Greig Leach

By now you know the pattern as well as I, the break away goes early. And then, on the flat stages like today, they are chased down by the teams of the sprinters. Today this foursome of Martin Elmiger (IAM Cycling), Jeremy Roy (FDJ), Cesare Benedetti (Bora-Argon 18) and Alex Howes (Cannondale-Drapac) could managed to shake the grip of the peloton until 30 kilometers into the stage. The peloton wasn't in the mood to let these guys get any real time, keeping the gap inside of five minutes at the most. Today may well be the last chance in the Tour for the sprinters to show their stuff until we reach the Champs Elysees in Paris. A new give away from the publicity caravan for this year is a roll up sign like the one the fan is showing to the riders (and the camera). On the reverse, the logo of Vittel water is displayed, and on the front their is space to write any message the fan chooses. I do wonder if they are providing markers. Their have only been one or two that I have been able to read thus far.