The 2011 Tour de France has left the Pyrenees for a flat stage that bridges the gap to the Alps for the majority of the remaining race. The sprinters will enjoy this route (192.5 km/120 mi) from Limoux to Montpellier. Limoux is hosting for the first time as a stage town in the Tour de France, though it has hosted in other cycling events. Montpellier will be a stage town for the 30th town, an impressive feat.
The one climb during the day's race comes at the 82nd kilometer at Côte de Villespassans. They will be 208 meters above sea level while most of the race will be less than 100 km above sea level. The sprint comes late in the day at the 143.5 kilometer in Montagnac.
Thomas Voeckler still wears the yellow jersey, which he gained early on during the past week's mountain stages. A return to a flat stage could help him increase his lead over Luis-Leon Sanchez and Cadel Evans, his nearest competitors. Tom Danielson is 5:46 behind and in ninth place, but he is the top American in the race at the moment.
VERSUS has coverage once again at 6 a.m. MT.
For in-depth coverage of the race, visit out cycling blog, Podium Cafe, and our SB Nation StoryStream.