00:00 – Intro
00:37 – Tour de France Stage 9 Highlights: Tim Merlier Wins, João Almeida Drops Out
01:32 – Tour de France 2025 Stage 9: Merlier Wins Sprint Finish as Van der Poel’s Breakaway Falls Short
03:58 – Tour de France 2025 Stage 9 Highlights: Tim Merlier’s Victory & Van der Poel’s Struggles
08:25 – Van der Poel’s Epic Breakaway & Merlier’s Sprint Win | Tour de France Stage 9 Highlights
18:31 – Mathieu van der Poel’s Epic 174km Tour de France Breakaway – Caught 700m From Finish!
1. Tour de France Stage 9 Highlights: Tim Merlier Wins, João Almeida Drops Out
Catch up on the thrilling 9th stage of the Tour de France 2025!
* Watch as Tim Merlier outpaces Jonathan Milan in an electrifying mass sprint finish.
* Discover how Mathieu van der Poel’s daring breakaway nearly upstaged the sprinters.
* Learn about the unfortunate withdrawal of key contender João Almeida due to injury.
Current Standings:
– Tadej Pogačar retains the yellow jersey.
– Remco Evenepoel and Kévin Vauquelin follow closely in the overall rankings.
#TourDeFrance #TDF2025 #CyclingNews #celebritynews
2. Tour de France 2025 Stage 9: Merlier Wins Sprint Finish as Van der Poel’s Breakaway Falls Short
Relive the thrilling action from Stage 9 of the Tour de France 2025! Tim Merlier secured his second stage win in a dramatic sprint finish, while Mathieu van der Poel’s audacious breakaway attempt with Jonas Rickaert came agonizingly close to success. Watch the highlights, hear from the riders, and analyze the key moments that shaped this exciting stage. Plus, get the latest updates on the general classification standings, including Tadej Pogacar’s lead and the impact of Joao Almeida’s abandonment. Don’t miss this in-depth recap of one of the most talked-about stages of the race!
Keywords: Tour de France 2025, Stage 9, Tim Merlier, Mathieu van der Poel, sprint finish, breakaway, cycling highlights, Tadej Pogacar, general classification, Joao Almeida, Jonas Rickaert, Chateauroux, Chinon, cycling news, road cycling, professional cycling
3. Tour de France 2025 Stage 9 Highlights: Tim Merlier’s Victory & Van der Poel’s Struggles
In this video, we recap Stage 9 of the Tour de France 2025, where Tim Merlier clinched victory in Cavendish City. We discuss the dramatic moments, including Van der Poel’s valiant effort and the impact of João Almeida’s withdrawal on Tadej Pogacar’s team. Join us as we analyze the race dynamics, the challenges posed by the heat, and what lies ahead in the mountains. Don’t miss our insights on the strategies teams are using to cope with the sweltering conditions!
4. Van der Poel’s Epic Breakaway & Merlier’s Sprint Win | Tour de France Stage 9 Highlights
Experience the thrilling action from Stage 9 of the 2025 Tour de France, featuring Mathieu van der Poel’s incredible 170km breakaway alongside Jonas Rickaert. Watch how their daring attack nearly secured an epic stage victory before Tim Merlier outsprinted Jonathan Milan to claim his second win of the race in Châteauroux.
Discover how crosswinds shaped the peloton’s tense chase and the dramatic impact of João Almeida’s withdrawal on Tadej Pogačar’s team strategy just before the mountains. Dive into expert analysis of the fastest road stage in Tour history and what lies ahead for the riders on the challenging Bastille Day mountain stage.
Keywords: Tour de France 2025, Mathieu van der Poel, Tim Merlier, Jonas Rickaert, João Almeida, Tadej Pogačar, Tour de France highlights, sprint stage, breakaway, cycling race, Bastille Day stage
5. Mathieu van der Poel’s Epic 174km Tour de France Breakaway – Caught 700m From Finish!
Watch the dramatic moment Mathieu van der Poel’s incredible 174km breakaway attempt on Stage 9 of the Tour de France came to an end, just 700 meters from the finish line in Châteauroux.
Van der Poel, joined by teammate Jonas Rickaert, attacked from the very start of this flat stage, bringing much-needed excitement to the race.
Relive the tension as the peloton chased down the lone leader in the final meters.
An agonizing finish after a monumental effort at the Tour de France.
