It's up to route designer Thierry Gouvenou to keep each of the twenty-four stages of the Tour de France exciting. He has a few tricks up his sleeve to force an early breakaway from the peloton to keep the audiences engaged.

Thierry Gouvenou explains in greater detail the challenges of a flat stage, as the outcome is often too predictable. It's up to him to design a course that will force riders out of their comfort zone. One solution? A mountain stage and rough terrain.