Tour De France, 2007, Stage 4 Preview: Bring on the Wine Country

For the fourth straight day, it should be sprinters who get to showcase their powerful legs Wednesday in the fourth stage of the Tour de France.

They can always get outsmarted by a rider like Fabian Cancellera (CSC) of Switzerland, the race leader who rode to surprising third-stage win. But as the cyclists challenge 193 kilometers (119.9 miles) en route to the gateway to Burgundy, the terrain favors another group finish.

The Tour again finds itself in new starting and finishing cities. The day's journey includes four category 4 climbs, including two in the final 20 miles. The ascents, the least severe categorized climbs, will be interspersed with short uncategorized efforts through the country's Champagne and Brie regions.

It won't be a severe physical test for the still-fresh field, but the constant undulations primarily on narrow, winding back roads, will require extra collective group attention. In short, it will be a tricky day.

The arrival city is Joigny, a medieval town with a population of about 12,000 and only about 80 miles southeast of Paris. The historic part of the city rests on a steep hill overlooking the Yonne River.

Old Joigny features several 15th and 16th century buildings and churches, cobblestone streets and the gate of St. Jean, a remnant of the original fortified city wall constructed in 998 AD. Joigny also has its own city vineyard situated on the edge of the Chablis wine-growing region.

Riders, of course, never have the opportunity to appreciate the cities they visit. Despite its proximity to Paris, it's also been rare that the area's cycling enthusiasts have been able to appreciate the riders.

Nearby Auxerre has been visited by the Tour four times, most recently in 1979. Dutchman Gerri Knetemann outsprinted Giovanni Battaglin of Italy, his breakaway companion, to take the stage 49 seconds ahead of the field.

But whether it's a solo rider, a small group the peloton arriving en masse, the finish will be make history for Joigny's maiden Tour appearance.

If it's a solo rider's day, perhaps veteran Stuart O'Grady (CSC) of Australia may take a chance for glory. But if the expected breaks don't stay away, the usual candidates will surface, including Robbie McEwen (Predictor-Lotto) of Australia vying for his second stage win. Tom Boonen (Quick Step-Innergetic) of Belgium, Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) of Norway and Erik Zabel (Milram) of Germany will also likely be in the mix.