This stage looks like just another transitional stage headed due west out of the Alps, across the Rhone River valley and across the climbs of the monts du Forez to finish in the grimy industrial bourg of Saint-Étienne. An early attack should go on the steep 5.3km ascent of the Col de Parménie, but watch for a late counter-attack on the final 13.7km climb of the La Croix de Montvieux.