Renewi Tour 2023 – Stage 5
A hilly stage. Is it difficult enough for another GC day?
Route
It is actually just two big circuits. We have 1500 meters of climbing but this time, we have no cobblestones.
Finale
A climb followed by a narrow descend and flat section. The last corner is 1000m out, here they move on to a bigger road.
Weather
Another day were the wind does not seem to play a big role. We may see some rain throughout the stage.
How will the stage unfold?
I like the design of the stage. We have a hard section before the golden KM, this is where we may see riders go for a hail-Mary attack. Honestly, I just do not see it working. We had (or almost had) the peloton catching the attackers on the Queen stage, therefore, I think we will see somewhat of a reduced sprint.
The reduced sprint will be more of a sprinters-classic sprint. It is difficult, and the pace will be high. The narrow roads automatically creates a very high pace, meaning the climbs will be ridden fast too as everyone would want to be near the front.
Contenders
Phillipsen – this stage has everything he wants. A tough day and a finale where his excellent train can keep him near the front. He is the man to beat.
De Lie – the perfect type of stage for him. Very hard and then a flat finish. He will fight for the win.
Demare – a sprint after a tough day is perfect for him. He will hope for the win, more likely is the podium.
Merlier – I think the toughness of the stage is not ideal for him. He has a fantastic lead out man and a strong team. It is possible, but something tells me he will not win.
Kooij – lacking a top tier train here. Still, they just need to keep him at the front early on and hope he finds the wheel of Phillipsen or Merlier. I think we have a good chance seeing him getting on the podium tomorrow.
Meeus – he has not been there in any of the stage yet. Hopefully, that changes tomorrow. He can contest for the podium.
Stars
⭐⭐⭐ Phillipsen
⭐⭐ De Lie, Kooij
⭐ Meeus, Demare, Merlier
Who will win?
I think it will be Jasper Phillipsen.
