The 2008 Etape once again within range of La Forge.

Pau is about 2 hours drive along the autoroute with Hautacam a little closer.

Thursday 25th October 2007 - Cycling Weekly :

The Etape du Tour will be held earlier than usual - on Sunday, July 6 - to enable the race to visit the Pyrenees again.

More than 8,000 riders will tackle the 154-kilometre stage from Pau to the summit at Hautacam, via the east side of the Col du Tourmalet.

Despite speculation the most famous cyclo-sportive in the world would be held in the Alps again - or the more outlandish suggestion it would be held the day before or after the Tour stage to enable the etapistas to watch the race - the organisers have opted to move the date.

Although a short stage, it will test the legs to the full, and places are set to be at a premium given the prestige of the 23-kilometre Tourmalet climb, which averages seven per cent.