The Tour’s first summit finish is here, and although it’s not in the top tier of mountain stages, the hills will at least prove to separate the peloton. The time gaps won’t be huge, and it’s more than likely that the main contenders will arrive in a large group together, but the racing should be tense and tactical with the protagonists hoping not to lose any time to their rivals. Someone who isn’t a danger man for the overall may well be allowed to escape for the victory.

Local boy: Florent Brard (Caisse d’Epargne)

Local hero: Raymond Poulidor (“the eternal second”, eight podium finishes at the Tour)

Col de la Croix-Morand:

1,401 metres high

10.5 km at 4.9%

Steepest section: 8.2% at 2 km

Altitude gain: 511m

Super-Besse:

1,325 metres high

7.2 km at 4%

8.4% at 5 km

Altitude gain: 285m

Aigurande facts:

• The town is making its first appearance in a Tour de France.
• Aigurande’s name derives from the Gallic word “Equoranda", which means “dividing water” – referring to the two Gallic tribes that were divided in this area: The Pictons and the Bituriges.
• The town’s economy is dependent on agriculture, forestry and granite quarrying.

Super-Besse facts:

• Super-Besse has hosted the Tour twice: In 1978, where Paul Wellens won, and in 1996, where Rolf Sorensen was the victor.
• The town is a renowned winter sports resort, featuring 45 kilometres of downhill ski slopes. Ski resort finishes are notoriously underwhelming for amateur cyclists who want to ride the routes of their heroes, but the racing itself is always exciting.
• Super-Besse also hosts Le Géminiani, an annual cycle tour organised in conjunction with one of the most colourful characters ever to grace French cycling, Raphael Géminiani.