The 2011 Tour de France continues on Wednesday with a flat stage before the race shifts to the Pyrenees and the Alps during the final days of the race. Wednesday's race runs from Blaye-les-Mines to Lavaur, a 167.5 km (104 mi) course. Blaye-les-Mines is hosting its first stage while Lavaur is on its second time as a stage town.
Cyclists will have a test early on when they face a Category 3 climb at 28.5 km in Côte de Tonnac. They then reach the sprint at 82-85 km in Gaillac. After that there are some minor climbs and dips until 135.5 km for a Category 4 climb at Côte de Puylaurens.
Frenchman Thomas Voeckler retains the yellow jersey with a 1:49 lead over Luis-Leon Sanchez, while Philippe Gilbert wears the green jersey. Johnny Hoogerland, injuries and all, wears the red polka dot jersey for the King of the Mountain classification with 22 points. Voeckler is second with 17 points.
VERSUS, as usual, has live coverage at 6 a.m. MT.
For in-depth coverage of the race, visit out cycling blog, Podium Cafe, and our SB Nation StoryStream.