One, tour to France stage nine highlights. Tim Merier wins Almeida drops out. Two, Tour to France 2025 stage 9. Merlier wins sprint finish as Vanderpole’s breakaway falls short. Three, Tour to France 2025 stage 9 highlights. Tim Merlier’s victory and Vanderpole’s struggles. Four, Vanderpole’s epic breakaway and Merlier sprint win tour to France. Stage 9 highlights. Five. Matthew Vanderpole’s epic 174 km tour to France breakaway. Caught 700m from finish one. Tour to France stage 9 highlights. Tim Merllier wins. Zhao Almeida drops out in a heartpounding clash of speed and endurance. Tim Merlier snatched victory from the jaws of a chaotic sprint finish while Zhao Almeida’s shocking exit turned the tour to France into a tale of two races. Here’s how the drama unfolded on stage 9. Let’s rewind to Chateau where Belgian sensation Tim Meria outduel Jonathan Milan in a nail-biting mass sprint after a day of highstakes racing. But here’s where it gets controversial. Dutch powerhouse Matthew Vanderpole nearly stole the show and the win with a daredevil breakaway that left fans breathless. Teaming up with teammate Jonas Rickert. Vanderpole surged ahead early, blazing through 173 km, about 107 mi at a blistering 50 km per hour, 31 mph. Yet, despite his herculean effort, the peladin swallowed him. Two tour to France 2025, stage 9. Merier wins sprint finish as Vanderpole’s breakaway falls short. In a dramatic twist, Tim Merlla claimed victory in a thrilling sprint finish at the ninth stage of the tour to France, while Matthew Vanderpole’s daring attempt to break the city’s sprinter monopoly fell just short. This moment highlights how even the most audacious moves can be derailed by the unpredictable nature of cycling. The stage from Shinan to Chaturu saw Vanderpole and his teammate Jonas Rickert launch a bold attack early on, fueled by the Dutchman’s desire to secure his second win of the year. Despite a valiant effort, the duo couldn’t match the final burst of the pelatin, allowing Merllier, already a stage winner earlier in the race, to capitalize on the chaos. His triumph was a reminder that sometimes the best races are the ones that test both endurance and tactical precision. Chaturu, often called Cavendish City for its history of sprinters like Sir Mark Caendish, has long been a haven for quickwitch riders. But Vanderpole’s gamble disrupted that pattern, showcasing how even the most predictable stages can become battlegrounds for ambition. We tried to chase and the teams behind us helped push the pace, said Merlier, who now holds two stage wins. It was nerve-wracking, but we went all in and it paid off. This stage also sparked debate about the role of flat sprints in the tour. Critics argue that such stages can feel repetitive with the thrill concentrated in the final kilometers. Yet, they also provide opportunities for underdogs to shine as seen with Vanderpole’s near miss. It’s hard not to be frustrated when you’re just one pedal stroke away from glory, he admitted. But we gave it our all. Meanwhile, the overall classification remains tight with Tadage Pagakar leading by 54 seconds. However, the UAE team Emirates hopes were tempered by Joel Almeida’s sudden exit due to injuries, a setback that could ripple into the mountainous stages ahead. Next week’s route promises eight challenging clims, testing the riders ability to adapt from flat terrain to steep ascents. The stages top finishers included Jonathan Milan, Arnold Dealai, and others. While the GC standings show a narrow margin between the top contenders, as the tour heads into its most demanding phases, one thing is clear. The race is as much about strategy as it is about strength. What do you think? Should the tour to France keep these flat sprints or does the format risk losing its edge? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Three. Tour to France 2025 stage 9 highlights. Tim Merlier’s victory and Vanderpole’s struggles. Imagine the agony of a near miss, the frustration of a victory snatched away at the last moment. That’s exactly what Tim Merllo experienced just 24 hours before his triumphant stage 9 win at the 2025 tour to France. After a puncture cruy derailed his chances on the approach to Laval, Merlier roared back to claim victory in Chaturu, a city temporarily renamed Caendish City in honor of Sir Mark Cavendish’s impressive three-stage wins there in 2008, 2011, and 2021. It was a fitting tribute to a cycling legend and a sweet redemption from Merlier. This stage wasn’t just about Merllio’s victory, though. It was also the second fastest stage in tour history, marked by scorching temperatures that tested the riders endurance to the limit. Right from the starting gun, Matthew Vanderpole and his Alpas Dissooning teammate Jonas Rickert launched a daring twoman breakaway. They pushed hard, building a significant lead, but ultimately Vanderpole was reeled back enduring the final kilometer. A valiant