This stage is a treat in many ways. It’s the shortest stage the Tour has seen in 30 years, at 65km, and more than half of that (38km) will be uphill. What’s more, it features a brand new climb – the Col de Portet – which is not only making its Tour de France debut, but will have been especially paved for the race (it’s currently a dirt track), and is described by Christian Prudhomme as having “all the assets to become a new Tourmalet”. The unusually short parcours, whilst striking fear into the hearts of the pro peloton (who will have to cover the 3,100m of vertical gain at a near-sprint), means that we’ll be able to take this stage at a comfortable pace, enjoying the views from the Col de Peyragudes and the Col de Val Lauron-Azet before celebrating the Pyrenees’ highest ever summit finish.
