PREVIEW | Etoile de Bessèges 2023 stage 3 - Sprinters look to revenge lost opportunity after stage 2 neutralization

The opening stage-race of the year in France will be the Etoile de Bessèges and every year it delivers quite a lot of spectacle in central France. After the neutralization of stage 2, the riders will jump back on the bike with ambition of racing for the win. It will be a punchy day into Bessèges where many attacks are expected in order to prevent a sprint.

The third day will see the riders in Bessèges. With some riders having lost time the previous days a breakaway could succeed here with the tough start, and the hilly finale where few riders will be suited to. 2.6Km at 6.2% and 2.4Km at 5.1% towards the end will give the attackers some opportunities, whilst it can also come down to a reduced bunch sprint. The likes of Arnaud De Lie and Mads Pedersen may be able to survive the climbs but it will be imperative to have a team alongside to prevent attacks from being successful.

*** De Lie, Pedersen
** Stewart, Mozzato
* Cosnefroy, McLay, Vanmarcke, Halvorsen, Kamp

Pick: Arnaud De Lie