Before the first rest day, the first real Alpine stage of the Tour de France is coming up. Four climbs have to be mastered on the 192.9-kilometer route from Aigle to Chatel Les Portes du Soleil, two of which have been assigned to the first category.
Visiting the bosses
The ninth stage starts in Aigle at the headquarters of the world cycling association UCI. If you position yourself there as a spectator, you will see the drivers twice. Because from Aigle, the peloton makes a loop through Switzerland before stopping by the UCI again. Since the first rest day is on Monday, the pros can invest a little more energy than on a normal Alpine stage.
Too easy to attack
The ascent to the Pas de Morgins just before the finish is quite long at over 15 kilometers, but never really difficult. Leader Tadej Pogacar will not be able to outpace with attacks. Then follows a descent of about six kilometers before it goes – very moderately uphill – four kilometers up to the finish.
Corona concern
Two Corona cases startled the peloton on Saturday morning. Pogacar’s helpers Vegard Stake Laengen and Geoffrey Bouchard had to give up the race. After more than a week of rest, the virus is suddenly back. Of course, there is concern about further cases. The teams and the organizer ASO will follow the development closely and take measures if necessary.