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Merlier sprints to win as Van der Poel falls short

Cape Argus

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July 14, 2025

TIM Merlier won stage nine of the Tour de France in Châteauroux on Sunday, capitalising on a doomed but valiant breakaway effort from Mathieu van der Poel, who was caught in the final kilometre of a searing day of racing.

Merlier sprints to win as Van der Poel falls short

There was no change in the general classification, with yellow jersey holder Tadej Pogačar maintaining his 54-second lead over Remco Evenepoel. French prospect Kévin Vauquelin remains in third.

Merlier, riding for Soudal-Quick-Step, secured his second stage win of this Tour following his victory in Dunkirk on stage three. The 32-year-old Belgian was brought to the front by team leader Evenepoel in the final metres.

"It's mad — we are supposed to be helping him (Evenepoel) but he's helping us," Merlier laughed post-race. "I need to make it through the mountains now. I won't be any use to Remco there, but I want to help him in the other ones."

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