Tour de France 2024 – Stage 9 Preview
The last stage before the first rest day. It is a stage I’ve looked forward too, as I think it is a nice touch with a gravel stage in a Grand Tour. Unfortunately, I won’t be at the roadside tomorrow.
Route
It is a long stage. Close to 200 kilometers and 13 gravel sectors. The riders are now racing in the Champagne region.

The riders start and finish in Troyes. They take the profile clock wise, meaning most of the gravel sectors will be on their journey back to Troyes.

Weather
It will be dry the next 24 hours in Champagne and that will make the stage less selective. It will be a tailwind out and a headwind home.

How will the stage unfold?
It is a chaotic stage by nature. A lot of riders here are not used to racing on gravel but it is expected that many teams are somewhat prepared for tomorrow’s challenges. I’d expect most teams to have done recon and tested their equipment prior to it.
The first thing we got to mention is the accidents. I think it is fair to assume a few crashes and a lot of punctures. That is unpredictable by anyone and we can’t presume any victims from either of them.
The second thing is that I can’t really tell you have difficult the sections are. They are not viewable on Google Maps, as the vineyards are extremely narrow and rarely big enough for large cars. Many riders will have to wait a great deal of time if their car is at the back of the convoy.
The third thing is, who is willing to control the stage? Honestly, I think we are looking at a breakaway victory. It should only be Pogacar who can and likely will want to race aggresively in the bunch. I just don’t see UAE have the manpower to control a flat stage.
Contenders
Jasper Stuyven – I don’t think LIDL-Trek should race for Ciccone tomorrow and as they don’t have Mads Pedersen either, it is an obvious choice to get riders up the road. I think Jasper Stuyven fits the characteristics of tomorrow. Last year, he was the European Champion on gravel, which means he knows his way around the dirt roads.
Matej Mohoric – speaking of champions, he is the World Champion on gravel. Mohoric has already pointed out that this is stage he aims to win, and whenever he does so, he often succeeds. He is one of the prime candidates for me.
Stefan Küng – lost the chain the other day, knowing that I feel very sorry for him. He fits the same category as Stuyven, a very strong classics rider and it should be one of his last chances to win a stage this edition.
Mathieu van der Poel – it would be unwise not to recommend him tomorrow. Cyclocross and Strade Bianche are some very good indications that he will be right up there. He has not been as strong as I expected and as the goal should be Olympics, he is likely a bit from his best. But he is Mathieu van der Poel, him at 95% is still better than most.
Maxim van Gils – not certain it suits him perfectly, the finale is likely to flat. Still, he needs to get up the roads and try to win from the breakaway and it could be a good idea to test the legs before the first rest day.
Oier Lazkano – a good stage for him. Winner of Clasica Jaen early this year from the breakaway and he has already proven his good form recently in France. I think he will be a tough nut to crack tomorrow, especially if they give him five meters.
Magnus Cort – time for UNO-X to get a few more riders up the road. Jonas Abrahamsen has likely burnt a match or two too much, therefore I’m going for the Dane.
Wout van Aert – we could see a sprint of some sorts. Maybe they want him up the road, maybe he just has to stay with Vingegaard. In any case, there is a scenario where he can win.
Tadej Pogacar – you have to mention him. It is an important stage for him but besides Wellens and Politt, the team don’t offer much. Does he go deep tomorrow and hope to fend of an alliance forming behind him? I bet you he will try.
Who will win?
I will take Matej Mohoric.