ARCALIS, Andorra -- A gastronomical, sporting and cultural glance at Stage 9 of the Tour de France on Sunday:Region: Raced from start to finish outside France, the stage began in Vielha Val dAran in the Spanish province of Lerida and concluded with an uphill finish at Arcalis in the principality of Andorrra.Baguette and butter: Defending champion Chris Froome held on to the yellow jersey and eliminated several of his main rivals in the toughest stage in the Pyrenees. Dutch rider Tom Dumoulin won the ninth leg with a solo breakaway in a hailstorm on the uphill finish, a beyond-category climb. Two-time champion Alberto Contador pulled out with a fever midway through the stage. Among those who couldnt keep up with Froome on the final climb were French favorite Romain Bardet, top American hope Tejay van Garderen and Fabio Aru of Italy.Plat du jour: Escudella, an Andorran stew made with meatballs containing a mix of pork, veal and chicken combined with vegetables and local Trumfa potatoes.Culture: Beginning in the small village of Llorts, the Ruta del Ferro (Iron Road) is a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) pathway that traces the history of the metallurgy industry in Andorra. Well before the principality became known for its favorable tax system, metallurgy was a key industry from the 17th to the late 19th century. Coal works and forges can be admired along the route, either by foot or on horseback.Vin du jour: Ratassia, a sweet artisanal liquor with a light brown color made with walnuts and hand-picked medicinal herbs. Local farmers let the herbs macerate in alcohol for 40 days in the sun. It can be enjoyed either as a digestive or as an aperitif with ice.Stat of the Day: 11. Eleven riders in this Tour live in Andorra: Joaquim Rodriguez, Simon Gerrans, Rui Costa, Rohan Dennis, Luis Leon Sanchez, Luke Durbridge, Angel Vicioso, Dan Martin, Dani Moreno, Leigh Howard and Ruben Plaza. Its a fantastic place to live quietly with a family and train with a lot of mountains around, said Gerrans, who moved from Monaco a year ago and whose home was along the stage route.Quote of the Day: We went through all states. In the valley, the heat was suffocating. Then in the finale, it was apocalyptic. Frenchman Romain Bardet, on the sudden changes in the weather conditions.Dessert (or breakfast): Chocolate con churros is a classic in Spain. Locals enjoy these long fritters covered with sugar at any time of the day, dipping them in a cup of hot, thick chocolate.Next order: Monday is the races first rest day. 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The Clippers were angry about blowing a big lead; the Kings didnt like being in that kind of hole and nearly digging themselves out only to lose.Geelong coach Chris Scott wont shy away from having an uncomfortable conversation with Jimmy Bartel, an icon at the AFL club.Bartel, who celebrated his 300th game with a victory over Western Bulldogs last Friday night, is yet to declare whether he wants to play on in 2017.The Cats are yet to reveal whether the 2007 Brownlow medallist will be part of their plans for next year.Scott was typically frank when asked if Bartel had been warned about the danger of playing on and of playing a lot of VFL games in 2017.We have worst-case scenario discussions with players right across the list, Scott told Fox Footy.I remember in my first year in 2011 I had a discussion with Cameron Ling in the pre-season around what would we do if this season doesnt work out well for him.Thats just prudent planning and its a good conversation to have up front.Its not to say we expect it to happen or its likely, but we need too be prepared as much as possible for that situation that might be a little bit uncomfortable.ddddddddddddScott added Bartel had a very, very big say on whats going to happen over the next 15 months.The Cats opted against offering new contracts to three-time premiership winners Steve Johnson and James Kelly last year.Bartel, who is 32, and 34-year-old Corey Enright are both in the final phase of their careers.But both Bartel and Enright, who broke the clubs games record in round 19, are in strong form and every chance of pulling on the boots again in 2017.Jimmy has a decision to make. Corey Enright has a decision to make, Scott said.And the club has a part to play in that as well.No matter how good youve been ... no player has the right to dictate (they will play on). ' ' '