ETAPE 2008: IT'S THE TOURMALET
The Etape du Tour will be held earlier than usual - on Sunday, July 6 - to enable the race to visit the Pyrenees again.
More than 8,000 riders will tackle the 154-kilometre stage from Pau to the summit at Hautacam, via the east side of the Col du Tourmalet.
Despite speculation the most famous cyclo-sportive in the world would be held in the Alps again - or the more outlandish suggestion it would be held the day before or after the Tour stage to enable the etapistas to watch the race - the organisers have opted to move the date.
Although a short stage, it will test the legs to the full, and places are set to be at a premium given the prestige of the 23-kilometre Tourmalet climb, which averages seven per cent.
RECENT EDITIONS
2007 Foix to Loudenvielle (Pyrenees) 199km
2006 Gap to Alpe d?Huez (Alps) 193km
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2005 Mourenx to Pau (Pyrenees) 179km
2004 Limoges to Saint Flour (Massif Central) 238km
2003 Pau to Bayonne (Pyrenees) 201km
RELATED LINKS
Tour 008: The instant reaction
Tour 2008: Stage list and map
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