbled climb I’m talking about. The race ends with 3 and a bit laps of a circuit in Thuin, and that features a lovely, cobbled climb that riders tackle on four occasions. The GC ain’t over till the fat lady sings…