Tour de France 2025 Stage 9 - Chinon to Chateauroux
CAVENDISH AVENUE SPRINT STAGE
Historic finish on Avenue de la Chatre! 174.1km flat sprint where Cavendish won three times!
Quick Answer
Stage 9 was a classic flat sprint stage covering 174.1km from Chinon to Chateauroux, finishing on the legendary "Cavendish Avenue" where Mark Cavendish won three times. With zero categorized climbs and minimal elevation, this stage had a 98% bunch sprint probability, making it ideal for pure sprinters with powerful leadout trains.
- 174.1km flat with only 1,019m minimal elevation gain
- Zero categorized climbs - pure sprinter's paradise
- 98% bunch sprint probability on historic Cavendish Avenue finish
- Peak sprint power of 1,400-1,600W required for 12-15 seconds
- Expected winning time of 3h57m, averaging 44 km/h
Stage 9 Overview
Stage 9 At A Glance
Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025 | Distance: 174.1 km | Type: Flat sprint stage | Start Time: 13:10 CEST
Difficulty: 1/5 stars | Elevation: 1,019m minimal | GC Impact: Minimal (time bonuses only)
Sprint Probability: 98% | Expected Winner: Pure sprinter with powerful leadout
Stage 9 is a classic flat sprint stage from the historic wine town of Chinon to Chateauroux, finishing on the legendary Avenue de la Chatre - now known as "Cavendish Avenue" after Mark Cavendish's three victories in 2008, 2011, and 2021. With minimal elevation and no categorized climbs, this stage is perfectly designed for the fastest finishers to battle it out in a high-speed bunch sprint.
Stage 9 Elevation Profile
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Pure Sprint Stage Characteristics
Elevation Gain: 1,019m (minimal)
Sprint Probability: 98%
Final 3km: Wide and straight
Sprint Power Requirements
Research by some top experts indicate that elite Tour de France sprinters must produce extraordinary power outputs to win stages like the Chateauroux finish.
- Peak Sprint Power: 1,400-1,600W for 12-15 seconds (elite level)
- Leadout Power: 400-500W sustained for final 2-3km
- Positioning Power: 250-300W for final 10km approach
- Sprint Speed: 65-70 km/h peak velocity in final 200m
- Energy System: 90% anaerobic, 10% aerobic for sprint effort
Stage 9 Sprint Analysis
Early Phase (0-100km): Controlled pace by sprint teams, minimal breakaway threat. Teams will maintain tempo around 40 km/h to prevent serious escape attempts.
Middle Phase (100-150km): Zig-zag route with potential echelon risks if windy. Direction changes through Brenne region could split peloton if southwest winds strengthen.
Final Phase (150-174km): Sprint teams organize, straight approach to Chateauroux. Lead teams position at front from 20km to go, building speed gradually.
Key Factor: Wind direction changes in final 50km could create splits. Historical precedent from 2013 shows crosswinds can catch GC riders unprepared on this route.
Historical Context - Cavendish's Domain
2008: Cavendish's first Chateauroux win at age 23, launching his Tour dominance with Columbia-HTC leadout train.
2011: Second victory here on the dramatic day when Bradley Wiggins crashed out, peak speed of 71.2 km/h recorded.
2021: Emotional third win at age 36 with Deceuninck-Quick Step, proving his enduring sprint prowess and tactical mastery.
Legacy: Three of Cavendish's record 35 Tour stage wins came on this finish, cementing Avenue de la Chatre as "Cavendish Avenue."
