The previous day’s Grand Départ just 25 miles down the road will attract greater attention, but the rolling 200km stage from York to Sheffield looks set to have a bigger impact on the race. It’s rare for the first week of the Tour to contain such a potentially divisive stage, and the GC contenders will have to remain watchful to prevent riders blessed with a big engine and keen racing instinct from making significant gains.
The rolling parcours peaks at more than 400 metres at the summit of Holme Moss, but while this is the highest climb on the day’s menu, it is far from the only ascent the riders will encounter on a route that takes in the breathtaking scenery of the Peak District National Park. A sprinkle of summer rain could make proceedings still more interesting. If the riders were hoping for a gentle introduction to the 2014 Tour, the official unveiling of second Yorkshire stage will have shattered hopes.
