Stage 3

In stage 3 of the Tour de France the riders travel from Verviers to Longwy. The first arrival on French soil comes with chances for punchers, as the finale is a 1.6 kilometres climb. (Slideshow route/profile)

Is it on purpose? Could it be Christian Prudhomme and his companions have been busy with a ruler to arrange stage 2 and stage 3 are exactly the same distance?

Whatever the reason, both stages are 202 kilometres. Yet, there is a difference. The arrival of stage 2 is flat, while the finish line of stage 3 lies at the Citadel in Longwy, meaning the stage ends with a 1.6 kilometres climb at 5.8%. Featuring a steepest stretch at 11%, the first 500 metres are steepest and the climbs flattens out near the top.

The first three riders on the line take time bonuses at 10, 6 and 4 seconds.