Updated road.cc Fantasy Cycling: Tour de France stage 4 preview

Today promises to provide one of the real spectacles of the 2011 Tour, both in visual and racing terms with a long, straight drag up the climb nicknamed the Alpe d’Huez of Brittany. What it lacks in length and hairpins, it makes up for with a punishing 2km climb to the line. It’s the first time a stage has finished here, but it has featured previously, including in 1947 when that year’s champion Jean Robic rode up it on his way to victory in a 139km time trial.

Thought for the Day

World Number 1 Philippe Gilbert took his first national champion’s jersey win the weekend before the Tour started, and the brutal finish on Stage 4 could have been gift-wrapped for the Classics specialist – appropriately enough, given it’s his birthday today.

GT’s tips

It’s similar to the first stage, so again you’re looking at people like Vinokourov or Gilbert, or even Damiano Cunego. Similar to last year with the Liege and pave stages, they’ve made the opening week a bit different to how it usually is to mix it up and make for some more exciting racing. And from a racer’s point of view it’s something more to think about.

So it is  Gilberts birthday today and this stage is made for him!! It is hard to see anyone winning today but him to be honest… He’s having an unbelievable season so far and I can’t see it stopping, not yet.

There’s more talk again of yellow changing. I’m not sure, I think Thor is climbing and going well. It’s ‘only’ a k at 10% but I think he maybe able to get up it with the threats to his jersey. Will we see Contador attack today? I think we might, he’s obviously got a lot of ground to make up. And it is probably hard enough for him to make some sort of difference.

I will hopefully have a ‘free role’ on the final climb, so may get a chance to see where I can get. I’ve been feeling good lately so we’ll see. We also have Eddie who I’m sure will be in there somewhere.

What ever happens I think today is going to be one hell of a finish!! Hope you all enjoy.

To find out more about Geraint Thomas and what he's doing at the Tour visit his website www.geraintthomas.com