Stage 9
Fireworks will fly in the Pyrenees as stage 9 covers 142 miles over seven major climbs, including the first category 1 mountains on the 2008 route, Col de Peyresourde and Col d'Aspin. Look for time gaps in the standings to balloon by the end of the day; a few unlucky riders will likely not make the time cut, even on this just this first major day of climbing.
The peloton will likely trim to a select group by the top of the Peyersourde--the same climb where Alexander Vinokourov stormed to a final flare of victory last year before officals expelled him from the Tour de France a day later for a positive doping test. Peyresourde is one of the Tours oldest climbs and is making its fourth consecutive appearance in the race.
Both the overall contenders and best climber hopefuls will be feeling out their climbing legs on the day's two big mountains, pushing the pace only as high as their rivals do. But if any favorite shows weakness when the road turns up, his opponents will smell blood and attack (and attack again) on the Aspin climb.
MORE TOUR de FRANCE MAPS
Stage 1 |
Stage 2 |
Stage 3 |
Stage 4 |
Stage 5 |
Stage 6 |
Stage 7 |
Stage 8 |
Stage 9 |
Stage 10 |
Stage 11 |
Stage 12 |
Stage 13 |
Stage 14 |
Stage 15 |
Stage 16 |
Stage 17 |
Stage 18 |
Stage 19 |
Stage 20 |
Stage 21
Google Earth Flyover: 2008 Tour de France
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