Pau – Bagnères-de-Luchon
Distance: 197km
Highest point: 2,115m
Category: High mountains
A Tour staple in the pre-war years, the linking of the Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin and Peyresourde passes is rarely seen in modern times. There’s no summit finish but the organisers believe this is likely to make the action more intense as riders won’t be tempted to sit back and wait for the final climb before racing. The fact that the Aubisque and the Tourmalet – the ‘roof’ of this year’s race – come first won’t suit the climbers. Some of them may not appreciate the final descent of the Peyresourde either as it’s very speedy and suits daredevils. It won’t be an easy day for whoever is defending the yellow jersey.
Janez Brajkovic: "In 2010, we went over the Tourmalet and that was the most difficult stage I’ve ever done. It will be tough and a few people will lose the Tour here. If you’re dropped before the last climb then you’re going to lose a lot of time."
-
Deja vu? Jan-Willem van Schip booted from yet another race for UCI-illegal bike setup
Parkhotel Valkenburg set to appeal the ruling, with a decision due ahead of stage 2 -
'Starting from nothing and finding my own way' – Louis Meintjes reflects on 13 years of racing after waving goodbye at Il Lombardia
South African climber looks to life after racing which 'just didn't feel the same anymore' -
Josie Talbot takes first Women's WorldTour win on stage 3 of Tour of Chongming Island as Anne Knijnenburg takes GC
Australian takes victory from break of ten that launched within final four kilometres, crash in chase behind -
No stopping Paul Magnier at Tour of Guangxi as he makes it three wins in a row on stage 3
Jordi Meeus and Max Kanter fill out the podium on longest stage of race to Bama
