9coconuts

The rain doesn't look like coming today so I don't think the cobbles are not going to be a huge issue. This is not the Paris Roubaix and the cobble sections are not that difficult with the last section being 13K from the finish. I expect a group of the powerful strong riders at the finish in a reduced sprint. Degenkolb has to be favourite with Kristoff, Sagan and Greipel fancying there chances. The 4 I'm taking are. Griepel 16/1 is looking strong doesn't fear the cobbles and will go very close in a sprint. Gallopin 50/1. Looked super strong yesterday in a stage that didn't suit, has a very strong team for the cobbles. He is also excellent in reduced sprints. Martin 66/1. Tony will be gunning for yellow today. Has a top 20 in the cobble stage from last year. If he is there near the end expect him to go solo for the stage win. Trentin 66/1. Finished 9th in last years stage and would have finished higher only for Kwiatkowski puncturing. Won a stage in a reduced sprint in the tour last year, I expect him to be close at the end.

lol - Lemond's giving the same view as I said in the pre-race show. He mentioned the time bonuses as well - I forgot about those (10s for 1st, 6s for 2nd, 4s for 3rd). That makes Froome @50/1 (Ladbrokes) & Contador @66/1 (Betfred) good value each-way bets as well.