The comment of Christian Prudhomme

This stage will run from Ariège to Haute-Garonne and from Pamiers, a Tour first, to Bagnères-de-Luchon. Under its former name of Luchon, the town was the finish of the very first stage through the Pyrenees in 1910, after notably crossing the Portet d’Aspet and Ares mountain passes. Additionally this year: the daunting spectre of the Port de Balès, climbed only once before in 2007.

To see an interactive map and explore the stage with Google Street View click here.