The Tour de France race director stated they have “never” attempted a stage as difficult as Stage 9 of this year’s Tour, with three extremely steep, “Beyond Category” climbs. We decided to watch the race just below the summit of the third and final climb on Mont du Chat. We biked up the descent, which was really hard. The grades average 10% for ~8km straight. We finally got to the summit and found a place along the 14% grade section on the other side. 

For those who haven’t seen the Tour in person (like Andrew before today), there is a caravan which rolls rebought the entire stage about 30-45min before the riders arrive. It’s basically a huge parade with sponsors throwing out freebies. It’s also just a spectacle. There was a large group of rowdy, drunk people across the street which at times blocked vehicles, and then the Mickey car broke down right in front of us. The group tried to flip the car (with both occupants still inside) before they decided to use their force for good and pushed the car somewhat off the road so the caravan could continue. Somehow they got a tow trunk up the mountain and hauled the mouse away. 

Then the riders! It was really exciting being on a climb of such a hard stage, and also getting so close to the action. Caitlin took a great video of the leader and chasers (including Chris Froome in the yellow jersey), posted below. 

We thoroughly enjoyed watching the race and then descending down en masse with the thousands of other spectators on the mountain. It was a physically draining “rest” day!

​

​
​