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
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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