effort, but one that ultimately fell short. But here’s where it gets controversial. Some argue that Vanderpole’s early attack was strategically unwise, burning valuable energy that could have been saved for a later sprint. What do you think? Was it a bold move or a tactical error? Tragedy also struck Team Emirates as Joel Almeida, Tatage Pagakar’s key teammate, was forced to abandon the tour. Pagakar had feared this outcome after Almeida’s crash on Friday at Mortana and sadly his injuries proved too severe to continue. “There are still two weeks to go and losing a rider today is a little bit to our disadvantage, but I’m pretty confident in my team,” Pagakar stated, putting on a brave face despite the setback. “And this is the part most people miss. Losing a key domestique like Almeida can have a cascading effect, forcing other teammates to shoulder more responsibility and potentially impacting their own performance later in the race. The relentless heatwave gripping the race is forecast to continue into Monday, setting the stage for a grueling first mountain stage. The route from Enzad to Lumont Pua Sanchi features a staggering eight classified climbs through the challenging Oia region. This stage will be a true test of climbing prowess and mental fortitude. For young Oscar Anley, this first taste of extended climbs will be a crucial test of his resilience. The 22-year-old Scott currently sits in seventh place, less than 3 minutes behind Pagakar, a remarkable achievement for a relative newcomer. His picnic postNL sports director Matt Winston emphasized a cautious approach. We want to take Oscar as far as we can in the race, but we also want to do that with no pressure. Oscar is one of six riders in this race that have come from our development team and he’s done really well in a lot of oneweek races. A three-week race is a little bit of an unknown and maybe in week two or week three we’ll see a bit of a drop off, but for now we keep fighting. Winston’s words highlight the delicate balance between ambition and managing expectations in a grand tour. Steve Cummings, a former stage winner who thrived in similar furnace-like conditions, offered insights into how riders cope with the extreme heat. Cummings, now a sports director at the Jacob Alula team, famously won a Baking Mountain stage to mend in 2015. I rode well in the heat, which is odd because I’m from the Whirl, Cummings joked. He emphasized two key strategies: preparation to make sure you’re ready and managing your core temperature in the race. He elaborated on the use of ice socks, tights filled with ice cubes placed between the shoulder blades, explaining that while their impact on core temperature might be more perceptual, the psychological benefit is significant. The theory is that cooling from the inside out is quite beneficial. The challenge operationally is getting a regular flow of cool drinks to the riders. Cummings also mentioned ice baths, although he noted their varying levels of popularity among teams. When I was a rider, there was an ice bath following us around at the Vela Espa one year, but nobody ever used the thing. Other teams used them everyday. We have the ice socks and the vehicles will have fridges with more drinks. Right now, I don’t think any team would dare run out of drinks. The importance of hydration and cooling strategies cannot be overstated in these extreme conditions. What are your thoughts on the use of ice baths? Do you think they are essential for recovery or are they overrated? Share your opinions in the comments below. Four, Vanderpole’s epic breakaway and Merllier sprint win tour to France stage 9 highlights. The ninth stage of the tour to France delivered a thrilling spectacle that will be remembered for Matthew Vanderpole’s heroic breakaway and Tim Merier’s second sprint victory. But it also raised pressing questions about the impact of Zhao Almeida’s withdrawal on Tadage Pagakar’s chances. If you thought sprint stages were predictable, think again. This day proved that even the fastest finishes can be packed with drama and strategy. Belgium’s Tim Merllo clinched his second stage win of this year’s tour on Sunday, narrowly outpacing Jonathan Milan and Arno Dai in a high-speed sprint finish in Chateau. Yet the headline wasn’t just about the sprint. It was about the extraordinary nearly dayong escape by Alpasindoon teammates Matthew Van Derpole and Jonas Rickert. From the very start in Shinan, the pair launched a daring attack, breaking away from the pelatin and maintaining their lead for nearly the entire 174 km stage. Vanderpole, known for his relentless power and tactical savvy, held on until just 740 m from the finish line after an exhausting effort that left spectators on the edge of their seats. Meanwhile, the Pelatin faced intermittent crosswinds that made the chase tense and unpredictable, adding to the excitement for fans watching the race unfold. Remarkably, this