Stage 2 Preview: Charleroi to Namur

Today's stage is about 121 miles, with a 50-kilometer introduction to France before returning to Belgium for what's very likely to be a sprint finish.

There are just two climbs, both 4th Category, on the course, and the finish in Namur is the first there since 1959.

The course has a sharp turn 200 meters from the line, which might interrupt the Fassa Bortolo train, and disrupt Alessandro Petacchi's chance to get a sprint win.

VeloNews tips Baden Cooke or Robbie McEwen, but I'm picking Tom Boonen, who pulled off in the last meters of yesterday's stage when he threw a chain, but looked to be in good position and riding well. McEwen will be motivated because he rides for a Belgian team, but Boonen is Belgian himself.

Look for green jersey Thor Hushovd to contest a few intermediate sprints, trying to get enough time on Cancellara to take over the yellow jersey.

At Stage 2's start, it's:

  Fabian Cancellara (Fassa Bortolo)

  Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole)

  Paolo Bettini (Quick Step-Davitamon)

  Fabian Cancellara (worn by Bernhard Eiser - fdjeux.com)

Jens Voigt will ride in the red race numbers of yesterday's most aggressive rider.