By Andrew Matranga, Map Editor

The final stage in the Pyrenees promises to be epic as the Tour returns to the Tourmalet–the first mountain pass in Tour history–for a second time in two days. But this time, and only for the second time in the history of the Tour after 70 total appearances, the race finishes on the climb. Today, the Tourmalet will serve as both judge and jury in the quest for the maillot jaune. In addition, the riders will attack two reputed climbs prior to the Tourmalet, the Marie-Blanc and Soulor Pass, so count on serious time gaps at the finish. Both Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck have had this stage circled on their calendars since the route was unveiled, knowing that the final push to the summit would likely seal the general classification. Check out the full map here.

Leading up to the Tourmalet, however, are two other notable climbs: Col de Marie-Blanque, a 9.3km climb at 7.6% grade, and the second passage of the Col du Soulor, a 11.9km ascent at 7.8% grade. Matching accelerations and moves will be the main task for the domestiques as they prep their team leaders into position for the final ascent of the day.

The organizers of the 2010 Tour de France wanted to pay homage to the 100th year of the first passage of the Col du Tourmalet. By finishing the last day of the high mountains atop this legendary pass, they do so in grand style by approaching via Luz-Saint-Sauveur (710 meters) on the western side.

In the last five kilometers, the average slope is 13.9% with a maximum slope of 41% at one switchback. If they haven’t been in the hurt locker yet, the riders will be at this point. The race will likely be completely blown apart by the red kite, but the possibility exists that we race fans will have an amazing finish on our TV and internet screens. How did we calculate the metrics of this climb? By using the new elevation profiling tool that comes with the latest version of Google Earth.

What makes this ascent special is that the final 10km to the finish are undeveloped and barren–no towns, no ski stations. Just tranquil alpine meadows and maniacal race fans. As the highest point of this edition of the Tour, the Henri-Desgrange memorial trophy will be awarded to the first man across the line–an honor written into the history books of the Tour de France.

Follow live on Bicycling.com as the 2010 Tour de France settles the score atop the finest col of the Pyrenees. The finish will certainly be one for the annals of the Tour de France as Schleck has promised to get his revenge and wrestle the yellow jersey off the shoulders of his rival Contador. What remains to be seen is how the rest of the challengers take to the slopes of the three main climbs of the day. With weather reports coming from our correspondents in southern France calling for unrelenting rain, the stage might take on a different character if the road gets slick.

Regardless, we’ll all be on the edge of our seats. Get ready to watch the finale of the Pyreneean fireworks display.

Bonus Coverage
The Tour in 3D: You can view the entire Tour de France in 3D, zooming in on each killer climb and screaming descent, by checking the ride report and clicking “Download to Google Earth” (software required). It’s a whole new way to see these mountains up close from the comfort of your desk.

Into Thin Air: Need to bump that VO2 max and learn how to make like a mountain goat on high-altitude climbs? Read up on altitude training in this special report from Bicycling.

From our map contributors: Climb to the highest paved pass on the Continental Divide and mimic the rarified air of the French Pyrenees.

Rocky Mountain National Park: Trail Ridge Road
This 50-miler in Rocky Mountain National Park tours Colorado’s signature (and highest) paved pass, revealing epic views up to treeline and beyond.