stage was the second fastest road stage in tour history, averaging 50.013 km per hour, just shy of the record set in 1999. This blistering pace only underscores how impressive the breakaway was, especially given the relentless pressure from the chasing pack. Tierry Govvenu, the race’s route designer, had criticized the riders for a lack of aggression after stage eight. But on stage nine, his complaints were silenced by the riders bold tactics and the thrilling racing that unfolded, setting the stage for the challenging Bastile Day mountain route ahead. Vanderpole’s breakaway almost turned into the cycling heist of the century. Starting alongside Rickert in the opening kilometer, the duo took advantage of the flattest and hottest conditions so far in the race. Initially, it was unclear if they were simply aiming for the early sprint points at 24 km, but they pushed on relentlessly, building a commanding lead that peaked at over 5 and 1/2 minutes after the first hour. One Alpason Dunning staff member even joked that Matthew is in a funny Sunday mood, highlighting the light-hearted spirit behind such a serious effort. Vanderpole, who had already won stage two and worn the coveted yellow jersey twice, was clearly in top form, and the team dared to dream of another stage win. As the Pelatin grew anxious, the threat of Echelon’s splits caused by crosswinds spurred several teams into action. Saddle Quickstep, Uno X mobility, and Little Trek led the chase with key riders like Wanert and Oscar Anley caught out but managing to rejoin in the final 35 km. Vismalisa Bike and UAE team Emirates also joined the pursuit steadily closing the gap. With 24 km remaining, the leader advantage had shrunk to just 38 seconds. The Pelatin’s intensity increased as riders like Tim Wellins dropped back and Van was no longer in the mix. The sprinters teams began to panic, sensing the danger of the breakaway succeeding. Rickert, the 31-year-old Belgian, showed incredible resilience, pulling Vanderpole along until just six kilometers from the finish. His relentless effort earned him the Combativity Award, a well-deserved recognition of his fighting spirit. Vanderpole’s combination of raw power and elegant bike handling was on full display as he pushed solo toward the finish. Despite the visible strain etched on his face, his form remained impeccable. At times it seemed he might just hold on, but the subtle uphill gradients in the final stretch sapped his strength, allowing the peladin to reel him in. When he was finally caught, Vanderpole’s pride was evident even as disappointment lingered. “It’s a bit of a disappointment,” he admitted afterward. “We didn’t think we’d be so close.” “Jonas Rickard’s dream is to be on the Tour to France podium, so I was happy to help him get the Combativity Award. We came really close. We put up a good show.” Rickard himself joked, “I think I will go home tomorrow. My tour is done.” I was joking about starting with just the two of us, but he took it seriously. Meanwhile, Tim Merll’s sprinting prowess shown once again. His two stage wins this tour have both been nailbiters with margins so tight they could be measured in mere inches. On stage three, he edged out Milan by a tire rim. On stage nine, the battle was just as close. After Vanderpole was caught, the sprinters team scrambled to organize their leadouts for the final dash. Despite the long straight finish in Chateau, the closing kilometers were chaotic with expectations flipped on their head. Although Little Trek is usually praised for its leadout strength, it was Merllier’s saddle quickstep team that had the numbers advantage in the finale. Merlier, the European road champion, is renowned for his skill in wheel surfing, the art of positioning oneself perfectly behind other riders to conserve energy and launch a decisive sprint. Milan, known for his blistering top speed, managed to avoid being boxed in and briefly took the lead. But Merlier’s superior speed endurance allowed him to surge past in the final meters, securing Saddle Quickstep’s third stage win of the race, a remarkable one-third of all stages so far. Meria credited his teammate Bert Van Lurberg, a childhood friend, for the perfect lead out. It was really hard in the heat. Meria said the bunch was okay all day, but there were attempts to force echelons, and in the last 60 km, there were no drinks. The pace was so high, but finally Bert and I were together, and I felt confident with him in front. At one point, I thought I was boxed in, but I found a way out with 200 m to go, went allin, and was so happy to take my second stage win. However, the day wasn’t just about sprinting glory. The Tur mountain challenges loom large and Pagakar’s team suffered a significant blow when Joel Almeida, a vital super domestique and podium hopeful, abandoned midway through stage 9. Almeida had crashed 2 days earlier on the way to Murder Bratana, sustaining a fractured rib