Stage 16 - Pau > > > Bagnères-de-Luchon (197km)
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Stage 16 - Pau > > > Bagnères-de-Luchon (197km)
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
"Pau, a stronghold? Pau, a strategic place? On today's menu, a 197 km classic succession of great Pyrenean cols: the Aubisque, Tourmalet, Col d'Aspin and Peyresourde. As Christian Prudhomme said, a mere four days from the finish, this stage will turn the thumbscrews on the peloton! Moreover, such a course is exactly my idea of a true mountain stage: not with a summit finish, which tends to lock up the race a bit, but an up-and-down course which calls for a mastery of all aspects of cycling. Two years ago, Andy Schleck vacillated somewhat on the descents..."
The classic Pyrenean stage A Tour staple in the pre-war years, the linking of the Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin and Peyresourde passes is rarely seen in modern times. Theres no summit finish but the organisers believe this is likely to make the action more intense as riders wont be tempted to sit back and wait for the final climb before racing. The fact that the Aubisque and the Tourmalet the roof of this years race come first wont suit the climbers. Some of them may not appreciate the final descent of the Peyresourde either as its very speedy and suits daredevils. It wont be an easy day for whoever is defending the yellow jersey.
Janez Brajkovic: "In 2010, we went over the Tourmalet and that was the most difficult stage Ive ever done. It will be tough and a few people will lose the Tour here. If youre dropped before the last climb then youre going to lose a lot of time."