Stage 16 Prediction

Stage 16 is an interesting flat stage because it begins and ends in the same city.  The Tour de France cyclists are resting in Nîmes today, which is the city where tomorrow's Stage 16 begins and ends.  The 177-km (110-mi) stage loops counterclockwise to the north.  Our prediction is given below.

• Stage 16:  3h 53' 10" (prediction)

Will the general classification contenders ride safely tomorrow, staying in a leisurely-moving peloton, all looking to get the same time?  It wouldn't be the worst strategy, given the later stages in the Alps.  It will be interesting, though, to see if any of the teams try to push Julian Alaphilippe.