After the first rest day of the tour on Monday, the real test for the general classification is expected to begin, but will the weather play a factor in this years climbs up the Pyrenees?

The current forecast looks good for the climbers, but poor for the sprinters.

The second segment of stages in this tour are broken up evenly into three flat and three high mountains stages. All six take place in the southwest and south-central parts of France. The sprinters will look for a few stage wins and to continue the chase for the green jersey, while the climbers and general classification riders will be looking to gain some time or king of the mountains points on the competition.

On Tuesday, the tour rides a flat stage 10 from Aurillac to Carmaux, riding on generally flat terrain. The day should be a good one for the sprinters that can tackle the few minor climbs of the day.

Stage 10 forecast:

A few showers around the course

Increasing clouds

A slight breeze in the afternoon

Temperatures in the 80s to low 90s

On Wednesday, the tour rides another flat stage from Blaye-les-Mines to Lavaur. While the day looks good for the sprinters on paper, the weather will say otherwise.

Stage 11 forecast:

Periods of rain

Overcast

Windy at times

Temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s

On Thursday, the tour enters the Pyrenees on its route from Cugnaux to Luz-Ardiden, signifying the beginning of the true battle of the Tour de France, that for the yellow jersey. Also, expect the king of the mountains competition to heat up, with plenty of points to be had on the day’s three massive climbs.

Stage 12 forecast:

A chance of a shower

Mostly cloudy

A breeze is possible

Temperatures in the 70s, cooler at summits

The assault will continue on Friday as stage 13 climbs the Col d’Aubisque on route to Lourdez from Pau. However, only three climbs, and Aubisque being the only major one, will probably mean the day will be a decisive one for the general classification, meaning the French will most likely try to win the stage on Bastille Day (similar to 4th of July for the United States).

Stage 13 forecast:

Partly sunny

Temperatures in the upper 70s

Cooler at summits

The last day of the Pyrenees should be interesting, as there are six climbs to be topped after leaving Saint-Guardens, including the monster mountain top finish up the Plateau de Beille.

Stage 14 forecast:

Partly sunny

Temperatures in the upper 70s to lower 80s

Cooler at summits

The day before rest day should be one for the sprinter, if they have the legs after the previous day of brutal climbing. Only one category four climb is on the route between Limoux and Montpellier.

Stage 15 forecast:

Chance of a shower

Increasing clouds

breeze, especially near the coast

Following stage 15 is a rest day, where riders will attempt to regain some energy for the last stage of the tour.