Stage 12 — Auch > Hautacam¶

Stage Profile and Strategy¶

Terrain: Mountain stage finishing atop Hautacam. Multiple climbs including the Col d'Aspin before the final 13.6km ascent to Hautacam.
Race Narrative:
- Early: Long approach through rolling terrain, breakaway forms.
- Mid: Col d'Aspin and Hourquette d'Ancizan test the legs.
- Finale: Hautacam climb separates the field, GC battle expected.
Sporting Stakes: Major time gaps possible, mountain classification points, stage win opportunities.

Planned

"Attack early, survive the Pyrenean giants, fight for KOM and Hautacam glory!"

5m @ 96W (75%) [Controlled warm-up | Rolling start from Auch through Gers farmland]
8m @ 118W (92%) [Early breakaway attack | Fight to get in break before mountains]
15m @ 115W (90%) [Sustained break tempo | Working together toward Col d'Aspin]
8m @ 118W (92%) [Col d'Aspin KOM battle | 12km at 7.1% - first HC climb]
2m @ 102W (80%) [Brief transition | Fast descent toward Arreau]
8m @ 115W (90%) [Hourquette d'Ancizan | 9.9km at 6.5% - second HC climb]
2m @ 102W (80%) [Valley transition | Final descent before Hautacam]
12m @ 118W (92%) [Hautacam final climb | 13.8km at 7.8% - legendary summit finish]

"Climb steadily through the Pyrenees, respond to attacks on iconic Hautacam."

5m @ 77W (60%) [Controlled start | Easy pace from Auch, saving energy]
12m @ 83W (65%) [Peloton steady tempo | Rolling approach through Hautes-Pyrénées]
15m @ 90W (70%) [Approaching climbs | Building rhythm for HC climbs ahead]
8m @ 96W (75%) [Col d'Aspin - GC group | 12km HC climb, stay with yellow jersey]
3m @ 77W (60%) [Descent recovery | Technical descent, recover for next climb]
5m @ 90W (70%) [Hourquette d'Ancizan | Second HC climb, control the pace]
2m @ 83W (65%) [Valley approach | Final valley before Hautacam]
10m @ 102W (80%) [Hautacam summit | 13.8km to iconic finish, limit time losses]