This stage will be a sprinter's delight. Covering 179.8 km from Clermont-Ferrand to Moulins, the course is primarily flat, with a few minor climbs to keep things interesting. The race begins in Clermont-Ferrand, a city known for its cycling enthusiasts, and winds its way through rolling hills before flattening out for the second half. The sprinters will have their work cut out for them with the Côte de Chaptuzat and Côte de Mercurol in the first 60 km, followed by the Côte de la Croix Blanche with 60 km to go. However, the flat terrain towards the end should provide an exciting sprint finish. The final 1.3 km are straight, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion. Weather-wise, riders can expect overcast skies with moderate temperatures in both Clermont-Ferrand and Moulins. While the wind could be a factor, no rainfall is expected, which should make for ideal sprinting conditions.
