Stage 10 - Monday, July 14: Pau - Hautacam, 156km
More high mountains in this stage which, despite being just 156 kilometres in length, should prove...
More high mountains in this stage which, despite being just 156 kilometres in length, should prove to be one of the toughest of this year's Tour. Despite a reasonably flat start, the stage finishes with the legendary ascents of the Col du Tourmalet and Hautacam. This stage should see some real gaps appear between the overall contenders as the favourites for victory in Paris start to show themselves.
Outside Paris and Bordeaux, Pau is the most-visited town for the Tour de France, featuring on the course no less than 61 times before. The first time was in 1930 too, meaning that have only been ten Tours since then that haven't called in at Pau. Last year – as this – the city was host to a stage start and a rest day, but the last time a stage finished here, in 2006, Spain's Juan Manuel Mercado (Agritubel) bested Cyril Dessel (Ag2r) in a two-up sprint. The Frenchman was consoled though by taking the yellow jersey for a few days.
Hautacam, a ski resort nestled above the pilgrimage centre of Lourdes, has been a stage finish three times before. The most recent, and most famous occasion was in 2000, when Javier Otxoa (Kelme) took the biggest win of his career. All the headlines went to the rampaging Lance Armstrong though as he stormed away from his rivals in the rain, taking the yellow jersey that he would hold all the way to Paris for his second victory.
This stage route will be the one used on the Etape du Tour, which will be run over a week earlier on Sunday, July 6th.
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Most Popular
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
'Almost professional again' - Wout van Aert continues recovery on gravel bike
Belgian completes 93km ride as Visma-Lease a Bike release video of him back riding outdoors -
Best e-bike helmets 2024
The best e-bike helmets add extra commuter-friendly features and extra protection for higher-speed, higher-momentum crashes -
Best commuter bike helmets 2024
The best commuter bike helmets with features designed for comfortable, safe urban riding -
Tadej Pogačar can dominate the Giro d’Italia but nobody can control its chaos – Analysis
Slovenian the overwhelming favourite but the Corsa Rosa always produces unexpected drama