After a puncture 24 hours earlier, Tim Merlier won stage nine of the Tour de France in Cavendish City. The sweltering stage saw a two-man breakaway emerge but ultimately featured a solo effort from Merlier. Meanwhile, Tadej Pogacar, the current race leader, dropped out due to injuries sustained after crashing on Friday. Despite this setback, Pogacar remains confident in his team’s ability to adapt and remain competitive.
The high temperatures on Monday will continue, leading into the first mountain stage from Ennezat to Le Mont-Dore Puy de Sancy. Oscar Onley, currently seventh overall, faces a test of resilience as he tackles the challenging climbs. Matt Winston, Onley’s director, aims to take his rider as far as possible without putting pressure on him.
Former stage winner Steve Cummings shares insights on managing heat during racing, citing preparation and cooling techniques such as “ice socks” – tights stuffed with ice cubes between the shoulder blades – as key strategies. While Cummings also emphasizes the importance of regular hydration, he notes that not all teams use ice baths, which are often met with skepticism from riders.
Despite these challenges, Pogacar remains optimistic about his team’s prospects for the remainder of the tour. With two weeks remaining, the stage nine win marks a significant victory in the heat, showcasing Merlier’s resilience and determination.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/13/tour-de-france-2025-tim-merlier-edges-out-jonathan-milan-to-win-stage-nine