Distance: 217.5 km
Climbs: 4
Points for the polka dot jersey: 7
Points for the green jersey: 50
Neutralised start: 12:10
Real start: 12:25
Estimated finish: 17:28 – 17:59
Village opening: 9:15
Saint-Flour
Stage city for the 4th time, sous-prefecture of Cantal (15), 7 200 inhabitants (Sanflorains), 24 900 inhabitants (Saint-Flour Communauté)
Out of the three stages of the Tour de France that have graced Saint-Flour, it is without any doubt the one in 2004, won by Richard Virenque on Bastille Day, which left the most resounding mark. It was his seventh and last stage victory on the Tour de France.
In Saint-Flour, the people of the Middle Ages made the town into a formidable bastion. A walk round the town’s walls illustrates the art of medieval defence. Today, the base of these walls remains, to the greatest delight of walkers.
Albi
Stage city for the 13th time, prefecture of Tarn (81), 51 600 inhabitants (Albigeois)
Albi is the home town of Lilian Calmejane, one of the hardiest attackers in today’s pack. It was also the birthplace of a keen cycling enthusiast, namely Toulouse-Lautrec, who painted many advertising posters for cycling firms.