Even after the previous 11 days of racing, the Tour will only really start for some today, as the climbers come out to wreak havoc on the rest of the field.

After a week and a half of rolling hills and flatlands, the first mountain stage is set to provide a nasty shock for many.

It takes the riders over one of the classic mountain routes, used since 1910.

The giant Col d'Aubisque is one of the toughest hills of the entire race and comes after no acclimatisation to the demands of climbing.

• 35km: Cote de Louvie-Jouzon fourth category climb
• 66.5km: Col d'Aubisque "without category" climb
• Finish: La Mongie first category

BBC Radio Five Live's man on the Tour Simon Brotherton picks Oscar Sevilla to take the first mountain stage. He explained: "Stage 10 will throw up a Spanish winner. There will be a breakaway over the last couple of mountains and the leaders will be working to lessen their losses. And, after his poor time trial, Oscar looks like the man to do it."

Previously: La Mongie's first time in the Tour saw Bernard Thevenet win a stage in 1970. The Frenchman eventually won two Tours in 1975 and 1977.

Don't miss: You cannot miss these vast mountains, more severe than the Alps - or the enthusiastic Basque and Spanish fans who will flock across the border.

Food and drink: The Pyrenees are too steep for vineyards, although the area in the foothills to the west produces the spicy Irouleguy wine.

Link: La Mongie