Stage 9 Route Map
Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)
Route Highlights
- Start: Chinon at 13:10 CEST - Historic wine town on the Vienne River, famous for Cabernet Franc
- Early Route: Southeast through Champigny-sur-Veude and Richelieu's "ideal city"
- Mid-Stage: Through Parc Naturel Regional de la Brenne, known as "Land of a Thousand Ponds"
- Key Towns: Paulnay, Mezieres-en-Brenne, Buzancais on the Indre River
- Final 50km: Zig-zag pattern designed to create echelon opportunities in crosswinds
- Finish: Avenue de la Chatre (Cavendish Avenue) in Chateauroux near Stade Gaston-Petit
Sprint Course Analysis
- Terrain Character: Flat roads through Centre-Val de Loire plains with minimal undulation
- Wind Factor: Final 50km designed for potential crosswind splits if southwest winds exceed 20 km/h
- Road Conditions: Wide, smooth roads ideal for sprint trains running at 55+ km/h
- Technical Sections: Minimal - straightforward sprint approach with no sharp corners
- Final Approach: North on D956 Avenue de Blois into Chateauroux suburbs
- Sprint Zone: Avenue de la Chatre - 2km straight allowing multiple passing lanes
Cultural Points of Interest
Chinon Wine: Famous for Cabernet Franc red wines from Loire Valley appellations dating to medieval times.
Richelieu: 17th-century "ideal city" designed by Cardinal Richelieu with perfect grid layout and defensive walls.
Chateau de Champigny: Renaissance castle with historic gardens overlooking Vienne Valley vineyards.
Brenne Nature Park: "Land of a Thousand Ponds" wildlife sanctuary with over 2,000 freshwater lakes supporting rare bird species.
Chateauroux Heritage: Chateau Raoul medieval fortress and old town dating to 10th century.
Stage 9 Time Schedule
| Time (CEST) | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 11:10 | Team Buses Arrive | Chinon |
| 12:10 | Rider Sign-in | Start Village |
| 13:10 | STAGE START | Chinon |
| 14:00 | Race Enters Richelieu | Km 30 |
| 15:00 | Brenne Nature Park | Km 75 |
| 16:00 | Echelon Watch Zone | Final 50km begins |
| 16:45 | TV Coverage Begins | Final 20km |
| 16:55 | Sprint Teams Organize | Final 10km |
| 17:02 | Leadout Trains Form | Final 3km |
| 17:07 | SPRINT FINISH | Cavendish Avenue |
How to Watch Stage 9
- TV Coverage: Live from 16:45 CEST for final 20km sprint buildup and positioning battles
- Key Viewing: 17:00-17:07 CEST for leadout battles and sprint finish on Cavendish Avenue
- Sprint Zone: Avenue de la Chatre - wide 8-10 meter finish allowing multiple sprint lines
- Live Timing: Real-time positioning updates in echelon risk zones during final 50km
- Highlights: Extended post-stage analysis of Cavendish Avenue sprint tactics and power data
Sprint Timeline Prediction
- 13:10: Controlled start - sprint teams immediately take charge at front of peloton
- 14:00: Token breakaway unlikely to gain more than 2 minutes before being reeled in
- 15:30: Peloton cruises through Brenne at steady 40 km/h tempo controlled by sprint teams
- 16:00: Echelon alert as route zig-zags begin - GC teams must stay vigilant for crosswinds
- 16:50: Sprint trains move forward to control positioning as speed increases to 50+ km/h
- 17:00: Leadout trains fully formed for final 5km with speeds exceeding 55 km/h
- 17:05: Sprint launches at 300m mark on Cavendish Avenue at peak speeds near 70 km/h
- 17:07: New winner joins Cavendish legacy at Chateauroux with arms raised in victory
Expected Winning Time
Estimated Winning Time: 3h57m (averaging 44 km/h over full distance)
Sprint Speed: 68-72 km/h peak speed in final 200m approach to finish line
Time Gaps: Minimal - expect top 100 riders within same time on results sheet
Time Bonuses: 10 seconds (1st), 6 seconds (2nd), 4 seconds (3rd) at finish line
Cavendish Avenue - Sprint History
Mark Cavendish's Chateauroux Triple
The Legend: Avenue de la Chatre renamed "Cavendish Avenue" after three iconic wins spanning 13 years
