Any overnight dreams that the tired riders have of a processional stage into Paris to close the race will be dashed on waking when they realise today is another mountain stage.
And you can’t say it’s much easier than yesterday, either.
Sure, there’s no iconic mountain summit to close proceedings but the short, steep burst to the finish will test riders in new ways.
There’s also the not insignificant matter of three of the toughest climbs of the race earlier in the day, most significantly the 8.5% Col de Joux-Plane, which has a reputation as one of the toughest in the Alps.
It’s followed by the Col du Corbier, which is mercifully shorter but of a similar timbre.
The subsequent draggy false flat towards the finish ratchets up for a showstopping finale to what looks like the best route of the Tour de France Femmes yet.
Stage 9: Praz-sur-Arly > Châtel Les Portes du Soleil
Date: 3 August
Distance: 124.1km
Stage type: Mountain
Route profile
Route map
“This ‘100% Haute-Savoie’ finale offers a good opportunity for those riders who are behind in the standings to try to turn things around,” says race director Marion Rousse.
“The action will begin on the Côte d’Arâches-la-Frasse (6.2km at 7.1%) and continue, of course, on the Joux Plane (11.6km at 8.5%) and then on the Col du Corbier (5.9km at 8.5%). The climb towards the finish, at Pré la Joux, is steep as it passes through Châtel on the leg-breaking Route de la Bechigne.”
Did you know?
The men’s race has encountered the Joux Plane 13 times, with the finish always held over the other side in Morzine
