Cycling: Ben O'Connor has won the ninth stage of the Tour de France. The man from Australia was the strongest climber in what was initially a large breakaway. Thanks to his long flight, he also improved to second place in the overall standings.
O'Connor wins in pouring rain again
You can really feel sorry for the riders of the Tour de France. It was supposed to be pouring rain today on the 144,9-kilometre ninth stage from Cluses to Tignes. Apparently, that didn't deter him Ben O'Connor (AG2R - Citroën). The Aussie was part of an initially huge breakaway and ultimately proved to be the strongest climber. He won the first mountain finish in the high mountains of this Tour de France, in which a total of 5 mountain classifications had to be mastered. And that even though he's using it Sergio Higuita (EF-Nippo) and Nairo Quintana (Arkéa – Samsic) had to record. The two Colombians allied against O'Connor and let him stand several times, especially on the descents. But the Australian kept coming back and ended up driving away from everyone. His strong performance also pays off in the overall ranking. Thanks to his large lead, he climbs up to second place. became second in stage Mattia Cattaneo (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) in front of his Italian compatriot Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain – Victorious), who was able to collect important points in the points classification with this incredible performance – mind you as a sprinter.
Pogacar drives away from everyone again
The top class drivers took it a little easier today – that's what you thought until just before the finish. Because then dared Richard Carapaz (Ineos Grenadiers) an attack. This went Leader Tadej pogacar (UAE) loose with. But that doesn't seem to be enough for last year's Slovenian winner. He immediately launched a counterattack and, like yesterday, left all his opponents standing. He drove away with an enormous excess of speed. Behind, his challengers just looked at each other questioningly. After today at the latest, it should only be about second place for everyone. A dip from Pogacar - or even the slightest hint of weakness - seems completely unimaginable so far. Finally out of the fight for the yellow jersey wout van aert (Jumbo - Visma). The Belgian, who was second in the overall standings up until this morning, was left behind by the group of favorites early on.
Quintana unbuttons Poels mountain jersey
As expected, things got down to business in the mountains classification today. The group of the day was composed accordingly. Numerous strong climbers with ambitions to win the day and the mountain classification formed a huge breakaway group. At the Col des Saisies, mountain jersey wearers could Wout poels (Bahrain – Victorious) still scored maximum points, but after that the Dutchman fell behind. The Colombian Nairo Quintana (Arkéa – Samsic) took the opportunity and climbed into the mountain jersey thanks to his offensive driving style. But it wasn't enough for him to win the stage.
Sagan continues to disappoint in the fight for green
As exciting as the fight for the mountain jersey is currently being fought, the fight for green seems to be just as interesting. Surprisingly it doesn't matter in this regard though Peter Sagan (Bora – hansgrohe). The seven-time winner of the points classification must admit that he has little chance of winning the green jersey this year. Others set the tone, even on sections that should actually suit Peter Sagan. Yesterday, like today, the Slovak didn't score in the intermediate sprint. his opponents Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain – Victorious) and Michael Matthews (BikeExchange), on the other hand, collected diligently. And is still the leader in the rating Mark Cavendish (Deceuninck - Quick Step). While the Brit consistently scores well on the flat stages, the Italians and Australians are strong on hilly stages. And Peter Sagan continues to lose ground...
Strong German helpers in action
The two Germans have to be mentioned positively today Nils Politt (Bora – hansgrohe) and Jonas slip (EF-Nippo). Precisely because they are certainly not known as mountaineers, they deserved extra praise from their sport directors today. Nils Politt was initially in the breakaway group, later found himself in the group of favorites and was Wilco Kelderman's last remaining helper. Jonasrutsch remained as Rigoberto Uran's only helper. Even as UAE Team Emirates headed into the final climb, both were still with their captains. Only when the pace picked up again did they have to let it go. The two classic car hunters certainly benefited from the bad weather. Because while most professionals tend to give up when it's cold and raining, Politt andrutsch seem to be at their best then. Chapeau!
Roglic & Van der Poel are out
Two well-known professionals left the Tour de France today. Primois Roglic (Jumbo – Visma) - second overall last year - did not compete in today's stage due to his fall injuries. And also Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin – Fenix) - after all six days in the yellow jersey - started the journey home. Unsurprisingly, more professionals should give up on today's stage. The incessant rain gives the field of drivers a lot of trouble. Among other things, this year's stage winner also left Tim Merlier (Alpecin – Fenix) from Belgium and last year's stage winner Nan's Peters (AG2R – Citroen) from France the Tour de France.
Mathieu Van der Poel:
“It was a dream week for us. We won two stages and I was in the yellow jersey for six days. It was my first Grand Tour. I think we can be proud of that. I will not start today. I decided with my team that it's best for me so I can focus on the Olympics. Now I'm taking some time to relax. The whole tour would not have been compatible with my other goals. I hope to be in top form with this exit in Tokyo. I'll probably go to Paris next year."
O'Connor wins stage 9#TDF2021 pic.twitter.com/kyFogt8g9w
— Jan Willems (@CyclingWiz) July 4, 2021