Stage six of the Tour de France promises fireworks! From Pau, the peloton will head over the true Pyrenean giants this time, and differences in the general classification are expected. The final climb to Gavarnie-Gèdre (18.7 kilometers at 3.7%) may not strike fear on its own, but what comes before it certainly will…

After the start in Pau, a calm and classic approach toward the Pyrenees awaits. Via Lourdes and Bagnères-de-Bigorre, the riders continue to Arreau, where the foot of the first Pyrenean giant of the day lies: the Col d’Aspin (12 kilometers at 6.5%). On the profile chart, the Aspin may look like a speed bump compared to what follows, but the climb is truly tough—especially because its steepest kilometers consistently rise above 9 percent.

After the Aspin, the race descends to Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, where the ascent of the biggest mountain of the day begins: the mythical Col du Tourmalet (17 kilometers at 7.3%). The longer the Tourmalet goes on, the steeper it becomes. From the tenth kilometer onward, the gradient barely drops below nine percent. At 2,115 meters, a mountain sprint for the Souvenir Jacques Goddet awaits, after which 39 kilometers remain to the finish.

The final 39 kilometers of the stage are not overly difficult, although… After a 22-kilometer descent, one more climb of 18 kilometers with an average gradient of 3.7 percent remains. At this point, it would be very useful for a GC rider to still have a teammate by their side.