The 'queen' stage of the race comes with three climbs, each getting notably tougher. The Marie- Blanque isn't high but its last 4km average 10 per cent.
The Soulor is longer, higher and tackled from its toughest side. Then to the Tourmalet, the highest climb of this year's race. It's debatable whether this side is the tougher of the two ascents, but there's no doubt it's tough enough to make a real difference.
-
US Cyclocross Nationals: Vida Lopez de San Roman's gamble to compete in elite women's race pays off with victory
18-year-old out-battles Katie Clouse for stars-and-stripes -
US Cyclocross Nationals: Henry Coote surprises men's U23 field with solo victory
Ivan Sippy second and Jack Spranger third in Louisville -
US Cyclocross Nationals: Katherine Sarkisov crashes at finish line with Cassidy Hickey to win chaotic U23 women's race
Two-up sprint leads to crash and relegation for Hickey, with mountain bike specialist Makena Kellerman taking silver -
'We want to challenge Van Aert and Van der Poel' - Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe look to win all year round with bolstered one-day squad
Team managers lay out ambitious plans for 2025 - 'We feel like we can be competitive in all Grand Tours, plus the one-day races'
