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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'Jai is a bit older, maybe also a bit wiser' – Red Bull try to maintain balance between former winner Hindley and unrestricted home star Pellizzari at Giro d'Italia
DS Pömer says stopping Italian from trying to follow Vingegaard on Blockhaus 'would have been a moment he would regret his entire life' -
'Tactically, he did it really well' - Jayco-AlUla cautiously optimistic for Ben O'Connor in Giro d'Italia after sound strategic performance on Blockhaus
Australian just 1:15 down on Jonas Vingegaard and seventh overall after first major summit finish -
Lorena Wiebes overcomes late flat tyre to win Simac Omloop der Kempen Ladies
Dutch Champion holds off Charlotte Kool and Sandrine Tas in bunch sprint as breakaway's hopes dashed in final kilometre -
'It's about having nothing to lose' – Liberated by their bad luck, just how many stages can ruthless five-man UAE Team Emirates-XRG win at Giro d'Italia?
Jhonatan Narváez completes hat-trick in Fermo as cycling's top team continue to bounce back after losing three riders in stage 2 crash
