Stage 4 ends uphill in Rouen with five late climbs—perfect for puncheurs, not sprinters.

Unlike the flat sprinter-friendly stages that often define the opening week of the Tour, Tuesday’s 183-kilometer route from Alençon to Rouen features undulating terrain that will test the peloton’s climbing legs much earlier than usual. Though none of the climbs are individually long or high-altitude, their frequency and steep gradients are expected to sap energy and open gaps between contenders.

“This is not a day for the pure sprinters,” said Tour analyst Thierry Bernard. “It’s a stage for explosive riders who can attack on short climbs and still finish strong uphill. Think of riders like Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar, or Julian Alaphilippe—if they’ve got good legs, they’ll light it up.”

The final climb, leading into the city of Rouen, averages 6% over 1.5 kilometers and is preceded by a series of sharp ascents that could act as launchpads for late attacks. Teams with classics specialists and GC hopefuls who thrive on short, steep climbs will be looking to dictate the pace and thin the peloton before the final punch to the line.

Defending champion Jonas Vingegaard, who returned to racing just weeks ago after recovering from injury, will face a serious test of his form. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Remco Evenepoel and Pogačar, who both excel on stages of this nature and could use the opportunity to gain time on rivals.

Stage 4 also marks a key psychological moment in the Tour. Though the Alps and Pyrenees still lie ahead, riders will now be forced to show their cards—or risk being caught out. Breakaway attempts are expected to form early, but the real fireworks are likely to begin in the final hour of racing.

Weather could also play a role, with a chance of wind gusts across open sections of the route. Teams will need to stay vigilant for potential echelons, especially before the climbs begin. “Positioning will be crucial today,” said sports director Laura Martinez of Team Decathlon-AG2R. “If you’re not in the right place before the final 50km, the stage could be lost before the real climbing begins.”

With the overall race still wide open and many riders closely bunched in the standings, Stage 4 may not decide the winner of the Tour—but it could certainly eliminate a few. The puncheurs are ready, the terrain suits aggression, and the finish promises drama. The battle for yellow may just begin in earnest on the streets of Rouen.