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**News Article:**

**Early Breakaway Defines Opening Kilometers of Stage at Tour**

**Lauwin-Planque, France** – The early kilometers of a grueling 209.1km stage at the Tour de France have been marked by a four-man breakaway, forging ahead in what appear to be challenging, rain-soaked conditions. Yevgeni Fedorov (XDS-Astana), Bruno Armirail (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), Brent Van Moer (Lotto), and Andreas Leknessund (Uno-X Mobility) have established a lead of over two minutes as the peloton cruises at approximately 50km/h.

The stage, which began with a slightly delayed start due to traffic congestion in Lauwin-Planque, is anticipated to be a long and demanding one. Organizers have noted that the profile will challenge the peloton, with the final 35km expected to be decisive. A series of steep climbs and an uphill finish along the river Liane in Boulogne-sur-Mer promises to favor “puncheur” style riders. Observers suggest Mathieu van der Poel or Wout van Aert might be poised to secure both a stage win and the coveted yellow jersey.

The challenging weather, characterized by rain and crosswinds, is expected to play a significant role in how the stage unfolds. Tensions are already high within the peloton, with riders wary of splits and potential crashes.

Meanwhile, Simon Yates seems to have slipped back significantly, losing six minutes and seemingly relegating him to a domestique role in support of Jonas Vingegaard.

As the race progresses, all eyes are on the leaders and how the peloton will respond to the evolving conditions.

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