After two hard days of a totally different nature in the Pyrenees and before more big climbs to come, stage 18 gives some respite to the riders who have been used to having several consecutive mountain stages in Grand Tours.
This is also a new way to come up with the route. Pau is a bit too far away from the giants of the Pyrenees but a necessary meeting point on the route. It's the only French city that has a deputy mayor exclusively assigned to the task of hosting the Tour de France.
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Cycling transfers – All the latest news and announcements for the 2026 season
The ultimate guide to the pro cycling transfer window, tracking every move across the men's and women's WorldTours -
'We couldn't maintain it to the finish' – Ineos Grenadiers fade to fifth after rapid start to Vuelta a España TTT, but 'it was a really brave ride'
No regrets for British team in search of victory in Figueres, with leader Egan Bernal staying close on GC -
'Thursday is the first proper hard stage' - Jonas Vingegaard looks ahead to mountains after regaining Vuelta a España lead in team time trial
Teammate Matteo Jorgenson points to a 'misunderstanding' about tailwind as possibly impacting on TT -
Vuelta a España 2025 standings – General Classification after stage 5
Jonas Vingegaard back in red after Visma-Lease a Bike take second in team time trial
