Stage Preview: Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat to Puy de Dôme
The volcano in the Auvergne region, dormant for decades, is once again drawing attention as a potential battleground. Its dramatic climbs and the mystique surrounding the ascent add a distinctive flavor to this edition, especially as riders prepare to renew a famous rivalry that has long colored cycling history. The narrative centers on the revalidation of the Puy de Dôme climb, a summit with a storied past and a unique character that tests power, endurance, and nerve.
The Auvergne’s legendary peak stands out as a special category ascent, a route that demands relentless effort and rewards those who manage to harness the ramps and straightaways. Its aura is preserved through careful protection and a careful balance between accessibility for spectators and the sanctity of the climb itself. The UNESCO designation since 2018 underscores the region’s cultural and geographic significance, and the track guides riders toward a sleeper crater that continues to fascinate cycling fans and locals alike.
The ninth stage will begin unusually from Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, a town linked to the storied race through its connection to a famous rider, and will roll toward the dome at 1,415 meters after covering 182.4 kilometers. The route invites spectators to focus on the last 13 kilometers, but the real drama unfolds in the final quarter, where a steep wall parallels a railway line and remains a major hurdle. This section is sometimes closed to traffic to preserve the terrain and safeguard the mountain’s fragile balance, making the climb a sanctuary of cycling history rather than just a finish line.
The Puy de Dôme is more than a stage feature; it is a symbol of the race’s reverence for high-altitude challenges. On June 2, limited recognitions were granted, revealing the careful orchestration behind such a demanding route. Riders have already spoken of the effort required at these slopes, acknowledging that the climb tests both technique and resilience. As in many editions, uncertainty remains, with riders anticipating a day that could reshape standings and spark fresh rivalries on the hill’s imposing face.
In the weeks surrounding the stage, battles naturally emerge among front-runners and close rivals. A notable gap in the general classification—about 1 minute and 56 seconds—exists between contenders from different teams, illustrating how time gaps can swing dramatically on a steep ascent. Expectations focus on the anticipated clash between two top contenders, who have redefined the race in recent years, and the broader field already prepared to seize opportunities where the course allows. The stage is watched by fans who crave another chapter in a rivalry that has become synonymous with this event.
The stage’s lore goes well beyond current riders. It echoes the past energies of legendary duels and memorable climbs, where the mountain itself acted as a stern judge. Comparisons often surge between modern stars and past champions, drawing lines to historic battles that shaped the Tour’s narrative. Puy de Dôme remains a quiet yet formidable stage, waiting to inscribe another memorable moment in cycling lore.
Duel Without Spectators
When the riders reach the parking area, access becomes restricted to protect the mountain’s delicate balance. A barrier opens to reveal an almost unknown world, and the climb proceeds in a hushed environment where only essential support can accompany the riders. The absence of large crowds in certain sections heightens the focus on the effort of each rider and the precision of team operations. Any mechanical issue, or a misstep on the final approach, can prove costly with limited immediate assistance available.
Security and safety measures are stringent. Drones and other monitoring technologies help authorities keep the route secure and ensure that the forested slopes remain unspoiled. Local officials emphasize the need to avoid disrupting the mountain’s ecosystem while honoring a long tradition of cycling that has left a lasting imprint on the region’s landscape.
Officials describe the climb as a living museum of cycling history. A recently refurbished road encircles the mountain, offering a scenic approach to a summit that the Tour has visited many times, each appearance leaving a distinct mark on the sport’s memory. The climb’s enduring appeal is tied to its ability to test both the body and the mind, a theme that has threaded through generations of racers since the postwar era. Veterans and newcomers alike recognize the climb as a proving ground where strategy, stamina, and timing collide.
The race has repeatedly seen notable figures reach the summit: champions from the mid-20th century through the classic era of the late 20th century and into the modern age. Each winner contributed to the legend, whether through a bold attack on the slopes or a measured, patient ascent that paid off on the final meters. Today the field contends with the memory of these moments while writing new ones that will be remembered in years to come.
As the stage name implies, this ninth leg of the race is more than a mere mountain climb. It is a test of nerve and precision—an opportunity for riders to leave a lasting imprint on the Tour’s history and for fans to witness a display of extraordinary effort on a mountain that continues to inspire awe.
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.