Stage 9 of the 2012 Tour de France is a time trial that covers 41.5 kilometers and takes the riders from Arc-et-Senans to Besançon. SB Nation cycling blog Podium Cafe has a preview of the route:
This time trial course favors the specialists. It's long and flat. There are no categorized climbs. It's all slightly undulating roads. Inside five kilometers to go, there are two 90-degree corners, both left-handers. Then, in the final kilometer, there is a tight right-hand hairpin. Really, that's just cruel, right there. This finish will reward the riders with the bike handling to match their legs.
Related: Tour de France 2012 Results: Thibaut Pinot Wins Stage 8, Bradley Wiggins Keeps Yellow Jersey
For additional information on this stage, including a map, visit the Tour's website.
Coverage of Stage 9 begins Monday at 7:00 a.m. CT on the NBC Sports Network.
Stay up to date with all the latest Tour de France news, including live updates, with this StoryStream. And be sure to visit SB Nation cycling blog Podium Cafe.