PREVIEW | Tour de Romandie 2024 stage 3 - Thibau Nys forced to defend lead in difficult time-trial

Stage 3 of the Tour de Romandie has the potential to be the single most important day of the race. Thibau Nys starts off as the race leader into the 15-kilometer time-trial, but he faces the threat of many GC contenders who will want to snatch the yellow jersey.

As we read on CyclingUpToDate, a decisive day of racing, the time-trial in Oron is 15 kilometers long and will create big differences. These may be key for the outcome of the overall classification. But it is not an average stage against the clock, featuring some climbing and descending. Time-trial bikes will not be replaced by a road bike, but we will surely see some different tactics on how to manage the efforts that will be in store.

The riders will climb from 635 to 853 meters of altitude in the first 7.5 kilometers into the intermediate point. This means this whole section averages around 4% gradient; whilst it's toughest section is 1.8 kilometers at 6.5%. This climbing will take a few minutes and can absolutely see gaps emerge at the top.

Following that, we've got some descending and then actually flat roads for a few kilometers, but after that around two downhill kilometers into Oron which will be very fast but also technical. They can be dangerous, and with the finish line in sight they have to control the risks.

The wind comes from the southwest early in the afternoon and then switches to southeastern. This may favour early starters as, with the progression of the afternoon the wind will become more progressively a headwind in the first half of the time-trial which is mostly uphill. There are also small chances of rain as the afternoon progresses. All in all, a tricky forecast where weather chances can occur during the stage.

GC fight - It is safe to say that Thibau Nys and Andrea Vendrame, who have benefited off bonifications and a very strong finale to today's stage, will not remain first and second in the overall classification. This will be a very tough task, and instead the main GC contenders will take over as the main riders will be able to put in time on their rivals. The field in terms of TT specialists isn't that big. You've got Luke Plapp who did extraordinarily well today and got important time over the rest; and Juan Ayuso who has been riding superbly against the clock and could make a serious difference if he finds his best legs.

The likes of Ilan van Wilder, Egan Bernal and Carlos Rodríguez could perhaps do well too, although I expect many riders to not stand out from the crowd who are in the GC fight. A very dynamic day, form and legs on the day will matter a lot when it comes to differences.

Being a hilly time-trial, we can expect non-traditional specialists to put in good times. I specially look into the likes of Julian Alaphilippe, Jan Christen, Jan Tratnik, Alex Aranburu and former race leader Dorian Godon to be able to put in a good time.

Meanwhile, more experienced time-trialists - even if they are not in their best form - like Brandon McNulty, Kasper Asgreen, Thymen Arensman, Ethan Hayter, Bruno Armirail... Magnus Sheffield lost time today but I am positive that he will also hold a big say on this day.

*** Juan Ayuso, Luke Plapp
** Magnus Sheffield, Julian Alaphilippe, Jan Christen
* Ilan van Wilder, Egan Bernal, Carlos Rodríguez, Jan Tratnik, Alex Aranburu, Dorian Godon, Brandon McNulty, Ethan Hayter, Thymen Arensman

Pick: Juan Ayuso