Tour de France 2014: Stage 6 preview with Chris Boardman
A look ahead to the 194km stage between Arras and Reims
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.After the sound and fury of the cobbles on Stage 5, it’s back onto more sedate ground for a flat day into the heart of Champagne country .
In medieval times Reims was the place of coronation for French kings- and in 2014, it may give an opportunity for a French rider to reign supreme over the Tour for a day. Whilst this stage should in all likelihood end in a bunch sprint, the threat of crosswinds and some tricky bends in the final kilometres will give the inevitable breakaway more than a faint hope of success.
Along the route there are just two, fourth-category climbs, so the overall race contenders will be content to sit back, relax and watch the fireworks explode ahead of them. With Cavendish just a distant memory, the way appears clear for Marcel Kittel to again stamp his hefty frame all over the race.
Watch the video below:
Watch previews for all 21 stages with The Independent.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments