Stage 15: the sprinters come out to play in Nîmes

Stage 15: Tallard to Nîmes 222kms

After the high hills when they brought up the rear this is a stage made for the sprinters with a flat finish into Nîmes, so expect a big bunch finish today. Providing he is not too tired after the mountains I expect that this will be another win for Marcel Kittel. Strong winds and storms could disrupt the plans, however, as both are forecast for this afternoon. In Nîmes the wind will be from the west north west averaging 11kmh but with gusts up to 76kmh, which could certainly disrupt the peloton and the sprinters' trains. If there are splits caused by the wind during the stage and one or some of the overall contenders are caught out, especially if it is one of the French rivals, the stage could become very lively!