The essential
In the aftermath of the enormous failure of Thibaut Pinot (Groupama-FDJ), hopes for the general classification now rest on the shoulders of the climber of Cofidis, Guillaume Martin, 3rd in the provisional classification.
But Julian Alaphilippe (Dedeuninck-Quickstep) who does not aim for the general could still be one of the great animators of the day.
The Yellow Jersey of Briton Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) is hanging by a thread with three seconds ahead of Roglic (Jumbo-Visma).
The 9th stage between Pau and Laruns (153 km) will once again offer a downhill finish but it will first be necessary to cross the Hourcère pass (1st category) at the 69th and that of Marie-Blanque (135th km, 1st category).
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1:15 p.m. Attacks are on the increase.
From the start, many riders tried to get out of the peloton.
We have seen Dan Martin, Nicolas Roche and Julian Alaphilippe trying to get to the front.
The peloton is stretched out but still grouped after 40 km of the race.
Fabiu Aru (UAE Emirates), stage winner in the three big tours, is released, all alone at the back.
13:25.
This is what awaits the runners.
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