FIVE STAGES THAT WILL TEST THE BEST

STAGE 1: More than half the opening 125-mile blast from Noirmoutier-en-l’ile to Fontenay-le-comte is along the coast. If there is a bunch sprint, Britain’s Mark Cavendish could wear the leader’s Yellow Jersey tonight.

STAGE 9: Arras to Roubaix is the most feared stage this year, with 15 miles of cobbles.

STAGE 12: The Alpe d’huez, with 21 hairpin bends, is where a gasping Chris Froome just about held off Nairo Quintana in 2015. STAGE 16: Froome took the Yellow Jersey two years ago with his daring ‘Superman’ descent of the Col de Peyresourde into Bagneres-de-luchon. STAGE 19: Just when survivors think the worst is over, along come four monster climbs in one 125-mile stage – including