For stage 9 we have a triumphant return to the iconic Puy de Dôme, a volcanic peak that hasn't featured in the race since 1988. This challenging stage spans 182.4 km, culminating in a grueling 13.3 km climb up the Puy de Dôme, with the final stretch ascending at a punishing gradient of over 11%. The route to the foot of this climactic ascent is far from flat, featuring a series of climbs that will test the riders' endurance and climbing prowess. The stage begins in Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, and the riders will face a day of moderate temperatures and high cloud cover, which could add an atmospheric tension to this challenging stage. The Puy de Dôme has a storied history in the Tour de France, with victories from cycling legends such as Fausto Coppi, Federico Bahamontes, and Joop Zoetemelk, and this stage promises to add another thrilling chapter to its legacy.
