A Grueling Tour de France Awaits: Climbing the Pyrenees
The Tour de France peloton faces a daunting challenge as it embarks on a series of high mountain stages in the Pyrenees. The riders will tackle some of the most difficult climbs, starting with the Loudenvielle to Plateau de Beille stage, which features a relentless series of ascents. From the very start, the climb of Peyresourde (6.9 km at 7.8%) sets the tone, leading up to the final and only non-category climb of the day at the Plateau de Beille (15.8 km at 7.9%).
In between, the peloton will have little respite with the first-category climbs of the Cols de Mente (9.3 km at 9.1%), Portet-d'Aspet (4.3 km at 9.6%), and d'Agnes (10 km at 8.2%). This stage is a prime opportunity for climbers who have fallen behind in the general classification to make a move, as well as for French riders to shine on National Day. The race director, Thierry Gouvenou, anticipates a breakaway of real climbers and a thrilling race among the leaders on the Plateau de Beille.
The Pyrenean Challenge Continues: Pau to Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d'Adet
The next stage from Pau to Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d'Adet (151.9 km) offers another grueling test with over 4,000 meters of positive altitude difference. The riders will first conquer the Col du Tourmalet (19 km at 7.4%) before descending to tackle the Hourquette d'Ancizan (8.2 km at 5.1%). The stage will culminate with a climb to the finish at Saint-Lary-Soulan-Pla d'Adet (10.6 km at 7.9%). This stage is expected to be a key battleground for the favorites, with the rivalry between Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard likely to take center stage.
A Sprint Finish in Pau Before the Mountains
Before the peloton fully dives into the Pyrenees, the stage from Agen to Pau (165.3 km) offers a chance for the sprinters to shine. The finish in Pau, a mythical stage city of the Tour, is expected to be favorable for sprinters despite a challenging finale with a series of bumps. This stage is one of the last opportunities for sprinters to showcase their speed. Belgian champion Arnaud De Lie and Biniam Girmay are among the riders to watch, with the latter hoping to secure his green jersey in a sprint finish.
- Loudenvielle to Plateau de Beille stage details: Departure time at 11:55 a.m. and estimated arrival time at 5:22 p.m. The course features multiple challenging climbs, making it a critical stage for climbers and general classification contenders.
- Pau to Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d'Adet stage details: The fictitious start of the race will be given at 1:05 p.m. with the finish scheduled around 5:20 p.m. The stage includes notable climbs such as the Col du Tourmalet and the Hourquette d'Ancizan, promising a decisive battle among the favorites.
- Agen to Pau stage details: The fictitious start of the race will be given at 1:30 p.m. with the finish scheduled around 5:20 p.m. The stage offers a chance for sprinters to shine before the peloton heads into the high mountains of the Pyrenees.
