Ooops, meant to mention - how fast they get to the mountains is also a function of how many mountain stages are set for a particular Tour. This year only has 5 'real' mountain stages (10 & 11 in the Pyrenees, 15-17 in the Alps), many times there are 6. For whatever reason they appear to be hitting the Pyrenees lightly this year, only 2 stages, and mostly lesser, or at least less storied climbs (as if any stage w/ multiple 1's & 22's, & an HC or two can be called 'lesser' LOL!! :).