Pau is always a sprint finish - Preview on Stage 13

The peloton heads south on Stage 13, which spans a relatively short 163.5 kilometers from Agen to Pau, the gateway to the Pyrenees. This region will host significant battles for the overall classification on Saturday and Sunday. However, before the mountainous showdown, the sprinters will likely have their second-to-last chance to vie for a stage win, as the terrain is not particularly demanding.

Stage 13 | 12 July | Agen to Pau | 165.3 km | 2,000 m elevation gain

This classic transition stage takes the riders from Agen to the Pyrenees. Although the profile initially appears suited for sprinters, the relatively short 165.3-kilometer race includes 2,000 meters of elevation gain. Most of this climbing is concentrated in the final 40 kilometers.

Following a climb to Lasserre at kilometer 121.9, the first categorized climb of the day begins: 1.5 kilometers long with an average gradient of 6.9 percent, leading to the Côte de Blachon at kilometer 127. After a brief plateau and descent, the road rises again to the category-four Côte de Simacourbe (1.8 kilometers at 6.4 percent). From there, it’s only 30 kilometers to the finish, but the route is far from flat.