This is the only stage in this edition to pass anywhere near to the Loire and is a ride deep into rural France – a part that I don't know at all well. I suspect that this is also true for many French people, too. The route will run to the east of La Loire and parallel to the river. It will not pass through any Loire vineyards.
The riders will leave the flat plains of Northern France behind. Although the course is officially described by Le Tour de France website as being flat in reality it is undulating – continuously up and down although no serious climbs only three 4th category climbs. The route skirts the hilly Morvan, possibly best known as the political home of late President, François Mitterrand, who was the Maire of Château-Chinon for many years.
The closest vineyards to the race route are the Coteau du Giennois and the Coteaux Charitois, which will be to the west of the riders, while those of Chablis and the Yonne will not be far away on the eastern side.
At 227.5 kilometres this is the longest stage and will be very hot with temperatures forecast around 33-34˚C for much of the stage.
The chances are that this will again be a bunch sprint with Mark Cavendish looking to repeat yesterday's success. Tomorrow will be the Alps, so this will be the last chance for the sprinters for several days. It is likely that the breakaway will be allowed to allow to stay away for much of the day to be swallowed up a few kilometres from the finish.
The stage finishes not far from Charolles – famous for its beef cattle.
David McDuff has a special daily posting on the Tour on his blog. For Stage 6 he kindly invited me to be the guest writer. Click here.
