The volcano, which has been dormant for 35 years, promises to emerge as it did in its most explosive years, revived by the war between the Danes. Jonas Vingegaard and slovenian Tadej Pogacarc whatThey begin to form a historic rivalry. Prepared to tackle the revalidation of the Puy de Dôme.

The legendary peak of the Auvergne in a special category is a different kind of gorge that fuels its legend with the stiffness of its ramps and also the mystery this place encloses.

Included in the UNESCO Heritage List since 2018, the site has enjoyed special protection since the late 80s and so Tur barely enters the spiral path leading up to its sleeper crater.

It will do so in the ninth phase of this edition, which will exceptionally start from Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, the city where Raymond Poulidor lives, and culminate with its dome. at 1,415 metersAfter traveling 182.4 kilometers.

Eyes will be on the last 13but especially in the last quartet, a real wall hanging parallel to a railroad which is the only way to climb to the top, limiting tourism and protecting the place.

Puy de Dôme is therefore a sanctuary. the broker does not knowbut exceptionally recognitions were allowed on 2 June.

Vingegaard was impressed and was sure of this: I’ve never encountered “so hard slopes”Pogacar, on the other hand, was unable to travel as he recovered from a wrist injury in Liège-Baston-Liège.

“It will be a new experience for everyone.I’m sure the race will be broken again,” he said.

After them, other battles, such as the 1.56 minute difference between Australian Jai Hindley and Spaniard Carlos Rodríguez, will cross their swords in this port, which closes the first week of the competition.

But the world expects Vingegaard and Pogacar to meet face to face. promises to revive a new chapter of many who have already signed on in the last three editions. The background is promising, as they didn’t waste a battle-prone meter to attack their opponents in the first week of this Tour.

The Auvergne volcano is an extraordinary battleground. The first nine kilometers to the foot of the last wall are the steepest of the two existing roads, but the percentages are low.

That area is free. Tourists can climb there without any problems, and runners there can hear the public clamor..

Duel without spectators

But when they reach the parking lot, a barrier will open to an unknown world, and in the silence of the volcano, without spectators, they will have no access and only a few cars will be able to get from the organization.

team assistants They can go by bike or on foot. and mechanical failures will have dire consequences as it will not be easy to get help.

Surveillance would be excessive, even with the use of thermal drones to detect daredevils who want to hide in the secluded corners of the forest.

Local authorities don’t want the hustle and bustle of the Tour to upset the fragile balance of a mountain. which gives its name to a section and stands as a recognizable French relief figure. That was the condition they put in place to allow his name to once again write a page in racing history.

A mere 3.5m track made of recently refurbished asphalt encircles the mountain to a summit that the Tour has only reached thirteen times, but has always left a mark in racing history.

Since the victory of Fausto Coppi in 1952 and the victory of Spaniard Federico Martín Bahamontes seven years later, the volcano has seen ongoing work and failures in the minds of fans.

Spanish Luis Ocaña pushed the limits of Belgian Eddy Merckx in the 70s And scored two victories at the top of the volcanowhen he finished with yellow last 50 years ago in Paris.

Dutchman Joop Zoetemelk also won twice, Spain’s Ángel Arroyo won the time trial in 1983, and Denmark’s Johnny Weltz was the final winner of the year, with Pedro Delgado taking the final win.

But perhaps the most legendary of all achievements is the battle between Jacques Anquetil and Poulidor in 1964. Spaniard Julio Jiménez took the stage victory, while two Frenchmen engaged in a duel for the general classification and “Poupou” won with 42. Seconds were not enough to snatch the yellow jersey from Norman, whom he wore on the last podium for the fifth year.

Now, Few compare Poulidor’s charisma with that of Pogacar, and Anquetil’s coldness with Vingegaard’s sobriety.. Puy de Dôme has been patiently waiting to issue a legendary certificate to this new competition.

Stage 9: Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat – Puy de Dôme

Distance: 182.4 km

Exit: 13:45 (11:45 GMT)

Expected arrival: 18.18 (16.18 GMT)

Mountain:

  • Felletine level (4th), 2.1 km at 5.2%, 107.6 left

  • Pontcharraud level (4a), 3.3 km at 5.3%, 96.7 left

  • Cota de Pontaumur (3rd), 3.3 km at 5.3%, 56.2 from the finish line

  • Puy de Dôme (Private), 7.7% to 13.3 km at the finish line.