Stage 11 - Wednesday, July 16: Lannemezan - Foix, 167.5km
Despite still being in the region of the high mountains (Lannemezan is in the Haute-Pyrénées...
Despite still being in the region of the high mountains (Lannemezan is in the Haute-Pyrénées department, and Foix is the capital of Ariège) this stage features very little serious climbing: the only serious obstacle of the day being the first category Col de Portal. Consequently, the course has breakaway written all over it and will suit strong riders who have lost enough time over the preceding two mountain stages for the contenders' teams to let them go.
Both towns have hosted the Tour before in the past, but only as start towns. Lannemezan has been there three times before between 1999 and 2004, the last one of those being Lance Armstrong's second victory on the Plateau de Beille where he narrowly beat Ivan Basso to the line.
Foix has previously hosted two stage starts: in 2001 and 2007. Last year's stage to Loudenvielle-Le Louron saw a battle between overall contenders Alberto Contador (Discovery Channel) and Michael Rasmussen (Rabobank) on the Col du Peyresourde. In front of them though, Alexander Vinokourov was rebuilding his Tour – after his first week crash – with a storming solo victory. It later became clear exactly where Vino was getting his energy though, and the stage victory has subsequently been awarded to Kim Kirchen (then T-Mobile, now High Road).
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Giro d'Italia Women - stage 1 time trial start times
Elisa Longo Borghini last of 153 riders in opening stage -
'I'm really sorry' - Jonathan Milan and Tim Merlier disappointed to miss out in Tour de France sprint on stage 1
Big-name sprinters left to fight for 39th place after missing decisive split in the peloton -
'The guys were asleep' – Primož Roglič among GC losers in crosswinds on Tour de France stage 1
Yates twins out of contention, late crash no issue for Ben O'Connor - a rundown of the hopefuls who lost time in Lille, with many caught out in Visma-Lease a Bike-led crosswind assault -
'My first Tour de France, my first stage and what a win!' - Kaden Groves and Mathieu van der Poel celebrate as Alpecin-Deceuninck hit Tour de France jackpot
Australian sprinter plays key role in split and Jasper Philipsen lead-out