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EFE · Road Competition · 06/09/2020
The second Pyrenean stage this Sunday presents two attack options, one far away, for the most daring adventurers, and the other more classic, on the ascent ramps to Marie Blanque, whose summit is 18 kilometers from the finish line.
The 153 kilometers between Pau and Laruns have a traditionally Pyrenean profile that invite to the offensive among the suitors to the general on the eve of the first day of rest, when cyclists will have less need to save strength.
To end the first third of the race, the peloton faces a terrain with two great attack options.
A first in Hourcre, an undiscovered port, one of the few that remained to be discovered on the Pyrenees Tour. Its ramps, which extend for 11.1 kilometers with an average gradient of 8.8%, ascend a slope of the now classic Pierre Saint-Martin, which are well reminiscent of Chris Froome’s feat in 2015.
On this occasion, the cyclists will do so on an unknown road that includes sections above 10%, “comparable to those of the Alpe d’Huez, says the race’s sports director, Thierry Gouvenou.
A scenario that can inspire a great offensive, unless those who aspire to surprise do not prefer to wait to attack on the hard ramps of Marie Blanque, with its 7.7 kilometers at an 8.6% average slope, which is concentrated on all in its final stretch with percentages almost invariable of 12%.
Whoever achieves an income at the top, in addition to a bonus, will have the advantage to complete the 18 kilometers that remain until Laruns.
British rider Adam Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) defend the lead with 3 and 9 seconds ahead of Slovenian Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) and French Guillaume Martin (Cofidis). Romain Bardet (AG2R-La Mondiale) is fourth, 11 seconds behind the yellow jersey.
The peloton will leave Pau on time at 12:35 pm (CEST) and, after 153 kilometers of stage, its arrival in Laruns is estimated at around 4:27 pm.
Stage 9 data
– Departure: Pau / 12:35 hours (CEST).
– Arrival: Laruns / 4:27 p.m.
– Distance: 153 kilometers.
– Scorable mountain elevations:
. Cota de Artiguelouve / 4 at Km. 9.5
. Col Hourcre / 1, 11.1 km at 8.8%) at Km 69
. Col de Soudet / 3 at km 78
. Col d’Ichre / 3 at Km. 115.5
. Col de Marie Blanque / 1, 7.7 Km at 8.6% at Km 135
Route of stage 9
Stage 9 profile
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