The Tour gains altitude from the third day with a first real mountain showdown between Granollers and Les Angles. The route gradually leaves Catalonia to join the Pyrenees, where long climbs introduce new fatigue after two tense days. The col de Toses and then the col du Calvaire will lead the climbers to a finish where gaps can open early. All-round leaders will need to show they have the legs, while pure sprinters will mainly aim to limit the damage.