Stage

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Stage 4 will pass by the beaches of Dieppe in Normandy where the Battle of Dieppe took place almost 70 years ago. (photo credit: Jamie Anderson)

July 2 update: Stage 4 heads down the picturesque Alabaster coast (Normandy) and past the site of World War II's Battle of Dieppe that took place during August of 1942, almost 70 years ago. The course then turns inland at Fécamp at km 140 and heads southeast for a rolling 75 km run to the finish in Rouen. At 215 km, this will be one of the longest stages of this year's Tour.

This stage will pay tribute to five-time Tour de France champion, Jacques Anquetil (photo right) who was born and died in Rouen.

There are four category 4 climbs on slate for stage 4, but the last one crests 72 km from the finish so if the coastal wind isn't a factor then we should have our second sprint finish of this year's Tour.

American sprinter Tyler Farrar won on the Fourth of July (U.S. Independence Day) last year, not far from where Stage 4 finishes this year, and we should have another sprint finish on this day. But, based on recent results, he isn't likely to win. Instead Andre Greipel and his dominate Lotto Belisol leadout will be looking to thwart Mark Cavendish from freelancing to another win. Apparently, the finish is fast and technical and thunderstorms are forecasted. The last 900m are straight. — Steve

Greipel pledges to try again after near miss on stage two — velonation