The comment of Christian Prudhomme

We will follow in the wake of Eddy Merckx on this arduous succession of mountain climbs: Peyresourde-Aspin-Tourmalet-Aubisque. In 1969, in the famed stage that finished in Mourenx, Merckx waltzed away in an epic solo ride that went down in the annals of Tour history. He annihilated all contenders in the first of his five Tour victories. As often in the past, it is in Pau that riders will enjoy their second rest day.

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