The cycling community is gearing up for an exciting stage five of the Tour de France, set to take place in the historically rich region of Normandy. The individual time trial spans 33 kilometers, beginning and concluding in the city of Caen, which is celebrating its 1000th anniversary this year. Known for its apple orchards that yield the area’s famous cider and brandy, Normandy also holds a significant place in history as the homeland of William the Conqueror, who famously invaded England in 1066 and is buried in Caen.
This stage marks a return of the Tour to Caen, a city that has not hosted it since a flat stage in 2006 won by Óscar Freire. The time trial route features mostly smooth roads, making it ideal for riders to maximize their speed. Unlike many early Grand Tour time trials which are typically shorter, this one offers ample opportunity for aggressive time gains, comparable to previous significant time trials such as that of the 2021 edition won by Tadej Pogačar.
Contenders for today’s trial include last year’s champion Remco Evenepoel from Soudal Quick-Step, who is favored to take a strong stance after a challenging start to the Tour. Other formidable competitors are Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, both seasoned time trialists with Tour victories under their belts. They are joined by stellar teammates who can influence the final outcomes, as well as former Olympic champion Primož Roglič, who has the potential to make a significant impact.
Looking ahead, this time trial is not just a chance to earn time but also a pivotal moment in the overall classification battle of the Tour. With the absence of Filippo Ganna due to a crash earlier in the race, Geraint Thomas of Ineos Grenadiers is one to watch as he seeks to capitalize on this opportunity. Dark horses like Mattia Cattaneo and Stefan Küng could also surprise the field.
As the excitement builds for this stage, all eyes will remain on Evenepoel, who is looking to overcome past setbacks and reclaim his place atop the podium. The outcome of today’s time trial could very well set the tone for the upcoming stages in this thrilling contest.