With the flatter roads behind it, the peloton now moves through a double hit of Massif Central stages.
These are the stages, without massive climbs but always something to push against, which encourage the all-or-nothing attitude of breakaway riders.
On small roads in the centre of France that are often rough, riders need to be vigilant.
Today – the longest stage of the race – starts in terrain of Tours de France past, at the amusement park Futuroscope, which has hosted the Grand Départ twice, in 1990 and 2000.
The route gradually gains altitude all the way to the finish in Guéret, the capital of the Creuse department, the second least populated in the whole country.
Stage 5: Chasseneuil-du-Poitou Futuroscope > Guéret
Date: 30 July
Distance: 165.8km
Stage type: Medium mountains
Route profile
Route map
If the general classification hasn’t yet taken shape, today might be an opportunity for a different rider to take yellow ahead of the usual candidates.
“At the start of this long stage in Jaunay-Marigny, the riders will pass the HQ of the FDJ-Suez team, which, thanks to the continued support of Futuroscope, is celebrating 20 years in the women’s peloton,” says race director Marion Rousse.
“At Chauvigny, a stage town in the 2020 Tour, they’ll pass through Place Raymond-Poulidor.
"Continuing on minor roads and through Dun-le Palestel, the riders will reach the Maupuy climb (2.8 km at 5.4%), before heading into Guéret for the finish on a rising false flat.”
One to watch: Marianne Vos
Marianne Vos' stage 1 victory was her first at the Tour since 2022 and she finished second behind Lorena Wiebes on stages 3 and 4.
The Team Visma-Lease a Bike rider is made for a finish such as today's.
Did you know?
At just under 166km, this is the longest stage of the race – under UCI regulations, an average of 150km per day is allowed.
