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
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'Hopefully I can get a start to my season' - After injury-plagued season, Jay Vine finds form supporting Tadej Pogačar at Vuelta a España
First-ever climbing support role for Australian in a stage race with Pogačar -
'We didn't know that Enric was so close' - Inaccurate time gaps explain how Tadej Pogačar was caught during Vuelta a España attack
UAE Team Emirates say leader's attack was for safety on tricky descent - 'the fewer riders, the safer' -
'I was like - what's going on, is this a spectator?' - Tadej Pogačar surprised by Enric Mas on Vuelta a España gravel climb
Slovenian recognises mistakes on ascent of Puerto de El Bartolo -
'A good day, but let's not give it too much importance' - Enric Mas remains cautious after matching Tadej Pogačar on Vuelta a España gravel climb
Veteran Spaniard moves up to second overall, but remains over three minutes back on Pogačar
