Instead of two run-of-the-mill ‘transition’ stages between the Alps and the Pyrenees, Prudhomme and his team have opted to start the move westwards with a tricky day running through the Ardeche to the now well-known finish at Mende’s aerodrome atop the Montée Laurent Jalabert, so called after the Frenchman’s famous Bastille Day win there in 1995.
On heavy roads and over four categorised climbs, this stage could cause surprises, particularly if the temperature boils up. Spaniard Marcos Serrano won the last time the Tour finished here in 2005. Will a compatriot triumph today?
Stage profile
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Ruth Holcomb and Griffin Hoppin 'closing the gap' with U23 titles in Life Time Grand Prix
'I couldn't have ever imagined how great this opportunity would be' says Holcomb, who almost gave up bike racing last winter -
'I have been suffering all year. I don't want to suffer here' - Tom Pidcock earns a stage victory at Gravel Burn while Matt Beers holds lead with two days to go
Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio takes commanding GC lead for elite women as Axelle Dubau-Prevot scores three stage wins -
'Paperwork issues' holding up Jayco AlUla and Liv AlUla Jayco UCI registrations for 2026 ironed out
Team confirms all documents have been submitted for men's and women's WorldTour teams -
Q36.5 sign Sam Bennett to complete 2026 line-up
Irish sprinter inks one-year deal after two seasons at Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale
