The fifth stage of the Tour de France will be another very hard day. The riders have to cover 216 kilometres and they will to tackle six climbs. The stage have several possible outcomes. A break can stay ahead, but the GC riders can also show themselves for the first time.

Thomas De Gendt gives a preview.

“Today’s profile might be a good one for the breakaway, although I’m not sure whether the break will survive. Several years ago, a similar stage was scheduled and then some teams controlled the gap to the escapees so that their leader could go for the stage win in the finale. Rui Costa won that stage back.

"It’s possible that we get the same scenario today. Especially the final 50 kilometres will be very hard. Also the teams from the GC riders will be attentively at the front as they want to lose as little time as possible.

"There’s a chance that I won’t be part of the break today, I don’t know yet what my job will be. But everyone is still in great shape for the moment, I’ve learnt that sometimes you need to dose your efforts during the first week because it can affect your performances in the final week. And maybe there are more opportunities for the break during the last week of the Tour.”

De Gendt ultimately went on the attack and is currently part of a front trio.