Between Carcassonne and Foix, the peloton finds a familiar Tour setting: the rugged roads of Ariège, nervous, winding and rarely easy to control. The difficulties come in quick succession without offering a grand summit finish, opening the door to strong breakaway riders and ambitious puncheurs. The col de Montségur, placed in the second half of the stage, can serve as a springboard before a more tactical finish in Foix. It will be a day of positioning, instinct and risk-taking.