Two days ago the route of the 2016 Tour de France was unveiled. Race director Christian Prudhomme carefully described the stages for riders, managers and journalists.

Speaking to reporters after the presentation, the Frenchman elaborated on his thoughts

"In the first week there are many possibilities for stage hunters. I think the big favorites to win the race will not have a big battle on the first climbs so I think we will see a scenario like in 2011 with Voeckler [who wore the yellow jersey for several stages after claiming it in a transitional stage in Massif central]," he told Spaziociclismo. "They are stages for those who dare to attack, those who try to gain an advantage and then maybe keep it as long as possible."

"To win the Tour you have to know how to climb," Prudhomme added. "I think it's a Tour for complete riders more than for climbers because we have four mountaintop finishes, but also four downhill finishes after the last climb from which means that you have to be a good at descending. For a good descender there are many possibilities to make a difference and and we know that a good bike handler can create significant gaps."