and deep abrasions. Despite his grit, the pain became unbearable on the hot demanding road to Chateau. Almeida’s exit leaves Pagakar without one of his strongest climbing allies. While UAE team Emirates remains a powerhouse, the yellow jersey holder will now have to rely more heavily on Adam Yates and Jonatan Narvez, who though capable have not demonstrated Almeida’s climbing prowess this season. Almeida had been sitting seventh overall before his crash and had recently won the tour to Swiss, signaling his form was excellent. Pagakar acknowledged the loss candidly. It’s a really big loss. He had to abandon, but I totally understand his suffering on the bike. I can’t imagine how much he was hurting. I have so much respect for him. Meanwhile, Vizmissa Bike’s support for Jonas Vinggard, including strong climbers like Matteo Jorgensson, Septkus, and Simon Yates, now looks even more formidable. Pagakar managed to hold firm when Wanauso withdrew from last year’s tour. But Almeida’s absence this time could make controlling the mountain stages more challenging and open the door for aggressive attacks, especially on Monday’s Bastile Day stage to Lumont Door, which features relentless climbing. Speaking of Bastile Day, the tour’s 10th stage promises to be a monster test through the Massie Central. Traditionally a rest day, this year’s July 14th stage is anything but restful. Expect punchers, climbers, and favorites to battle fiercely under what will likely be scorching conditions. This stage could be pivotal in shaping the overall standings. Back to stage 9, the finish in Chateau carried a rich sprinting heritage. The town proudly bears the nickname Caendish City, honoring Mark Cavendish, who has won here multiple times, including his first tour stage in 2008 and his 32nd in 2021. The only other winner here was Mario Cipellini, the gyro datalia stage win record holder. Seeing Merlier, the European champion, take the victory in such a storied location, was a fitting tribute to the sprinting tradition. Yet, the future of sprint stages in the tour remains a hot topic. Tierry Govvenu has warned that sprint stages might disappear from future editions due to safety concerns and the aggressive tactics that sometimes lead to crashes or commisser investigations. The sprinters teams are cutting the branch they’re sitting on. He said it won’t last because in the long run there will be no more stages for sprinters. But perhaps Gvenu was premature. Stage 9 was a classic sprint day featuring a thrilling breakaway, fair competition, and a finish so close it was decided by mere inches. Sprint stages still have a vital place in the tour, but they require careful management to balance excitement with safety. Here’s the top 10 finishers from stage 9. One, Tim Merlier, 3 hours 28 minutes and 52 seconds. Two, Jonathan Milan, same time. Three, Arnold Deai, same time. Four, Pavle Bitner, same time. Five, Paul Penhoit, same time. Six, Benam Germe, same time. Seven, Phil Bow House, same time. Eight, Jordi Mus, same time. Nine, Steen Fredim, same time. 10, Kaden Groves, same time. and the overall general classification after stage 9. One, Tatage Pagakar 33 hours 17 minutes and 22 seconds. Two, Remco even plus 54 seconds. Three, Kevin Valkin plus 1 minute 11 seconds. Four, Jonas Vgard plus 1 minute 17 seconds. Five, Matteo Jorgensson plus 1 minute 34 seconds. 6, Matthew Vanderpole plus 1 minute 46 seconds. Seven, Oscar Anley plus 2 minutes 49 seconds. Eight, Florian Lipitz plus 3 minutes 2 seconds. Nine, Prima’s Raglick plus 3 minutes 6 seconds. 10, Matias Gelmos plus 3 minutes 43 seconds. So, what do you think? Is the era of sprint stages truly under threat or can they? Five. Matthew Vanderpole’s epic 174 km tour to France breakaway. Caught 700m from Finnish. Imagine pushing yourself to the limit only to fall short by a mere 700 m after a grueling 174 km breakaway at the tour to France. This was the heart-wrenching scenario for Matthew Vanderpole during the ninth stage to Chateau. Typically, the sprint stages of the tour don’t always deliver the high octane excitement fans crave, but this Sunday was different thanks to Vanderpole and his teammate Jonas Rickard. From the very start, Vanderpole launched an audacious attack, setting the tone for a day that promised more than just a straightforward sprint. The route, devoid of any climbs, seemed tailor made for a less eventful ride. Yet Vanderpole’s relentless push almost rewrote the day’s narrative. But here’s where it gets controversial. Could the team strategy or perhaps a slight miscalculation have cost Vanderpole the victory he so nearly grasped? And this is the part most people miss. The sheer determination and tactical play at work, even in what appears to be a straightforward stage. What do you think? Could a different strategy have changed the outcome for Vanderpole? Let’s discuss below and share your thoughts on this dramatic moment in cycling.