Stage 16: Bagnères-de-Luchon - Pau

Date: July 20, 2010

Stage 16 - Bagnères-de-Luchon - Pau

Distance: 199.5km

High Mountains - A sporting perspective
The same sequence as for Merckx
We have been criticised because the Tourmalet pass (where the Jacques-Goddet memorial trophy will be awarded at the summit) is apparently too far from the finishing line.

Some say that it will not bring anything to how the race develops. The only thing is neither Pau nor the Col du Tourmalet have changed place, and everything depends on the race. The riders will have to tackle Peyresourde from the start, Aspin, Tourmalet and Aubisque.

Admittedly, the Aubisque pass is 60 kilometres from the finishing line, but it is followed by 30 kilometres of descent before getting to grips with the valley bottom.

It is the same route (except that the stage finish was in Mourenx) as in 1969 when Eddy Merckx was victorious after a 180-kilometre breakaway. We wanted to make this stage a little tribute to him.

Source: letour.fr