Stages nine to 14 represent the lead up to the mountains and perhaps the most important part of the tour. This is where the sprinters will look to take control of the race and try to create a lead ahead of the pack that will last until they are on the Champs-d’Elysees.
Stage nine: Morzine-Avoriaz – 204.5 km
The move from Morzine-Avoriaz to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne is the first Alpine stage of the tour. The riders get a much needed day of rest before charging at the first mountainous stage. Stage nine features a major ascent at Col de la Madeleine which is only 32 km from the finish line. However, this stage is not a summit finish and instead contains a nearly 1,500 m descent to the end. This could make it unlikely to see one of the major contenders win the stage as they will not want to be exposed on the flat that follows.
Stage 10: Chambery - 179 km
Stage 10 moves from Chambery to Gap and features a couple of short but difficult climbs and descents. Featuring Col de Laffery and Col du Noyer, this particular stage is not a grueling test of climbing ability but instead a rather dangerous one. The roads on both mountains are difficult to maneuver and riders must be careful with tight turns and complicated ascents.
Stage 11: Sisteron - 184.5 km
Travelling from Sisteron to Bourg-les-Valence, stage 11 is largely downhill outside of one short mountain climb near the beginning. Because of this the stage lends itself to sprinters, who will be looking to make an impact after two days in the Alps. Watch for ultimate sprinter Mark Cavendish to take full advantage of this stage in his quest for the green jersey.
Stage 12: Bourg-de-Peage - 210.5 km
Moving from Bourg-de-Peage to Mende, stage 12 will be one of the most important legs of the tour. The stage is the third longest and features a steep climb with a grade as high as 10 per cent at the end. This climb can only be conquered with a final boost, where more calculated and constant climbers may lose time. With that said this is a must watch part of the Tour as many of the top contenders are expected to be in the middle of the action throughout the 210.5 km.
Stage 13: Rodez – 196 km
The last stage before the mountains, stage 13 runs from Rodez to Revel and although it may not play a major role in deciding the yellow jacket, it should play a large role in deciding the green. Many see this as the last chance for sprinters and others to win a stage before the climbers take over for the remainder of the race. Expect break-away packs and chasers. However, a final climb at Saint-Ferrol may eliminate pure sprinters from victory only 7.5 km from the finish line.
Stage 14: Revel – 184.5 km
Stage 14 features the start of the major climb and will be one for the contenders to prove themselves. The stage itself is mostly flat until the riders approach Port-de-Pailheres which presents them with a massive climb. After the descent at Pailheres, the riders make another final climb to Ax 3 Domaines where they will finish that leg of the Tour. Stage 14 is expected to open gaps between riders. It would not be surprising to see the yellow jersey change hands several time during the climb
Stages nine to 14 promise to be exciting with the beginning of climbing and the last chance for the sprinters to vie for the green jacket until Bordeaux in stage 19. Expect the yellow jacket to change hands at least once throughout this stage and for the tours top contenders to begin to make their mark.
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