Hardest stage of the tour today. 136 miles, 18,752 feet of climbing (according to my Garmin Edge 305). It took me 9.5 hours. It will probably take the pros 6.5, by far the longest stage of the tour.
- The Port du Larrau is probably the hardest climb of the entire tour (3 of our group of 4 thought so, I thought Port du Bales was tougher).
- Col du Marie Blanche is only 9K, but the last 6K average over 10%, with the last 4K at 12%. It is steep, it is hard, and it is late in the day. It descends straight into the Aubisque. Don’t be surprised to see the excitement start on the Marie Blanche. Someone like Soler could get away on the Marie Blanche and stay away.
- The Col d’Aubisque is steady at 7.5% and long. I found it very much like Plateau de Beille. Not nearly as hard as Port du Bales or Port du Larrau, but it is miles 125-136 and a summit finish and the racing will be fierce. This climb will decide the tour.
Stage 17 - 6 annoying categorized climbs, but nothing that will cause time gaps. This is the stage for sunflower fields and foie gras.
Stage 18 - boring, useless, and ugly (2nd half - 1st half passes some nice medieval villages) stage.