PEYRAGUDES
2017 ASCENT/ LENGTH AND GRADIENT :2.4 KM AT 8.4% ALTITUDE :1,580 M/ START: LA SAPINIÈRE
The Peyresourde-Peyragudes combination was first used in 2012 when the stage was the last in the mountains. Alejandro Valverde won with a long-range attack that began on the Port de Balès. Dan Martin came home 10th
“The Peyragudes needs the context of the roads leading up to it. There’s the fast, perilous downhill with precipitous drops on a single track off the Port de Balès before the gradual grind up the Col de Peyresourde [9.7km at 7.8 per cent]. Then there’s a short descent that serves to turn the legs to jelly before an incredibly steep final. I’ve heard rumours that the finish line will be on the airstrip at the top which I hope proves false as some guys may well end up walking. It’s that steep. The hardest part of the whole stage will be the weather. Poor conditions and the technical downhills will be crucial. However it is often scorching hot in the Pyrenees in July and these climbs all seem to have no shade. Mixed with steep gradients it will be airless and after more then six hours in the saddle that final ramp will be interminable.”