The finale of stage 17 unfolds with a mix of tactical fireworks and relentless climbing, as the riders chase a potential stage win while the GC contenders keep their eyes on the overall. The day is built around a sequence of climbs that test both punch and endurance, with the road pitching up in sudden bursts and the terrain delivering moments of separation as the field stretches and tightens through the Pyrenees. Expect a day where positioning is king and an early surge can force the race to split into smaller groups before the long ramp to the finish at Peyragudes.
After roughly 50 kilometers of steady riding, the peloton encounters a day marked by constant ups and downs, with no meter of relief in sight. Every rise has a purpose, every descent a chance to recover briefly before the next gradient climbs into view. Buildup is crucial here, as riders must balance the demand of the early kilometers with the need to conserve energy for the late decisive ramps.
The opening obstacle is a climb to Aspin, a 12-kilometer test at about 6.5 percent. This first port acts as a filter, a place where the teams start to shape the composition of the day. The second port, Hourquette d’Ancizan, is less steep but still capable of shuffling the field, similar to the historical role it has played in this race as a platform for early attacks and to reveal who is truly ready to endure the Pyrenean grind. The aim here is not a full-blown attack but a calculated move to reduce the number of challengers for the later segments.
Next up is a springboard that comes a bit later, just past the thirty-kilometer mark. The Val-Louron ascent is irregular, spanning about 10.7 kilometers with a rough surface and a persistent 6.8 percent gradient. This is the kind of climb that tests the balance between power and technique—riders must keep the tempo steady enough to avoid blowing up, yet stay attentive to any real moves that could fracture the bunch. The scenery adds drama as the road snakes through the valley, and the crowd lines the slopes in expectation of a pivotal moment in the race.
The summit of Val-Louron lies roughly 20 kilometers from the finish line, followed by a swift descent that drops the riders toward the base of the next climb. From there, the route heads toward the third Pyrenean checkpoint of the year, a stage where Megève and Mende have already etched their notes into the race this season. With the road turning uphill once more, the teams brace for a decisive push as the finish line approaches.
Here the team will likely face an 8-kilometer ascent at around 7.8 percent, a longer, more sustained climb than in recent years. This is a true test of endurance and strategy; the longer ascent from 2017, which saw a French rider prevail, adds an extra layer of tactical memory for the current riders who remember that history. The difficulty of this segment means the gaps can widen, reshaping the general classification and creating opportunities for bold moves from GC contenders who manage to ride with precision and patience.
The Pyrenees in this stretch do not reach the extreme altitudes of the Alps, but the terrain is no less capable of making a difference. The roads—while not towering in height—offer long rhythmic climbs and short, sharp sections that favor those who can sustain a strong rhythm and stay mentally focused from start to finish. The overall layout encourages a booted chase, with teams and riders looking for moments to split the field and test the resolve of their rivals.
It is conceivable that a dedicated attacker could break free to contest the stage victory, while those pursuing the general classification might embark on a parallel run, conserving energy on the front while watching each other for weaknesses. The dynamics of this stage make it a study in patience and urgency: seize the right moment, and a rider can ride away; hesitate, and the field can reel you back in before the final ramp.
Stage 17: Saint-Gaudens – Peyragudes, 129.7 kilometers
Departure time: 13:25 (11:25 GMT)
Estimated arrival time: 17:00 (3:00 GMT)
Mountain profile highlights:
Col d’Aspin (1st): 12 km at 6.5%, 64 km remaining
Hourquette d’Ancizan (2nd): 8.2 km, 5.1% at 48.1 km
Col de Val Louron-Azet (1st): 6.8% to 10.7 km at 20.2 km
Peyragudes (1st): 8 km at the finish line with 7.8%.
The day’s rhythm is set by a clear line of climbs with varying profiles, giving riders chances to assemble, test, and react. The opening kilometers ask for steady legs and smart positioning. Then Aspin and Hourquette d’Ancizan invite the stronger climbers to show themselves, while Val-Louron adds a spiky rhythm that can fracture the peloton. The final climb to Peyragudes, with its persistent gradient, becomes the ultimate decider—where the strongest win or where a clever, well-timed attack can rewrite the stage result. The route rewards those who navigate the day with composure and seize opportunities as they arise, delivering a race that blends endurance, strategy, and the enduring thrill of Pyrenean climbing.