When: Sunday, July 22
Where: Mazamet-Plateau de Beille
It's a stage of two distinct halves. Ignoring the early climb of the Cote de St Sarraille, a 9km inconvenience which rises straight out of Mazamet, the first 12km are flat and dusty. The second part of the stage begins with the hors-category climb to the Port de Pailheres, a 2,001 metre brute.
The descent leads to a gently sloping valley road dropping to the foot of the Plateau de Beille climb at Les Cabannes. From here on in, it's every man for himself. It will be a big surprise if the war for the yellow jersey didn't spill over into the battle for the stage win.
TOUR DE FRANCE 2007: GUIDE
Route guide
Complete start list
Guide to all 21 teams
Tour 2007 videos
ITV and Eurosport Tour TV listings