Stage 9 - Sunday, July 13: Toulouse - Bagnères de Bigorre, 224km
This is where the Tour really begins as the roads head upwards into the high passes of the Pyrenees....
This is where the Tour really begins as the roads head upwards into the high passes of the Pyrenees. Leaving the city of Toulouse, the course heads south and east over a number of small hills, until it reaches Luchon where the climbing really starts. The two first category Cols de Peyresourde and Aspin are not the toughest climbs of the Tour, but both are tough enough to punish anyone who isn't on top form. The descent to the finish though, should mean that any gaps between the contenders will be small.
Bagnères-de-Bigorre features on the Tour route on a regular basis, sitting as it does at the foot of the infamous Col du Tourmalet, which the race tackles tomorrow, but has only been a start or finish town nine times before. Recently, the town has tended to feature as a start town, rather than a finish. The last time was that incredible day in 2003 when Lance Armstrong took stage victory at Luz-Ardiden. He stormed away to win alone after being brought down by a spectator's bag at the foot of the final climb, the incident leading to the "did Ullrich wait" debate that kept internet chat rooms buzzing for years afterwards.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Budget shortfall to blame for second cancellation of CIC-Mont Ventoux in June
'Giant of Provence' was set to serve as tester for stage 16 of Tour de France -
First-time altitude camp for Kristen Faulkner sets up 'real fitness' for Ardennes Classics and Grand Tours
Double gold Olympic champion makes pitch for fans to send her video reactions from solo road race victory -
'Close to the real shape' - No wins yet in 2025 but Lotte Kopecky approaches peak in bid to reclaim Tour of Flanders crown
World champion collects prestigious Belgian National Trophy for Sporting Merit in Brussels, an award athletes can win only once -
Dwars door Vlaanderen Women 2025 start list
Marianne Vos returns to defend title in pre-Tour of Flanders Spring Classic