The Tour de France opens the high mountain chapter with a demanding ride that tests climbers and general classification contenders early in the race. This first Pyrenean weekend sequence includes a stage ending in Laruns, a route that emphasizes altitude and sustained power, and it marks the start of a very telling week for the overall standings. The field travels 162.7 kilometers from Pau to Laruns, a distance that balances a first major ascent with time-trial style pacing in the final kilometers. From the start in Pau, the route promises a gradual but persistent climb as the riders pass into the foothills, weaving through valleys and towns that have hosted countless professional races. The anticipation is not merely about the gradient itself but about how the peloton will manage the energy reserves while still contesting the day’s breaks and the race’s overall narrative. The Pyrenees arrive with a challenge that sets the tone for the days to come, and the riders understand that every watt will matter as they head toward the mountains that dominate the horizon.
The climb profile features a sequence of notable ascents that will shape the strategy for the day. Shortly after the start, the riders encounter the Soudet, a climb categorized as a difficult ascent with a consistent gradient that tests both the legs and the breathing. It comes early enough to separate the motivated from the merely hopeful, but not so early that it destroys the prospects of the breakaway. Then the route reaches the Marie-Blanque, a classic mountain pass that offers steeper ramps and a more technical finish. The climb is a true test of leg speed and steadiness, as even modest accelerations can cost precious seconds later in the day. The 0.7 kilometers of extra effort required on the final approach add a psychological edge, compelling riders to measure their response against rivals who are already eyeing the general classification. The summit sits roughly 18 kilometers from the finish line, preserving an opportunity for riders to ride with intent into the last miles while the clock remains a constant companion. This layout gives general classification contenders ample grounds to reveal their form without wasting energy on unnecessary skirmishes early in the stage, while still offering a stage where daring moves can gain time for those who dare to push through the fatigue.
As the day unfolds, the yellow jersey becomes a focal point that can begin to reveal tensions and tactical moves from the team leaders. Pogacar, known for a favorable disposition toward hilly terrain and a knack for turning opportunities into strong results in this region, is watched closely by rivals as the parcours favors a powerful punch and a smart tempo. The stage mirrors a segment of another race day that resembles a well-titted script: a climb sequence that rewards precise timing and a descent that demands exceptional bike handling. The Slovenian rider has shown in past seasons a proclivity for exploiting favorable grades and strong tempo riding to press his claim on the overall standings. Roglic, the defending general classification contender, faces a different set of pressures as his team aims to defend the lead while the route unfolds across alpine and Pyrenean passes. The dynamic between the two climbers, and the way their teams marshal the troops, becomes the central drama of the day, shaping the opening acts of the race’s mountain chapter. This stage is not only about who crosses first but also about who can sustain momentum after the finish, since the next day ascends to high-altitude objectives that demand a different kind of endurance.
The decisive scoring and the final descent toward Laruns are designed to reward precision and nerve. The Marie-Blanque ramp, with its steeper final segment, sets up a technical descent that will determine how cleanly riders approach the finish. A top-topping bonus awaits at the summit, further complicating the strategy and inviting speculation about who will seize every available advantage. The day’s finish in Laruns is not merely a clock time but a signal of form: those who can hold or increase their speed on the descent and maintain control through the corners will have a psychological edge as the Tour moves deeper into the mountains. The stage’s start in Pau stirs memories for Pogacar as well, recalling another victory in a stage that began there and concluded in a different iconic Pyrenean venue, a reminder that Pau has become a meaningful launchpad for memorable mountain days in recent races. The combination of elevation, gradient, and technicality fosters an environment where both endurance and tactical cunning are rewarded, making it a peppery introduction to the Pyrenees that keeps the overall competition vibrant and unpredictable.
Calendar
The stage will start at 13:25 and arrival is scheduled for 17:22.
Route
The route of the stage will go from Pau to Laruns. It will be 162.7 km.