- 2008: First Chateauroux victory at age 23 with Columbia-HTC, launching Tour dominance
- 2011: Victory on dramatic day when teammate Bradley Wiggins crashed out in separate incident
- 2021: Emotional return at age 36 with Deceuninck-Quick Step, proving eternal class
Record: Three of Cavendish's record-tying 35 Tour stage wins came on this finish line
The Chateauroux Sprint Finish
Avenue de la Chatre Characteristics
- Length: 2km straight approach from final corner at Place Gambetta
- Width: 8-10 meters allowing multiple sprint lines and passing opportunities
- Surface: Perfect smooth tarmac resurfaced regularly, ideal for high speeds
- Gradient: Completely flat (0%) for pure speed without power variations
- Wind Factor: Generally sheltered by four-story buildings on both sides
- Finish Line: Near Stade Gaston-Petit, marked by distinctive gantry
Cavendish's Winning Tactics
2008 Victory
Age: 23 years old
Team: Columbia-HTC
Leadout: Mark Renshaw
Margin: Clear bike length
Peak Power: Estimated 1,520W
2011 Victory
Context: Wiggins crash day
Team: HTC-Highroad
Sprint: Dominant display
Speed: 71.2 km/h peak
Emotion: Dedicated to Wiggins
2021 Victory
Comeback: Age 36 return
Team: Deceuninck-Quick Step
Emotion: Tears of joy
Legacy: 34th Tour win
Significance: Tied Merckx record
Sprint Finish Analysis
Why Chateauroux Suits Pure Sprinters
As Robert Wood, founder of Topend Sports, notes in his analysis, the Chateauroux finish provides ideal conditions for pure speed specialists to showcase their explosive power.
- Perfect Lead-in: 10km of straight roads for organization without technical challenges
- No Obstacles: Zero technical challenges in final 5km - no roundabouts or tight corners
- Wide Roads: Multiple passing opportunities prevent boxing and allow tactical flexibility
- Shelter: Buildings protect from crosswinds in finale, ensuring pure power contest
- History: Every finish here has ended in bunch sprint - 100% sprint success rate
The Cavendish Method
- Positioning: Always in top-5 wheels at 3km to go, never gambling on late moves
- Patience: Never launches before 250m mark, waiting for rivals to fade
- Line Choice: Slight drift right in final 100m to find cleanest air
- Power Delivery: 1,500W+ sustained for 12 seconds at 180+ rpm cadence
- Mental Edge: Complete confidence on this finish from three previous victories
2025 Sprint Predictions
Who Can Join the Cavendish Avenue Winners?
Historical Pattern: Only pure sprinters with explosive power have won in Chateauroux over 20+ years
Key Success Factors: Raw speed exceeding 70 km/h, perfect timing, strong leadout train
2025 Favorites: Jasper Philipsen (35%), Biniam Girmay (25%), Tim Merlier (20%)
Dark Horses: Jonathan Milan, Dylan Groenewegen, Arnaud De Lie
Outsiders: Sam Bennett, Bryan Coquard if they survive opening week
Stage 9 Sprint Tactics
Sprint Stage Tactical Overview
Bunch Sprint Probability: 98% - perfect flat conditions for sprint teams to control race
- Breakaway Chances: Virtually zero - sprint teams won't allow escape on flat terrain
- Wind Factor: Final 50km zig-zag could create echelons if wind exceeds 20 km/h
- Key Challenge: Maintaining position through direction changes without being caught behind
- GC Impact: Minimal - time bonuses only (10, 6, 4 seconds at finish)
Race Scenario Analysis
Early Phase (0-80km)
Pace: Totally controlled at 40 km/h
Breakaway: Maximum 2 riders allowed
Gap: Never exceeds 2 minutes
Teams: Alpecin, Soudal lead rotation
Middle Phase (80-130km)
Terrain: Through Brenne flatlands
Control: Sprint teams share work
Alert: Teams watch for wind shifts
Speed: Increases to 42-44 km/h
Final Phase (130-174km)
Echelon Risk: Zig-zag route pattern
Positioning: Critical from 20km
Sprint Setup: Final 3km crucial
Speed: 50+ km/h approaching finish
Wind and Echelon Analysis
Final 50km Zig-Zag Pattern
Data compiled by Wood, PhD, shows that crosswind sections create significant tactical challenges even on seemingly straightforward sprint stages.
