ANDORRA, July 10, 2009 (AFP) – The seldom climbed Port d’Envalira could set the tone for racing in the Tour de France’s eighth stage when it beckons the peloton almost from the start of Saturday’s race.

Last featuring on the Tour in 1997 when Richard Virenque crossed over the category one summit first, Envalira is a 23.2km climb at a relatively manageable gradient, at least for the pros, of 5.1 percent.

Because of its proximity to the start line it is likely to invite early breakaways which, depending on who is involved and whether they pose a threat to the yellow jersey contenders, may be allowed to escape.

But whether they can go all the way will depend on a combination of their determination, and whether the yellow jersey contenders intend to battle it out on the stage’s two remaining climbs.

The eighth stage is the second of three days in the Pyrenees and also features the Col de Port and the more difficult Col d’Agnes before a 50km descent into Saint Girons.

The Col de Port is a category two rated climb over 11.4 km at an average gradient of 5.5. The Col d’Agnes is 12.4km long at an average gradient of 6 percent, rating it a category one.

Although breakaways will feature at the start, they could also light up the finale of the race.

A technical 10km descent leads the peloton from the Col d’Agnes summit to Aulus-les-Bains. From there the road heads steadily downwards towards Saint Girons.

If they find themselves in front, the powerful ‘rouleurs’ could escape the peloton. On the contrary, climbers with a lead on the Col d’Agnes summit will have little chance of going all the way.