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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Tour of the Gila: Lauren Stephens goes three for three, Haug keeps men's lead
Fausto Esparza Martinez wins Fort Bayard stage in bunch sprint -
'Bigger than a bike race' - Huge crowds, party atmosphere, and tough competition cements legendary status for Athens Twilight Criterium in 45th year
'Athens Twilight is why I race bikes' says veteran Ty Magner -
'I didn't expect to be at this level already' – Remco Evenepoel still improving ahead of Liège-Bastogne-Liège clash with Tadej Pogačar
Olympic champion has surprised himself with such good shape after returning to racing from injury -
Vuelta Asturias: Ivan Garcia Cortina nabs breakaway win on stage 2
Movistar rider narrowly hangs onto victory ahead of chaser Julius Johansen in second, as Marc Soler finishes third and takes the overall lead
