Another predominantly fast and flat stage, the route takes the peloton inland from Montpellier on a journey through the Regional Park of the Haut Languedoc, taking in four ‘king of the mountains’ and two sprint time trials.

The climbs arrive at Côte de Cantagel, Côte du Mas-Rouet, Col du Buis and Montée de la Jeante, after 25.7km, 58km, 74.5km and 130.5km respectively. The sprints take place at Herepian and Olargues.

Castres becomes a stage town for the fifth time on this year’s Tour, but it has only once before served as a finish (the town hosted stage starts in 1972, 1994 and 1999). In 1991, Italian Bruno Cenghialta claimed his only stage victory in a race that began in Saint-Gaudens. He went on to finish 56th in Tour, surpassed by his 12th place finish in 1996.

The town dates back to the 9th century and was home to Jean Jaurès, the father of French socialism.

Stage 12 is likely to be a tense affair with teams and riders desperate to remain in contention with the Tour’s great time trial the following day in Albi.