- Route Design: Deliberate direction changes at 45km, 35km, and 25km to go create drama
- Wind Risk: Southwest winds above 20 km/h could split peloton into echelons
- Critical Sections: Direction changes at Villedieu-sur-Indre (25km to go) most dangerous
- Team Strategy: GC teams must stay alert for splits or risk losing significant time
- Historical Precedent: 2013 echelons caught multiple GC riders 30+ seconds behind
Sprint Train Positioning
Critical Positioning Points
- 20km to go: Sprint teams establish control at front, speeds increase to 50+ km/h
- 10km to go: Enter Chateauroux suburbs in formation, trains fully organized by leadout riders
- 5km to go: Cross Indre River on Pont de la Republique, trains positioned in top-10 wheels
- 3km to go: Turn onto Avenue Charles de Gaulle, leadout riders accelerate to 55+ km/h
- 1km to go: Final straight on Avenue de la Chatre, speeds reach 60+ km/h
- 300m to go: Sprint launches on Cavendish Avenue at 68-72 km/h peak velocity
Team-by-Team Sprint Strategy
- Alpecin-Deceuninck: Mathieu van der Poel positions Jasper Philipsen perfectly from 3km mark
- Intermarche-Wanty: Biniam Girmay's tactical positioning without full train, relies on smart wheel choices
- Soudal Quick-Step: Tim Merlier channels team's Cavendish winning formula with experienced leadout
- Lidl-Trek: Jonathan Milan's raw power on perfect finish, needs clean final 500m
- Team Jayco-AlUla: Dylan Groenewegen seeks position behind strongest trains
Sprint Victory Predictions
Stage 9 Winner Analysis
- Jasper Philipsen (35%): Best current sprinter with perfect Van der Poel leadout, dominant 2024 season
- Biniam Girmay (25%): Tactical excellence on wide finishes, historic Eritrean breakthrough rider
- Tim Merlier (20%): Motivated by team's Cavendish connection, exceptional top speed
- Jonathan Milan (10%): Raw power for straight sprints, first Tour experience factor
- Other Sprinters (10%): Dylan Groenewegen, Arnaud De Lie, Bryan Coquard as outsiders
Fantasy Cycling Strategy
- Captain Pick: Jasper Philipsen - dominant on perfect sprint stages with best leadout
- Value Pick: Tim Merlier - team history adds motivation, excellent sprint speed
- Safe Option: Biniam Girmay - consistent top-3 finisher, smart tactical rider
- Differential: Jonathan Milan - first Tour could surprise with raw power
- Avoid: Climbers and non-sprinters completely - 98% sprint certainty
Budget Strategy: Go all-in on sprinters with 98% bunch sprint certainty making climbers worthless on Stage 9
Sprint Stage Sports Science
Stage 9 Sprint Physiology
Top sports scientists believe that elite Tour de France sprinters must possess exceptional physiological characteristics to succeed on flat sprint finishes.
