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."
-
Inge van der Heijden leads Dutch sweep ahead of Lucinda Brand and Aniek van Alphen at elite women’s race
Van der Heijden led from start to finish on sandy Middelkerke course -
European Cyclocross Championships: Mattia Agostinacchio attacks solo to take under-23 men's title
Italian upgrades from 2024 junior title ahead of Haverdings and De Bruyckere -
'The team is trying to push me more towards the Classics' - Jasper Philipsen to focus less on bunch sprints in preparation for 2026 season
Belgian will once again form one half of Classics tag-team with Mathieu van der Poel in 2026 before pivoting back to sprints and Tour de France -
European Cyclocross Championships: Barbora Bukovská wins junior women's title
Czech rider sees of challenge from Nynke Jochems as Nicole Azzetti completes podium
