An observer reports: “Roadside northwest of Caen, the countryside setting is ideal for a white wedding—and today’s individual time trial,” notes Steve Horne. “The weather is warm but not excessively so, with only a faint breeze and clear skies ensuring dry roads for later riders.”
Ivan Romeo's Progress
At the 16.4km checkpoint, the 21-year-old Movistar rider clocks in at 18 minutes 50 seconds, maintaining his lead on the course.
Today’s Route
The stage is mostly flat and straightforward, though an exposed stretch in the countryside could challenge riders if winds pick up.
Latest Timings
Ivan Romeo (Movistar) remains the fastest at the first checkpoint (8.2km), completing the segment in 9 minutes 51 seconds. The next time checks are at 16.4km and 24.8km. Romeo has already overtaken the two riders who started ahead of him.
Competitive Standings
Remco Evenepoel is the clear favorite for today’s stage, but if the Belgian has an uncharacteristically difficult race, Scotland’s Oscar Onley could take the best young rider’s jersey. Currently seventh overall, the 22-year-old from Perth trails Kevin Vauquelin—who holds the white jersey—by just 29 seconds.
With the Frenchman’s home advantage in Normandy, Onley faces a tough challenge. However, a strong performance from him combined with a slip from Evenepoel could shift the standings.
Reader Question
Nick asks, “What are Oscar Onley’s time trial abilities like? As a climber with an impressive GC position, can he sustain this to Paris?”
While it’s too soon to predict his Paris finish, his team reportedly prioritizes stage wins. Though not widely known for his time-trialing, he contributed to his team’s victory in the 2023 Vuelta’s team time trial.
Latest Starters
Yevgeniy Fedorov (XDS Astana) begins his race, followed 90 seconds later by Matteo Vercher (TotalEnergies).
Remco Evenepoel’s Record
The Belgian’s last individual time trial loss was in the final stage of last year’s Tour, where Tadej Pogacar prevailed. Since then, he has claimed victories in the Olympic, World Championship, and Belgian National time trials, among others.
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