12e Step, July 17: the peloton will arrive by Ger
Thursday, July 17, the 12e Step from the Tour de France will connect Auch in Hautacam for 181 kilometers, with almost 3,850 meters of elevation gain. This first Pyrenean stage will cross part of the Béarn, offering residents the opportunity to see runners pass, in various, hilly and often spectacular landscapes.
The peloton will enter the Béarn by Ger, on the D63, before joining Montaner (caravan at 12:56 p.m., runners at 2:48 p.m.), then switching to the D129 towards Pontacq, which he will cross near the town hall. He will then take the D936 to Bénéjacq, then the D938 to Coarraze. In Igon, the race will leave the D938 for the D35, will briefly pass through Asson, then climb the D126 to Arthez-D’ASss, the last Béarnaise commune crossed before the first serious ramps to the Col du Soulor.
The runners will take the D938 to Coarraze. Here in Nay during the Pau-Hautacam stage in 2014.
Archives David Le Deodic/SO
Where to settle down to see the runners pass?
In Montaner, spectators will be able to admire the peloton in the town center, with the medieval castle in the background. In Pontacq, Bénéjacq and Coarraze, the long straight lines will allow you to pass the grouped runners at full speed. Favor the village entrances and outings along the D936 and D938 roads. Finally, in Arthez-de’sson, the road begins to seriously rise: it is a good place to see the runners for effort. The frame is more steep, with turned turns and views. Arrive early, favor access on foot or by bicycle.
13e STEP, July 18: a time trial less than an hour and a half from Béarn
Friday July 18, the 13e Tour stage will take the form of an individual time trial between Loudenvielle and Peyragudes. A short but strategic test to follow just under an hour and a half from Pau. First runner at the start at 1:10 p.m., last at 5:31 p.m.
From the shores of Lac de Loudenvielle (945 meters), the runners will borrow the D25 to Estarvielle, will climb via Loudervielle on the D618 (1,158 meters), then attack the final climb to Peyragudes (1,580 meters) by the D619 and the Peyresourde-Balestas station. In total, 660 meters of elevation on an 11 kilometers layout, with an average slope of 7.9 % and passages at 16 %.
During the 13th stage, the runners will raise several passes, from Loudenvielle to the station of Peyresourde-Balestas. Here in 2020, 1 kilometer from the summit of the Peyresourde pass.
Archives David Le Deodic/SO
Where to settle down to see the runners pass?
The climb to Peyragudes is the best observation point, especially between Loudervielle and the station. The laces offer a clear view of the runners. The village departure from Loudenvielle promises a festive atmosphere all afternoon. Access will be reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. Road closed to motorized vehicles.
14e Step, July 19: departure in Pau
On Saturday July 19, the Tour will leave Pau for a high mountain stage of 183 kilometers to Luchon-Superbagnères, with almost 5,000 meters of elevation gain. Before attacking the passes, the runners will cross several Béarn municipalities.
The peloton will start at 11:55 a.m. from the Tissié stadium, avenue Gaston-Lacoste, at the foot of the giants’ tour. The advertising caravan will open the road from 9:55 a.m. before the real departure in Bizanos at 12 noon, the runners will parade in neutralized procession in Pau.
The course will go through avenue Jean-Biray, boulevard des Pyrénées, rue d’Étigny, rue du 14-Juillet in Jurançon, then avenue de Gélos, rue Louis-Barthou and D802 in Mazères-Lezons. The peloton will then continue on the D938 towards Coarraze (12:38 p.m.) and Lestelle-Bétharram (12:46 p.m.).
In Pau, the peloton will start at 11:55 a.m. from the Tissié stadium, avenue Gaston-Lacoste, at the foot of the giants’ tour, the advertising caravan will open the road from 9:55 am. Here, during the stage connecting Pau to Saint-Lary in 2024.
Archives David Le Deodic/SO
Where to settle down to see the runners pass?
