Merlier at the double as Van der Poel denied at Tour de France stage nine
There was no change atop the overall standings with Tadej Pogacar now holding a 54sec advantage over Remco Evenepoel in second with French starlet Kevin Vauquelin third.
This was a second win for Soudal Quick-Step sprinter Merlier who was first across the line on stage three at Dunkirk as he racked up a 12th stage win this year.
On a sun drenched slog from the Chinon vineyards, Van der Poel and a teammate broke early and built up a lead of 5min 30sec on the flat roads to Chateauroux.
Jonas Rickaert won the combativity award for accompanying Van der Poel to within 10km of the line before slumping over his handlebars.
With his gung-ho all-in style Van der Poel grew his Tour de France legend here despite being caught with 700m to go, the plaudits will be both his and Merlier's.
As Van der Poel was reeled in, it looked as though Jonathan Milan would win a second consecutive stage but Merlier got ahead with 50m remaining as Milan finished second with Arnaud De Lie completing the podium.
Pogacar's Tour de France defence took a hit Sunday as his key teammate Joao Almeida threw in the towel two days after his nasty fall at the Mur de Bretagne, where he fractured a rib.
Monday's stage 10 should shake up the race with eight classified climbs in the Massif Central on the July 14 French national holiday.
Road signs in honour of British cycling great Mark Cavendish had been placed at entry points to Chateauroux -- reading Cavendish City -- in homage to the now-retired 40-year-old, after he won three stages there in 2008, 2011 and 2021. - AFP
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
24 minutes ago
- The Sun
Pogacar shares Tour de France week two expectations and strategy
TOUR DE FRANCE: Defending champion Tadej Pogacar has shared his thoughts on the crucial second week of the Tour de France, describing it as fast-paced and decisive despite being shorter than the first. Speaking on the rest day, the Slovenian cyclist revealed his expectations, rival assessments, and personal goals for the upcoming stages. Pogacar, who currently sits second overall, 29 seconds behind leader Ben Healy, acknowledged the intensity of the opening week. 'Explosive, nervous, stressful, and super-hard,' he said, also pointing to the heat and Visma team's tactics as challenges. He expects the next phase to be quicker but equally demanding. The 26-year-old highlighted the unpredictability of this year's race, with new contenders like Healy and Kevin Vauquelin shaking up the competition. 'The field is packed, it's going to be a huge fight even for the podium and especially for the yellow jersey,' Pogacar said. He anticipates a shift in leadership, particularly on the Hautacam climb, where he hopes to reclaim the yellow jersey. Looking ahead, Pogacar pinpointed the uphill time-trial to Peyragudes as a key moment. 'I'm really looking forward to this week, especially the uphill time-trial,' he said, hinting at his confidence in the stage. While he remains cautious about rivals, Pogacar emphasized that the pressure is on others to attack. 'In the coming days I'm under no pressure to attack, it's up to them if they want to get ahead of me,' he stated. With Remco Evenepoel and Jonas Vingegaard trailing, the battle for supremacy is set to intensify. - AFP
The Sun
24 minutes ago
- The Sun
Swiss women's team postpones training ahead of Euro 2025 quarter-final
SWITZERLAND'S women's football team has postponed their training session due to multiple players falling ill, just days before their crucial Euro 2025 quarter-final against Spain. The Swiss Football Federation (SFV) confirmed the delay in a statement, citing cold symptoms among squad members as the reason. The SFV explained that the decision was made to ensure optimal training conditions. 'Today's planned training session has been postponed until tomorrow (Wednesday). In the past few days, some players have felt the symptoms of a cold,' the statement read. 'To maintain a high-quality training programme, the technical staff decided to cancel today's session and reschedule it.' The quarter-final match is set for Friday in Bern, where Switzerland will face reigning world champions Spain. The winner will advance to the semi-finals against either France or Germany. Spain, aiming for their first European Championship title, remain strong favourites despite Switzerland's determined campaign. - AFP
The Sun
24 minutes ago
- The Sun
Ada Hegerberg leads Norway's Euro 2025 charge against Italy
ADA Hegerberg is back in the spotlight as Norway gears up for their Women's Euro 2025 quarter-final against Italy. The Lyon striker, who recently reclaimed her place in the national team after a five-year absence, is determined to lead her country to their first major trophy since the 2000 Olympics. Hegerberg has been instrumental in Norway's flawless group stage run, scoring crucial goals and setting up decisive plays. Her leadership as captain, alongside Barcelona star Caroline Graham Hansen, has revitalised a squad eager to reclaim past glory. Norway, once pioneers in women's football, have struggled in recent years, failing to progress beyond the group stage in the last two Euros. Their humiliating 8-0 defeat to England in 2022 was a low point, but Hegerberg's return has injected fresh belief. 'We took nine points in the group stage and are playing in the quarter-finals, it's a big moment for us,' Hegerberg said. 'To get a top-four position at the Euros would be unique.' Italy, under coach Andrea Soncin, present a tough challenge. Despite their men's team's historic success, the women's side is still growing. However, recent improvements, including players moving to top foreign clubs, signal progress. Hegerberg acknowledged Italy's rise, saying, 'It'll be very cool to play such an important football nation.' Soncin welcomed her praise, calling it recognition of Italy's development. With a potential semi-final against England or Sweden looming, Norway's hopes rest heavily on Hegerberg's shoulders. - AFP
