Stage 3: Vejle to Sønderborg

A true bunch sprint?

After two demanding stages for the Tour’s GC contenders, the sprinters will finally get a chance to go head-to-head in a true mass finish. This stage across the Jutland peninsula opens with a loop that passes the massive Jelling Stones, which date from the 10th century and are regarded as the birthplace of the nation, marking Denmark’s emergence from a pagan to a Christian country.

The 182-kilometer route then heads south, almost to the border with Germany, including three more Cat. 4 climbs for those contesting the polka-dot jersey. The finale is fairly sheltered and so the sprinters’ teams should be able to catch any breakaways. Will one of the former Tour green jerseys—Sam Bennett (Bora-Hangrohe), Mark Cavendish (Quick-Step), Michael Matthews (Team BikeExchange) or Peter Sagan (TotalEnergies)—fight out the win? Or will challengers like Dylan Groenewegen (BikeExchange), Fabio Jakobsen (Quick-Step), Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Fenix) or Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) come out on top?

The finish in Sønderborg will mark the end of the most northerly start in Tour de France history. Following the stage, the race entourage will make a 900-kilometer transfer to northern France where racing continues in two days’ time.