After her triumph in the queen stage, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot (Visma|Lease a Bike) seems on track to secure her first Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift title. The Frenchwoman, who won on Saturday with a 1’45" lead over Sarah Gigante, has a 2’37" margin over the Australian in the GC.
The other challengers are more than three minutes behind, starting with the winners of the 2023 and 2024 editions, Demi Vollering (3’18") and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (3’40").
On paper, the overall battle should therefore focus more on the last two places on the podium, a fight that Cedrine Kerbaol (5th at 4’11") and Pauliena Rooijakkers (6th at 4’26") can still contest. But everything can still be overturned, including PFP's first place, as there will be so many challenges between Praz-sur-Arly and Châtel.
The 9th and final stage begins with a long descent, promising sparks from the first kilometres. Three major climbs will then provide further fireworks on this 124.1 km Haute-Savoie course: the Côte d'Arâches-la-Frasse (Category 1, 6.2 km at 7.1%), the Col de Joux Plane (Hors Categorie, 11.6 km at 8.5%), and the Col du Corbier (Category 1, 5.9 km at 8.5%).
Of course, Joux Plane is the biggest challenge with its gradient that sometimes reaches 11%. At the summit, there are still 58 kilometres and the Corbier to cover, the summit of which will still be quite a long way from the finish (29 kilometres). The finale takes the form of an interminable uphill false flat littered with delicious changes in slope. The slightest failure will be dearly paid for.
The important role of teammates promises to be crucial. The game of pawns placed in the breakaway could be decisive as the finish approaches. So many scenarios could play out. The race is still far from over.
