Stage 17: Pau - Col du Tourmalet

Stage 17: Pau - Col du Tourmalet

Date: July 22, 2010

Distance: 174km

High Mountains - A sporting perspective
The last big battle?
After the second rest day in Pau, the riders will set out for their final battle. Well, on the face of it at least… Last year, on Mont Ventoux, what was expected to be all out combat ended up as a damp squib, with all the pretenders waiting for the others to make a move.

On this stage, perhaps there will be struggle for the top if Contator is in second place with 30 seconds to make up, but if he has a five minute lead on the rest, then it is as good as over. Following the Marie-Blanque climb, we will head back down into the valley.

After only three kilometres of flat, we will immediately get to grips with the Soulor, a long, long, long climb, almost 25-kilometres long! The Aubisque pass is just next to it, then the riders will head down before tackling the Tourmalet pass. At the highest point of this Tour, the Henri-Desgrange memorial trophy will be awarded.

Source: letour.fr