The big moves will start happening now with no less than three mountain passes – Col des Ares, Col de Peyresourdre et Col d’Aspin, and a very tough final descent to Bagnères-de-Bigorre.The climbers must take this opportunity to rise to the top of the overall placings.

Toulouse
25 times a stage town
First time in 1903, winner : Hippolyte Aucouturier
Last time in 2003, winner : Juan Antonio Flecha
Prefecture of Haute-Garonne Pop : 440, 000

Bagnères-de-Bigorre
9 times stage host.
First time in 1952; winner: Raphaël Geminiani.
Most recently in 2003; start.
District capital for the Hautes-Pyrénées département.
9,000 inhabitants.