Tim Merlier won the ninth stage of the Tour de France, 174.1 km from Chinon to Châteauroux. The Belgian rider from Soudal-Quick-Step once again beat Jonathan Milan in a thrilling head-to-head, while Arnaud De Lie finished third.

Mathieu Van der Poel attempted a long-distance attack with teammate Jonas Rickaert. With 5 km to go, the Dutchman remained in the lead alone, about 30 seconds ahead of the peloton, but was caught with 700 meters to go.

Danny Van Poppel launches a sprint and Milan chooses the trajectory along the barriers, but Merlier picks up the pace in the middle of the road and gets ahead of the Italian.

Everything remains unchanged in the general classification with Tadej Pogacar still in the yellow jersey.

ORDER OF ARRIVAL:  

1 Merlier Tim Soudal Quick-Step

2 Milan Jonathan Lidl - Trek ,,

3 De Lie Arnaud Lotto ,,

4 Bittner Pavel Team Picnic PostNL ,,

5 Penhoët Paul Groupama - FDJ ,,

6 Girmay Biniam Intermarché - Wanty,,

7 Bauhaus Phil Bahrain - Victorious ,,

8 Meeus Jordi Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe ,,

9 Fredheim Stian Uno-X Mobility ,,

10 Groves Kaden Alpecin - Deceuninck ,,

GENERAL RANKING:  

1 Pogačar Tadej UAE Team Emirates - XRG

2 Evenepoel Remco Soudal Quick-Step 0:54

3 Vauquelin Kévin Arkéa - B&B Hotels 1:11

4Vingegaard Jonas Team Visma | Lease a Bike 1:17

5 Jorgenson Matteo Team Visma | Lease a Bike 1:34

6 Alpecin - Deceuninck 1:46

7 Onley Oscar Team Picnic PostNL 2:49

8 Lipowitz Florian Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe 3:02

9 Roglič Primož Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe 3:06

10 Skjelmose Mattias Lidl - Trek 3:43

Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency