Pau – Bagnères-de-Luchon
Distance: 197km
Highest point: 2,115m
Category: High mountains
A Tour staple in the pre-war years, the linking of the Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin and Peyresourde passes is rarely seen in modern times. There’s no summit finish but the organisers believe this is likely to make the action more intense as riders won’t be tempted to sit back and wait for the final climb before racing. The fact that the Aubisque and the Tourmalet – the ‘roof’ of this year’s race – come first won’t suit the climbers. Some of them may not appreciate the final descent of the Peyresourde either as it’s very speedy and suits daredevils. It won’t be an easy day for whoever is defending the yellow jersey.
Janez Brajkovic: "In 2010, we went over the Tourmalet and that was the most difficult stage I’ve ever done. It will be tough and a few people will lose the Tour here. If you’re dropped before the last climb then you’re going to lose a lot of time."
-
‘I'm not used to being the leader’ - Elise Chabbey after winning the Tour de Romandie Féminin
Swiss rider claimed first stage race victory on home soil -
Pete Stetina’s record attempt denied at Mt. Washington Hillclimb as Ian Boswell takes win
Illi Gardner sets new record in women’s race -
UCI Gravel World Series: Femke Markus and Jordan Habets win Gravel Grit ‘n Grind
Romain Bardet gets 10th in his first UCl Gravel World Series race -
ADAC Cyclassics Hamburg: Rory Townsend holds off peloton by tiny margin from early breakaway for biggest victory of his career
Arnaud De Lie takes second and Paul Magnier is third in Hamburg
