Tour de France 2026 Route stage 9: Malemort – Ussel

Sunday, 12 July - The stage from Malemort to Ussel is the final challenge before the first rest day. There are no mountains, but the riders face a relentless succession of tough climbs over 154.6 kilometres. The stage was originally due to be around 30 kilometres longer, but the opening section is shortened because of the extreme heat.

Last updated 12 July 2026

As a result of the route change, the riders skip the Puy Boubou (2.8 kilometres at 4.1%) and Côte de Lagleygeolle (5.2 kilometres at 3.9%), rejoining the original course in Lanteuil. Shortly after km 0, they tackle the Côte de Miel, a 6.6-kilometre climb averaging 3.9%. The opening 2.6 kilometres gp up at 4.9% and lead to the intermediate sprint in Beynat.

The remainder of the stage is unchanged. In the first half, the Côte des Naves (2.3 kilometres at 7.4%) and Puy de Lachaud (3 kilometres at 5.6%) serve as warm-up climbs — if that's the right word in this heat — for the toughest ascent of the day. The Suc au May averages a punishing 7.7% over 3.8 kilometres.

Around 15 kilometres later comes the Côte de la Croix de Pey, which climbs for 4.8 kilometres at an average of 6%. However, the road is already rising before the official start of the climb and continues uphill afterwards, making the actual ascent considerably longer. After the descent, the route heads uphill once again on rolling roads towards the Mont Bessou, whose final 900 metres average 7.3%. From the summit, 24.5 kilometres remain to the finish.

Shortly after descending into Meymac, the last notable rise appears: the Côte des Gardes. After this 2.2 kilometres climb at 4.8%, there are 14 kilometres left to the finish.

Fancy riding the route yourself? Download GPX 9th stage (original route).

Another interesting read: results 9th stage 2026 Tour de France.