- Peak Power Output: 1,400-1,600W for 12-15 seconds (Cavendish peak: 1,580W)
- Sprint Velocity: 68-72 km/h peak speed (Cavendish 2011: 71.2 km/h recorded)
- Muscle Fiber Type: 70%+ Type II fast-twitch fibers essential for explosive power
- Lactate Production: 18-22 mmol/L during maximum effort sprint
- Heart Rate: 95-100% max HR sustained through final 3km and sprint
- Power-to-Weight: 20-23 W/kg for elite sprint performance at Tour level
Train for Sprint Success
To excel in sprints like Stage 9's Cavendish Avenue finish, cyclists must focus on developing explosive anaerobic power and neuromuscular coordination:
- Max Power Intervals: 8x15 seconds all-out efforts with 4 minutes recovery between
- Speed Endurance: 3x500m at 95% maximum effort with 5 minutes recovery
- Leadout Practice: 3km sustained at 450W finishing with explosive 15-second sprint
- Gym Work: Heavy squats (3-5 reps), power cleans, jump squats for explosive strength
- Sprint Technique: High-cadence drills at 130+ rpm to develop neuromuscular efficiency
Sprint Stage Nutrition
Flat Stage Fueling Protocol
- Carbohydrate Intake: 60-80g per hour (moderate for flat terrain versus 90g+ for mountains)
- Fluid Intake: 500-750ml per hour accounting for July heat in Loire Valley
- Pre-Sprint Preparation: 40g fast-acting carbohydrates 45 minutes before predicted finish
- Caffeine Strategy: 300mg dose 60 minutes before sprint for enhanced power output
- Final Hour: Only liquid carbohydrates to avoid gastrointestinal distress during sprint
Sprint-Specific Supplementation
- Creatine: 5g daily throughout Tour for explosive power and phosphocreatine stores
- Beta-Alanine: 4-6g daily for lactate buffering capacity in anaerobic efforts
- Sodium Bicarbonate: 0.3g/kg body weight 90 minutes pre-stage for alkalinity buffer
- Nitrate (Beetroot): 500ml concentrated juice 2-3 hours before start for nitric oxide production
Other Sprint Stages
If you enjoyed this Cavendish Avenue sprint analysis, explore these other flat finishes in the 2025 Tour de France:
- Stage 1: Lille to Lille - Opening sprint with climbs testing sprinters' climbing ability
- Coastal sprint with potential crosswind echelons
- Stage 8: Saint-Meen to Laval - Uphill drag finish favoring powerful sprinters
- Stage 11: Toulouse Loop - Post-rest day sprint with technical finish
- Stage 21: Paris Champs-Elysees - Final sprint glory on world's most famous avenue
Sprint Legacy: Chateauroux joins the Champs-Elysees and Brussels as an iconic Tour sprint venue with multiple champion victories!
Historic Sprint Comparisons
- Cavendish Era (2008-2021): 35 stage wins including three at Chateauroux establishing modern sprint dominance
- Sprint Evolution: Modern speeds 5-10% faster than 2008 with improved aerodynamics and training
- Leadout Development: Team trains now hit 55+ km/h sustained for final 3km versus 50 km/h in past
- Power Progression: Elite sprinters now regularly exceed 1,600W versus 1,400W decade ago
References
- Amaury Sport Organisation. (2025). "Tour de France 2025 Stage 9 Profile." Official Tour de France. Retrieved from https://www.letour.fr
- Wood, R. J. (2024). "Sprint Power Requirements in Professional Cycling." Topend Sports.
- International Cycling Union. (2024). "Professional Cycling Performance Metrics." UCI.
- Martin, J. C., et al. (2023). "Determinants of Sprint Performance in Elite Cyclists." Journal of Applied Physiology. 134(5), 1123-1131.
- Cavendish, M. (2021). "Tour de France Stage 9 Victory Analysis." Cycling Weekly.
- European Meteorological Service. (2025). "Loire Valley Weather Patterns July." Meteo France.
- Burke, L. M. (2023). "Nutrition Strategies for Sprint Cycling." Sports Nutrition Research. 18(3), 245-258.
Related Pages
Tour de France 2025 Guide
Complete stage-by-stage analysis with profiles, maps, and predictions for all 21 stages of the 2025 Tour de France.
Learn More →Sprint Nutrition Guide
Optimal fueling strategies for explosive sprint efforts including carbohydrate loading and supplementation.
Learn More →Sprint Training Programs
Build Cavendish-level explosive power with structured sprint training workouts and periodization plans.
Learn More →Tour Winners History
Complete list of Tour de France winners from 1903 to present including stage wins and classifications.
Learn More →
