Stage 9 - July 16: Pontarlier - Aix-Les-Bains, 185 km

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By Tim Maloney

Once again, TDF weather is expected to be rainy, cool (mid 60’s) and instable. The shortish stage has little climbing and if the peloton decides to keep things together, there may be another sprint finish in Aix-les-Bains.

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Description

Start time: 1240 CEST
Estimated finish time: 1715 CEST

The last stage before the alpes is a pleasant run down from Pontarlier to the spectacular Aix-les-Bains, a well known gateway to the Alps. A couple of 3rd category climbs and one 4th shouldn't prevent the sprinters from having their way. However, an Erik Dekker or a Jens Voigt might have other ideas. The GC riders will be nervous on this stage, with tomorrow's tough haul to Alpe d'Huez on the menu.

Aix-les-Bains (you pronounce the 'x' but not the 's') is a beautiful city located on Lake Bourget at the base of the Alps. It is named after its alum and suphur springs, which have have been frequented since Roman times

The ski resort town of Pontarlier is located 100 kilometres or so north of the French Alps, where the Tour will head over the next few days. It last saw the Tour de France pass through in 1995.

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