Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar lived up to his reputation for aggressive racing during the Tour de France’s ninth stage on Sunday, launching multiple attacks against defending champion Jonas Vingegaard on the challenging gravel sections.
Despite Pogacar’s relentless efforts, Denmark’s Vingegaard, aided by his Visma-Lease a Bike teammates, managed to respond to every move, keeping the competition tight among the top contenders. “I ride with my heart and today was a day to do it,” Pogacar said after the stage. “They only look at me and they underestimate the others. It could backfire.”
As the main contenders battled, France’s Anthony Turgis seized an opportunity from the breakaway group. Showcasing impeccable timing and endurance, Turgis surged ahead in the final kilometer of the grueling 199-kilometer stage, crossing the finish line to secure his first Tour de France stage victory since 2019. His triumph marks the third stage win for France in this year’s edition.
“It’s incredible. I’ve been trying for years to get a big win,” Turgis expressed with evident emotion. “I had good sensations. I hung in there, was dropped a few times; it was a long day.”
The stage was not without its challenges for other top riders. Primoz Roglic overcame a significant setback after being distanced in one of the gravel sectors, relying on his team’s support to bridge a 30-second gap. Meanwhile, Vingegaard faced equipment issues, riding a teammate’s bike after a puncture but remaining steadfast in the lead group.
Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel also made bold moves, attacking alongside Pogacar and testing the resilience of their rivals. However, strategic teamwork and tactical decisions kept the race tightly contested.
As the Tour heads into the first rest day, Pogacar retains the overall leader’s yellow jersey, with a 33-second lead over Evenepoel, 1 minute 15 seconds over Vingegaard, and 1 minute 36 seconds over Roglic. The competition remains fierce, promising more excitement in the stages to come.
The ninth stage showcased the unpredictable nature of the Tour de France, with gravel roads adding an extra layer of complexity and strategy. Fans worldwide are eagerly watching as some of the sport’s biggest names vie for cycling’s most prestigious title.
