Limoux – Foix
Distance: 191km
Highest point: 1,517m
Category: High mountains
A Pyrenean hors d’oeuvre
This is not a full-on Pyrenean stage and is unlikely to have any major effect on the overall classification, but it’s no less interesting for all that. The Port de Lers is a good test, as is the Mur de Péguère. Like many other climbs in this year’s Tour, it’s new to the race, although featured on the itinerary in 1973. On that occasion, the riders were due to tackle it in the other direction but successfully protested against its inclusion because they felt the descent was too dangerous. It’s been resurfaced since then but is no less steep than it was 39 years ago. France’s biggest names could be in the picture.
Sean Yates: "By this stage, the race will have settled and there will be certain time gaps, so the likes of Thomas Voeckler can take a decent lead and stay away until the finish. It’s a hard day, with two Cols and the Port de Lers, but not one that will be decisive."
Maps and profiles courtesy of ASO
-
'It’s been an amazing journey so far, but it’s not over yet' – Michał Kwiatkowski among five key riders extending with Ineos Grenadiers
Veteran British stalwart Ben Swift also extends stay in professional peloton on a one-year deal -
When will we see Mathieu van der Poel vs Wout van Aert this winter? 'Big Two' schedules and clashes confirmed as Tom Pidcock swerves cyclocross
Eternal rivals set to race limited campaigns once again, with five key clashes confirmed -
'We're here because we deserve to be' – Irish cycling's journey from 'underdog' status to an unfazed force
After the nation's most successful year in recent history, Cyclingnews spoke to Irish stars Lara Gillespie and Ben Healy on the Emerald Isle's changing mindset as it eyes a return to cycling's top table -
'The fastest UCI-compliant wheelset available' - Scribe releases new wheels with wavy aero spokes
Scribe's new 65mm deep wheelset will weigh in at a claimed 1,289 grams per pair, and feature unusual 'wave' aero carbon spoke design
