The Pyrenees conclude with some legendary Tour de France mountain passes, the Col d'Aspin (12km at 6.6 percent) and the Col du Tourmalet (17km at 7.5 percent), where riders will be greeted by the masses.
An early breakaway will need good legs to master both of the challenging climbs and hold out until the finish, as there are still some 50 kilometres to cover to Tarbes after the descent of the Tourmalet. Depending on what happens within the group of favourites, this stage could be more nervous than it appears on paper, especially since the riders will be able to rest in Limoges the next day.
Vaughters' views
The Tourmalet is never easy, no matter where it’s placed in a stage. The scrappy breakaway climbers will have their day again, maybe this time making it to the line or maybe being absorbed by a very reduced group of 25 or so big name dudes.
One thing to look for from this day forward is: does the race leader have a strong team? They will need it as, after Arcalis and the rest of the Pyrenees, it’s a long way to defend until the Alps.
Whoever has the jersey at this point will need to have a good team or chaotic racing will be the rule for the next week. Chaos aside, I'd really like it if Dan Martin won on this day.
-
Christmas gifts for cyclists in 2025: Present ideas they'll actually want
Check out our list of Christmas gift ideas for cyclists, it's full of top ideas and inspiration for your cycling friends and family -
'We're not even going to think about the idea' – RCS firmly against Tadej Pogačar's suggestion to switch Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España dates
Italian race organiser only open to a one week move into June to benefit from better weather and Italian national holiday -
A climber-friendly course that could get in the way of Elisa Longo Borghini's third title – Analysing the Giro d'Italia Women route
A lowkey start builds to a big crescendo with the Colle delle Finestre, a tough stage in the Dolomites, and a challenging uphill TT -
'The main sporting goal is in April, that's clear' – Wout van Aert's cyclocross campaign is all about spring Classics preparation
'We see plenty of room for improvement to rediscover the best version of Wout' says Visma-Lease a Bike head of performance
