The first of the 2009 Dauphiné's four straight mountain stages sees the peloton ascend to the peak colloquially known as Mount Baldy, some six weeks before the mountain hosts a critical stage finish in the 2009 Tour de France. There are three fourth-category climbs and a third-category climb on course, while the finish itself to Mont Ventoux is an Hors Categorie, or outside categorization climb. Sylwester Szmyd and Alejandro Valverde managed to break away on the ascent of Mount Ventoux, and worked to gain over a minute lead to Haimar Zubeldia. Szmyd took the stage win, while Valverde took the yellow jersey from Cadel Evans, who finished just over 2 minutes behind. After the stage, Ivan Basso dropped out.