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STAGE 18
Date: Thursday, July 21 2011
From/to: Pinerolo to Galibier-Serre Chevalier
Distance: 200.5km
Type: High mountains
Impact on jerseys
Yellow 5/5
Green 1/5
Polka dot 5/5
Tour history will be made today, as the 2645m-high summit of the Col du Galibier becomes the Tour's highest-ever finish location.
If its 23km ascent is not enough, the Col Angel is included for only the second time, and at 2744m is the third highest pass ever included in the Tour. Sandwiched in between these two giant giants is the Col d'Izoard, which at 2360m seems tame in comparison.
It's not; like those that surround it, it is a hors catégorie climb, one of nine in this year's Tour. It may be the shortest, but with an average of 7.1%, the Izoard is arguably the toughest of the three mountains today.
Tour de France 2011: Related links
Tour de France 2011: Cycling Weekly's coverage index
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