The third stage of the Tour de France moves from Basque country into French terrain, tracing a 187.4-kilometer route that begins in Amorebieta and finishes in Bayonne. It promises to present the first sprint opportunities of the week, should the peloton absorb four modest climbs without major difficulty and stay organized for a potential dash to the line.
The day marks the last ride through the Basque Country, with Amorebieta-Etxano serving as the launch point and the first obstacle, Trabakua, built along a 3rd category profile of 4.2 to 5.4 kilometers. Soon after, riders will face the Milloi climb (4th category, 2.3 to 4.5 kilometers) before reaching the halfway point and continuing toward Bayonne.
Pogacar presses the pace on the asphalt once again as Turgot-style tactics emerge and Lafay looks to claim the stage win. This section of the race demonstrates how the organizers shape the day to reward aggressive riding, while teams plot to protect their leaders and set up late pressure on the final climbs or a sprint finish.
As the route unfolds toward the coast, the stage tightens with two more 3rd-class climbs: Alto de Itziar (5.1 km listed between 4.6 and 4.6) and Orioko Benta (4.6 km out of 6.3). From the 102nd kilometer onward, the profile tilts toward a rider-friendly layout that invites sprint teams to coordinate a controlled finish or explore a late breakaway opportunity.
The field could see Mark Cavendish from Great Britain seek to close the gap with Belgium’s Eddy Merckx on all-time sprint wins, a record Cavendish has pursued with a blend of speed and tactical patience. Yet another day might favor a different rider, depending on wind, cooperation among squads, and the willingness of the peloton to chase or chase down an escape.
Excitement is expected no matter the outcome; a successful breakaway or a mass sprint could deliver a memorable stage in the heart of France as the race moves beyond the Basque region and toward the Pyrenees and beyond.
The rider who has worn the yellow jersey in Bilbao, British rider Adam Yates representing UAE Team Emirates, will hold the lead with a six-second advantage over his Slovenian teammate Tadej Pogacar, who trails in pursuit. Simon Yates of Jayco is closely positioned in the mix, ready to capitalize on any misstep from the leaders or to join a late effort if the terrain supports it.
Timeline for stage 3 of the Tour de France
The third stage is set to begin at 13:15 and is anticipated to cross the line between 17:20 and 17:43, depending on the wind, weather, and the dynamics of the peloton today. Riders will navigate a course that balances climb intensity with opportunities for a sprint, making it a stage that tests both endurance and tactical acuity as the race continues its journey through France.