From the Loire to the Vienne department, the Tour de France Femmes continues its passage south to more challenging terrain in the Massif Central.
On paper, it’s a near-identical route to yesterday’s stage, albeit 34km shorter. A few lumps, yet largely flat – it’ll be over in a flash.
The final third of today is the hilliest part of the stage, although there’s little that should tilt the balance away from the likelihood of a bunch sprint, as it did in the men’s race on its finish here in the COVID-delayed 2020 Tour.
Stage 4: Saumur > Poitiers
- Date: 29 July
- Distance: 132.2km
- Stage type: Flat
Route profile
Route map
This year’s edition has an extra stage compared to the previous eight-stage battle.
Part of the organisation’s thinking was the potential to add further Alpine climbing stages into the race. With a Grand Départ in north-western Brittany, crossing France without excessive transfers means stages such as this – which might not be to the taste of all fans – are necessary.
“Starting at the National Equestrian School, the route will follow the Loire and Vienne [rivers], taking in some marvellous sights, including the châteaux at Montsoreau and Chinon, and Richelieu, the town built by the eponymous cardinal,” says race director Marion Rousse.
“Heading south towards Poitiers, the final five kilometres of this stage will be identical to the finale in the 2020 Tour that concluded with a bunch sprint at the end of a long false flat.”
One to watch: Charlotte Kool
Charlotte Kool’s (Team Picnic PostNL) two sprint wins at the start of the 2024 race elevated her into the big league and she's a decent bet for a repeat today.
Did you know?
The 1,165-kilometre total distance this year is a record high, in part because of the addition of a ninth stage
