Tour de France offers riders a flat relief stage after brutal mountain climbs

Stage 7 of the Tour de France ran from Hagetmau toward Bergerac on a flat course, giving the peloton a much‑needed respite after the previous day's high‑mountain assault. Race leader Tadej Pogacar said, “Everyone suffered… we were all grateful to have an easier day today,” and welcomed the calmer terrain for recovery.

The preceding stage, from Pau to the summit of Gavarnie‑Gèdre, featured a succession of iconic climbs – the Col d’Aspin, the 17.2‑km Col du Tourmalet and the demanding final ascent to Gavarnie‑Gèdre. Riders faced steep gradients and altitude above 2,100 m, making it a pivotal day for general‑classification contenders.

Both stages underscore the varied challenges of the race, with the flat stage suiting sprinters and the mountain stage serving as a decisive test for climbers and overall leaders.