Date: Sunday, July 13
Distance: 174km
Start location: Chinon
Finish location: Châteauroux
Start time: 13:10 CEST
Finish time: 17:07 CEST (approx.)
Whereas Brittany is characterised by how much it stands out from the norms of the national culture, the area of the Loire Valley, where a long southwards transfer takes the riders to for the start of stage nine, is perhaps the most quintessentially French. It’s known as the cradle of the French language, as it was the dialects and standard accent spoken here that became widespread, and it’s also plentiful in many of the aspects most associated with the country.
Among those is that most beloved of French specialities — wine. Wine has been made here since way back in the first century AD, and you’ll find many wineries and vineyards on the route today. Those grown here were among the most celebrated in all of France during the early Middle Ages, and continue to be celebrated today, especially for their whites, while only the Champagne region produces more sparkling wines. Those more inclined towards reds can sample the dry, light-bodied wine made near today’s start town of Chinon, made from the Cabernet Franc grape. And Chinon is also home to a château that dates back to the 10th century, a grand castle dramatically situated on the banks of the river Vienne that swapped hands between French and English during the 100 Years War, and is an example of one of the many châteaux dotted on the landscape today — another staple of Tour de France scenery.
It’s just as well that there are these châteaux for TV commentators to inform us about today, as there’s unlikely to be much going on on the road in terms of racing. Though there are some undulations, and there are three stages with less than the 1,400m elevation today, this is the only road stage of this year’s Tour de France that doesn’t feature a single categorised climb. Even the intermediate sprint comes just 24km into the stage, leaving little to happen between then and the likely bunch finish at the end. The organisers have included some changes in direction during the second half of the stage in the hope that crosswinds might become a factor to liven things up, but strong winds are rare here at this time of year.
A bunch sprint, therefore, seems nailed on, and the best sprinters in the race will be vying to succeed Mark Cavendish. The Manx Missile not once, not twice, but three times in Châteauroux, each marking a different stage of his career — on debut in 2008, it was the first of his Tour career; 2011 came at the peak of his powers, his 17th win in what was just his fourth Tour, a total that only Tadej Pogačar can match among active riders in the peloton; and the last, his 32nd came in 2021, during his stunning comeback to form after years of deliberating health problems. This is the first post-Cavendish Tour de France since he retired last year as the outright record holder for most stage wins, and, while his status as the greatest sprinter of all time is unquestioned, this is a chance for one of the contemporary stars to lay claim to being the sprinter of their generation.
Contenders
The sprinters will hold centre stage for a second day this weekend, and will not want to miss this opportunity, given the difficulties they're going to face in the next two weeks and the rarity of fast finishes.
Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) is the man of the moment, given his dominant sprint victory on Saturday, but the Italian didn't have to face off against the Tour's other premier sprinter, Tim Merlier (Soudal Quick-Step), following a late mechanical. The Belgian will want to be involved to push Milan all the way to the line, and the flat finish into Châteauroux will be suited to him.
Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) impressed with second place in Laval, but the uphill sprint that took place there will have tempted him to get involved, while the flatter opportunity today may see him take a backseat to save energy for later stages.
Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) will want to improve on his third place on stage eight, having picked up sprinting responsibilities in his team following Jasper Philipsen's abandonment.
Other teams will be desperate to get a result in Châteauroux after little to shout about in the first week. Dylan Groenewegen (Jayco-Alula), Søren Wærenskjold (Uno-X Mobility). Danny van Poppel and Jordi Meeus (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Pascal Ackermann (Israel-Premier Tech), Alberto Dainese (Tudor), Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty), Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain Merida), and Arnaud De Lie (Lotto) will all want to at least give themselves a fighting chance for a victory after struggling to challenge so far.
Arnaud Démare (Arkéa B&B), Bryan Coquard (Cofidis), and Pavel Bittner (Picnic PostNL) are other outsiders for victory.
Prediction
We think Tim Merlier will win his second stage of the Tour.
