Cyclist Tim Merlier edges out Jonathan Milan in a thrilling sprint finish to claim victory in the ninth stage of the Tour de France
**Tour de France 2025: A Bold Strategy Almost Pays Off in Stage 9**
In an exciting turn of events during **Stage 9 of the 2025 Tour de France**, **Mathieu van der Poel and Jonas Rickaert** embarked on a daring strategy, attacking right from the start of the 174.1-kilometer flat stage[1][5]. The aim was not just to secure personal glory but to support Rickaert's long-held dream of standing on a Tour de France podium[2][5].
The duo maintained an impressive breakaway, leading the race for over 170 kilometers at a high pace, close to the second-fastest Tour de France stage average speed in history, around 50 km/h[3]. Rickaert, who pushed about 400 watts for three-and-a-half hours, even suffered physically, vomiting multiple times from the effort[3].
Van der Poel took over solo in the final kilometers, attempting to hold off the fast-closing peloton on his own[4]. The breakaway was caught only about 700 meters from the finish line, denying van der Poel a remarkable wire-to-wire stage victory but providing a spectacular show of aggression and stamina[1][4].
Despite not winning the stage, the attack earned Rickaert the most aggressive rider prize and a place on the combativity podium, fulfilling his personal goal and providing Alpecin–Deceuninck with much visibility and racing honor[2][5]. The strategy significantly animated a stage that was expected to end in a sprint, offering fans drama and a near-historic breakaway effort.
Meanwhile, the race for the General Classification remained tight. **Tadej Pogačar** maintained his lead, with **Kévin Vauquelin** 1 minute and 11 seconds behind, **Remco Evenepoel** 54 seconds further back, and **Jonas Vingegaard** and **Jonathan Milan** 1 minute and 17 seconds and 1 minute and 48 seconds behind respectively[6].
The stage was won by **Tim Merlier** in a bunch sprint, passing another rider in the final stretch[1]. Arnaud De Lie came third, and **Pavel Bittner**, **Paul Penhoët**, **Biniam Girmay**, **Phil Bauhaus**, **Jordi Meeus**, **Stian Fredheim**, and **Kaden Groves** finished in the top 10[7].
The race started in Chinon and ended in Châteauroux, a town that has hosted the Tour four times before, last in 2021[8]. The route for the stage had no categorised climbs, making it a perfect opportunity for sprinters to shine[9].
Despite the fast and intense racing, **Wout van Aert** was dropped from the peloton during the race[10]. The outcome of Stage 9 was an emotional and tactical success, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the unpredictable nature of professional cycling.
[1] Tour de France Official Website [2] Cycling News [3] Velonews [4] VeloHeroes [5] Cycling Weekly [6] Pro Cycling Stats [7] La Dernière Heure [8] Le Figaro [9] ASO [10] CyclingTips
In the thrilling Stage 9 of the 2025 Tour de France, Mathieu van der Poel and Jonas Rickaert displayed an incredible level of determination and skill, attacking right from the start of the flat stage to support Rickaert's dream of standing on a Tour de France podium. This bold strategy, which almost resulted in a wire-to-wire stage victory for van der Poel, offered fans an exciting showcase of sportsmanship, aggression, and stamina.
