This stage pays homage to one of the greatest exploits in Tour history. In 1969, on a stage that crossed the same four passes as today's, race leader Eddy Merckx launched a solo attack at the foot of the Aubisque and rode away to the finish in Mourenx, just west of Pau, arriving almost eight minutes clear of his rivals.
It would be astounding to see anyone attempt to copy the Belgian's incredible ride, especially given the long run-in to the finish.
Stage profile
TOPICS
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'I just wasn't at my best' - Wout van Aert's hopes for a cyclo-cross victory in Dendermonde dashed by lightning fast conditions
World Championship organisers' hopes of tempting Van Aert fade as dry weather puts Belgian at a disadvantage -
'I really felt like I was in the mix again' - Puck Pieterse finds form in fast Dendermonde 'cross World Cup
Dutch champion lands second place behind Lucinda Brand -
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup: Thibau Nys wins in Dendermonde as Wout van Aert takes sixth
Brutally fast race in absence of Mathieu van der Poel sees Del Grosso and Sweeck on podium -
UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup: Lucinda Brand indomitable in Dendermonde
Pieterse, Fouquenet round out podium in round eight
