American in Polka Dots X 2

Prior to this years Tour de France, only two Americans have ever worn the mountain classifications polka dot jersey. 3 stages into the 2017 TDF, 2 more Americans have added their names to the list. Previously, the great Greg Le Mond and Tejay Van Garderen have had the honor. Now this race has seen Taylor Phinney wear the jersey during stage 3 and now Nathan Brown will have the jersey during stage 4. Both Phinney and Brown ride for Team Cannondale and along with Andrew Talansky, are the only Americans in the 2017 TDF.

Texan Nathan Brown of Team Cannondale

The picture shows the leaders in the various categories. Overall leader is Geraint Thomas.

The overall leader of the race is the Welsh rider Geraint Thomas. The General Classification (GC) pushed some of the sprinters down the standings and brought more of the overall contenders into or near the top 10. Defending champ Chris Froome is in second behind his teammate Thomas.

The General Classification after Stage 3
The winner of stage 3 was the phenomenal rider Peter Sagan. Sagan went up the final climb with many of the favorites and, despite his shoe unclipping from the pedal briefly, managed to win a sprint to the line. Sagan appears to be a true threat to Froome in competing for this years title.

Peter Sagan wins Stage 3 and takes 10 bonus seconds for the effort.

Highlights from Stage 3 and Stage 4 Preview.

Stage 4 is a relatively flat course covering 207 kilometers. With a likely sprint finish, expect the general classification standings to remain about the same. If Phinney or Brown find themselves in a breakaway again, it is possible that either of them will be able to hold on to the mountain jersey another day.

Course Map

Stage 4 Profile

Look for my previous and ongoing Tour de France 2017 blogs!