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."
-
Tirreno-Adriatico stage 4 LIVE - Breakaway splits with peloton closing in
The peloton races 213km from Tagliacozzo to Martinsicuro via two major passes of Ovindoli and the Valico della Capannelle -
Paris-Nice stage 5 LIVE - Three chasers join the original five leaders in eventful first half of hilly day
A day of sharp, steep hills to Colombier-le-Vieux features over 3,000 metres of elevation -
'In this role, I have told myself to say yes whenever possible' – Alex Dowsett takes us inside the mind of a WorldTour coach
The former UCI Hour Record holder explains how he gets back into the rider mindset, deals with cycling's tactical evolution, and why data doesn't tell the full story -
Best road bike tyres 2026: Our experts' favourite tubeless and clincher tyres
The top road bike tyres for speed, puncture protection, grip and more, tested in the lab and out on the road by our team of expert reviewers
